08251, Villas, New Jersey Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 08251, Villas, New Jersey is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 08251 (Ocean City, NJ)

The coastal community of Ocean City, New Jersey (ZIP code 08251) and its surrounding areas are served by a network of hospitals and healthcare facilities. Assessing the "Overall Health Score" requires a multifaceted approach, considering factors like hospital quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, telehealth capabilities, and accessibility. This review focuses on the major players in the region, providing a fact-rich assessment to aid residents in making informed healthcare decisions.

**AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC) - Mainland Campus (Pomona, NJ)**

AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC) – Mainland Campus, located approximately 20 minutes from Ocean City, is a major healthcare provider. This facility holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a complex evaluation of patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating isn't the highest possible, it indicates a generally acceptable level of care.

ARMC Mainland offers a wide range of services. It's a designated Level II Trauma Center, crucial for handling serious injuries and emergencies. This designation signifies the hospital's capacity to provide immediate and comprehensive care for trauma patients. The hospital also features a comprehensive cardiac program, including interventional cardiology and open-heart surgery. ARMC also has a dedicated stroke center, equipped to provide rapid diagnosis and treatment for stroke patients.

Emergency room wait times at ARMC Mainland are a key consideration. While specific real-time data fluctuates, historical averages show that wait times can vary. Patients should anticipate potential waits, especially during peak hours or periods of high patient volume. It's always advisable to check current wait times through online portals or by phone if possible.

AtlantiCare has made strides in telehealth. They offer a variety of virtual care options, including virtual urgent care and remote patient monitoring. These telehealth services can be particularly valuable for residents of Ocean City, providing convenient access to healthcare, especially for non-emergency situations.

**AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC) - City Campus (Atlantic City, NJ)**

ARMC also operates a City Campus in Atlantic City, roughly 30 minutes from Ocean City. The City Campus, also a 3-star rated hospital by CMS, provides a different array of services, and a different patient demographic. It is important to note that the City Campus is a Level II Trauma Center.

The City Campus has a strong focus on women's health services, including obstetrics and gynecology. It also houses specialized centers for cancer care and other chronic diseases. The City Campus also offers a comprehensive behavioral health program.

Emergency room wait times at the City Campus are subject to similar fluctuations as the Mainland Campus. It's important to check current wait times before heading to the ER. Telehealth options are also available at the City Campus, offering similar virtual care benefits as those offered at the Mainland Campus.

**Shore Medical Center (Somers Point, NJ)**

Shore Medical Center, located in Somers Point, is another important healthcare provider in the region, approximately 10 minutes from Ocean City. Shore Medical Center has earned a 4-star rating from CMS, indicating a higher overall performance compared to the AtlantiCare campuses.

Shore Medical Center is known for its focus on patient experience and its commitment to community health. It offers a wide range of services, including a comprehensive surgical program, a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization lab, and a robust cancer care program. Shore Medical Center is also a designated Primary Stroke Center.

Emergency room wait times at Shore Medical Center are generally competitive. While specific data fluctuates, the hospital strives to provide timely care. Checking real-time wait times online or by phone is always recommended.

Shore Medical Center has invested in telehealth capabilities. They offer virtual visits and remote monitoring services, allowing patients to access care remotely.

**Specialized Care and Considerations**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several specialized healthcare providers serve the Ocean City area. These include:

* **Urgent Care Centers:** Several urgent care centers operate in the region, offering convenient care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. These centers can often provide faster service than hospital emergency rooms for less serious conditions.
* **Specialty Clinics:** Various specialty clinics offer care in areas such as cardiology, orthopedics, dermatology, and gastroenterology. These clinics provide focused expertise and often offer appointments with specialists.
* **Rehabilitation Facilities:** Rehabilitation facilities provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services for patients recovering from injuries or illnesses.

**Accessibility and Geographic Considerations**

The geographic location of Ocean City presents some unique considerations. During peak tourist seasons, traffic congestion can impact travel times to hospitals. Residents should factor this into their healthcare planning, especially during emergencies. Access to transportation, including public transportation and ride-sharing services, is also a factor for some residents.

**Telehealth and Remote Care**

Telehealth is increasingly important in healthcare delivery. The availability of telehealth services, such as virtual doctor visits and remote patient monitoring, can significantly improve access to care, especially for residents of a geographically isolated area like Ocean City. AtlantiCare and Shore Medical Center both offer telehealth options, providing convenient access to healthcare services.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

Evaluating the "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near Ocean City, NJ, involves a complex analysis.

* **AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC):** Both the Mainland and City Campuses are significant providers with a broad range of services. Their 3-star CMS ratings indicate a need for improvement, but they remain vital resources, particularly as Level II Trauma Centers. Emergency room wait times can be a concern. Telehealth options are available.
* **Shore Medical Center:** Shore Medical Center, with its 4-star CMS rating, generally offers a higher level of care and a strong focus on patient experience. Emergency room wait times are typically competitive. Telehealth services are available.

**Recommendations for Ocean City Residents:**

* **Know Your Options:** Familiarize yourself with the services offered by each hospital and healthcare provider in the area.
* **Check Wait Times:** Before heading to the emergency room, check real-time wait times online or by phone.
* **Consider Telehealth:** Explore telehealth options for non-emergency situations.
* **Plan for Travel:** Factor in potential traffic congestion, especially during peak tourist seasons.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** Have a plan in place for medical emergencies, including knowing the location of the nearest hospital and how to access emergency services.
* **Stay Informed:** Keep up-to-date on healthcare developments and changes in the region.

The healthcare landscape near Ocean City, NJ, offers a range of options. By considering the factors outlined in this review, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensure access to quality care. The CMS star ratings, while a valuable indicator, are just one piece of the puzzle. Evaluating wait times, specialized services, telehealth capabilities, and accessibility are all crucial to determining the best healthcare fit for individual needs.