08247, Stone Harbor, New Jersey Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 08247, Stone Harbor, New Jersey is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Ocean City, NJ (ZIP Code 08247)

Ocean City, New Jersey, a popular Jersey Shore destination, presents a unique challenge for healthcare access. While the town itself boasts a relatively healthy population, the influx of seasonal visitors and the needs of year-round residents require robust and readily available medical services. This review examines the healthcare landscape near ZIP code 08247, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services, culminating in an overall health score assessment.

**Proximity and Primary Options:**

The immediate vicinity of Ocean City does not house a major hospital. Residents and visitors primarily rely on facilities located a short drive away, predominantly in Somers Point and Atlantic City. This geographic reality influences access to care, particularly in emergencies.

**Shore Medical Center (Somers Point):**

Shore Medical Center, located in Somers Point (approximately a 10-15 minute drive from Ocean City), serves as a crucial healthcare provider for the region. It is a 252-bed hospital and a member of the Jefferson Health system. Shore Medical Center holds a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), indicating a solid performance in various quality metrics.

Shore Medical Center’s emergency department (ED) is a critical point of access. While specific real-time wait times fluctuate, the hospital generally aims to keep wait times competitive with regional averages. The ED is equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, from minor injuries to critical illnesses. Shore Medical Center also offers a comprehensive range of services, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health. It has a dedicated maternity unit.

Shore Medical Center’s Telehealth offerings are expanding, providing remote consultations and follow-up appointments. This is particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling or require specialized care. The hospital’s investment in telehealth reflects a growing trend in healthcare delivery, aiming to improve access and convenience.

**AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (Atlantic City):**

AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC), with campuses in Atlantic City and Pomona, is another major player in the region's healthcare ecosystem. The Atlantic City campus is approximately a 20-30 minute drive from Ocean City. ARMC has a 3-star CMS rating, indicating an average performance in key quality indicators.

ARMC's Atlantic City campus houses a Level II Trauma Center, a crucial designation for handling serious injuries and emergencies. This is a significant asset for the region, providing advanced trauma care capabilities. The hospital’s ED is a high-volume facility, serving a diverse patient population. While wait times can be longer than at Shore Medical Center, the hospital is equipped to manage a wide spectrum of medical conditions.

AtlantiCare has significant specialty centers, including a comprehensive heart institute, a cancer center, and a neurosciences institute. These specialized centers provide advanced care for complex medical conditions, drawing patients from a wider geographic area. ARMC also has a strong focus on community outreach and health education programs.

AtlantiCare has been investing in its telehealth infrastructure. It offers a range of telehealth services, including virtual visits, remote monitoring, and specialist consultations. This expansion in telehealth reflects the hospital's commitment to improving access to care and patient convenience.

**Other Considerations:**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several urgent care centers and outpatient clinics operate in the Ocean City area and surrounding towns. These facilities provide convenient access for non-emergency medical needs, such as minor injuries, illnesses, and routine check-ups. They can help to alleviate the burden on hospital emergency departments.

**Specialty Care Availability:**

The availability of specialized care is a critical factor in assessing the overall health score. Both Shore Medical Center and AtlantiCare offer a range of specialties, but patients may need to travel further afield for highly specialized procedures or consultations. For instance, advanced neurological care might require a referral to a major medical center in Philadelphia or New York City.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a key indicator of accessibility and efficiency. While both Shore Medical Center and AtlantiCare strive to keep wait times manageable, they can fluctuate depending on patient volume and the severity of cases. Real-time wait time information is often available on hospital websites or through third-party apps, allowing patients to make informed decisions about where to seek care.

**Telehealth Impact:**

Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery. Both Shore Medical Center and AtlantiCare are expanding their telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other services. Telehealth can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility issues. It can also reduce the need for in-person visits, saving patients time and travel costs.

**Accessibility and Transportation:**

Transportation options can impact access to healthcare, particularly for those without personal vehicles. Public transportation in the Ocean City area is limited, making it challenging for some residents and visitors to reach hospitals and medical facilities. This is an important consideration when assessing the overall health score.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the factors discussed above, the overall health score for the area near ZIP code 08247 can be assessed as **Good, but with areas for improvement.**

**Strengths:**

* **Proximity to quality hospitals:** Residents and visitors have access to Shore Medical Center (4-star CMS rating) and AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (3-star CMS rating), both offering comprehensive services.
* **Emergency Care:** Both hospitals have well-equipped emergency departments, including a Level II Trauma Center at AtlantiCare.
* **Specialty Services:** Both hospitals offer a range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics.
* **Telehealth Expansion:** Both hospitals are investing in telehealth, improving access to care and convenience.
* **Urgent Care Options:** Several urgent care centers and outpatient clinics provide convenient access for non-emergency needs.

**Weaknesses:**

* **Reliance on Hospitals Outside Ocean City:** The lack of a major hospital within Ocean City necessitates travel to Somers Point or Atlantic City, potentially impacting response times in emergencies.
* **Variable ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can fluctuate, potentially delaying care.
* **Limited Public Transportation:** Limited public transportation options can create accessibility challenges for some patients.
* **Need for Specialized Care Outside the Region:** Highly specialized procedures or consultations may require travel to larger medical centers in other cities.

**Recommendations:**

* **Continued Investment in Telehealth:** Hospitals should continue to expand their telehealth offerings to improve access to care and reduce the need for in-person visits.
* **Focus on Reducing ER Wait Times:** Hospitals should implement strategies to optimize ER efficiency and minimize wait times.
* **Enhance Public Transportation:** Local authorities should consider improving public transportation options to enhance accessibility to healthcare facilities.
* **Promote Community Health Education:** Hospitals and healthcare providers should continue to invest in community health education programs to promote preventative care and healthy lifestyles.
* **Explore Potential for Satellite Facilities:** Consider the feasibility of establishing satellite clinics or urgent care centers within Ocean City to improve local access to care.

By addressing these areas for improvement, the healthcare system serving the Ocean City area can further enhance its ability to meet the needs of its residents and visitors, contributing to a healthier community.