08244, Somers Point, New Jersey Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 08244, Somers Point, New Jersey is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Ocean City, NJ (08244)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the Ocean City, NJ (08244) area, focusing on key metrics like quality of care, accessibility, and patient experience. This is not medical advice, but an informational overview to aid in informed decision-making. The focus is on hospitals readily accessible to residents of 08244, taking into account proximity and referral patterns.

**Understanding the Score:**

The "Overall Health Score" is a composite assessment, drawing from various publicly available data sources, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings, hospital-reported data, and third-party evaluations. Factors considered include patient safety, clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and access to care. The score is presented as a qualitative evaluation (Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor) rather than a numerical one, acknowledging the complexity of healthcare assessment.

**Key Hospitals and Their Performance:**

**AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC) – Mainland Campus (Pomona, NJ):** This hospital, while not directly in Ocean City, is a major referral center for the region and a primary choice for many residents. ARMC – Mainland Campus is a large, multi-specialty facility.

* **CMS Star Rating:** The CMS star rating is a key indicator of overall hospital quality. ARMC – Mainland Campus currently holds a **3-star rating** from CMS. This rating reflects a hospital that is considered "average" in terms of quality compared to other hospitals nationwide.
* **Specialty Centers:** ARMC boasts a comprehensive range of specialty centers. The Heart & Vascular Institute is well-regarded, offering advanced cardiac care, including open-heart surgery and interventional cardiology. The Cancer Care Institute provides a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment, including radiation oncology and medical oncology.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times are a critical factor for urgent care. Data suggests that ER wait times at ARMC – Mainland Campus can fluctuate, but generally align with regional averages. Patients should be prepared for potential waits, particularly during peak hours. It is always recommended to call ahead if possible.
* **Telehealth:** ARMC has expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments and managing chronic conditions. Specific telehealth availability varies by specialty.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores, as reported to CMS, provide insights into the patient experience. ARMC – Mainland Campus's patient satisfaction scores are generally within the average range for the region.
* **Overall Health Score:** **Good.** ARMC – Mainland Campus provides a broad range of services and is a critical regional provider. The 3-star CMS rating indicates areas for improvement, but the hospital's specialty centers and telehealth offerings are positive aspects.

**AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC) – City Campus (Atlantic City, NJ):** This is the other major campus for AtlantiCare, offering a wide range of services and located slightly further from Ocean City than the Mainland Campus.

* **CMS Star Rating:** The CMS star rating for ARMC – City Campus is **2 stars**. This indicates that the hospital is rated below average in terms of overall quality.
* **Specialty Centers:** ARMC – City Campus has a strong focus on specific specialties, including a comprehensive trauma center and a dedicated behavioral health unit.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times at the City Campus can be variable. Patients should anticipate potential wait times, particularly during peak hours.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth services are available at this campus, though the specific offerings may vary compared to the Mainland Campus.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores at ARMC – City Campus are also within the average range, but may be impacted by the overall rating.
* **Overall Health Score:** **Fair.** While ARMC – City Campus provides vital services, the 2-star CMS rating suggests potential areas for improvement in quality and patient experience.

**Shore Medical Center (Somers Point, NJ):** Located closer to Ocean City than the AtlantiCare campuses, Shore Medical Center is a community hospital offering a range of services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Shore Medical Center currently holds a **4-star rating** from CMS. This rating indicates that the hospital is performing above average in terms of overall quality.
* **Specialty Centers:** Shore Medical Center has a strong reputation for its cardiac care services, including a comprehensive heart and vascular institute. It also offers a range of other specialties, including orthopedics and women's health.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times at Shore Medical Center are generally shorter than those at the larger AtlantiCare campuses. However, wait times can fluctuate.
* **Telehealth:** Shore Medical Center has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores at Shore Medical Center are generally positive, reflecting a good patient experience.
* **Overall Health Score:** **Excellent.** Shore Medical Center's 4-star CMS rating, combined with its strong specialty services and shorter ER wait times, makes it a highly regarded option for residents of 08244.

**Other Considerations:**

**Urgent Care Centers:** Several urgent care centers are located in the vicinity of Ocean City, providing convenient options for non-life-threatening medical needs. These centers offer a valuable alternative to the ER for certain conditions, often with shorter wait times. However, they are not equipped to handle serious emergencies.

**Specialized Care:** For specialized care, such as advanced cancer treatment or complex cardiac procedures, patients may need to travel to larger medical centers outside of the immediate area, such as those in Philadelphia.

**Access to Care:** Access to care can be affected by factors such as insurance coverage, transportation availability, and the availability of specialists. Residents should verify that their insurance plan is accepted by the hospitals and providers they choose.

**Patient Experience:** Patient experience is a crucial factor. This includes factors like communication with doctors, the cleanliness of the facility, and the overall atmosphere. Patients can research hospital ratings and reviews from sources like Healthgrades and the Leapfrog Group to gain insights into the patient experience.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near Ocean City, NJ (08244) offers a range of options. Shore Medical Center stands out with its strong CMS rating and comprehensive services. AtlantiCare provides a broader network of care, with the Mainland Campus being a strong option. ARMC – City Campus, while offering vital services, has a lower CMS rating. Residents should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences when selecting a hospital or healthcare provider, taking into account the information presented in this review. It is always recommended to consult with your primary care physician for personalized recommendations.