29564, Lane, South Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 29564, Lane, South Carolina is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Myrtle Beach, SC (ZIP Code 29564)

The coastal region surrounding Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, encompassing ZIP code 29564, is a popular destination for tourists and a growing retirement community. This influx of people necessitates a robust healthcare infrastructure. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of the major hospitals in the vicinity, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth capabilities, and other key indicators of quality and accessibility.

**The Flagship: Grand Strand Medical Center**

Grand Strand Medical Center (GSMC), located in Myrtle Beach, is arguably the flagship hospital serving the 29564 area. It boasts a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). While not the highest possible score, it indicates a generally average performance compared to other hospitals nationwide. GSMC is a 369-bed facility and a Level I Trauma Center, crucial for handling critical injuries and emergencies. This designation means it has the resources and specialists available around the clock to treat the most severe trauma cases.

GSMC's Emergency Room (ER) wait times are a significant factor for residents. Data from the CMS Hospital Compare website indicates that median ER wait times are typically around 20-30 minutes. This can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the overall patient volume. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak tourist seasons or periods of high illness prevalence.

Grand Strand Medical Center has a comprehensive range of specialty services. It houses a dedicated Heart and Vascular Center, offering advanced cardiac care, including open-heart surgery and minimally invasive procedures. The hospital also features a comprehensive cancer center, providing radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology services. Furthermore, GSMC offers specialized programs in areas like orthopedics, women's health, and behavioral health.

Telehealth services are increasingly important for healthcare access. GSMC has expanded its telehealth offerings, particularly in areas like behavioral health and follow-up appointments. This allows patients to connect with providers remotely, improving convenience and access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or living in geographically remote areas. The hospital's telehealth capabilities are continually evolving to meet the growing demand for virtual healthcare options.

**Conway Medical Center: A Community Focus**

Approximately 15 miles inland from Myrtle Beach, Conway Medical Center (CMC) serves a significant portion of the population in the surrounding Horry County. CMC has a 3-star CMS rating, similar to GSMC. This indicates a comparable level of overall performance based on the CMS's quality metrics.

CMC is a 210-bed facility and also has an ER. ER wait times at CMC are generally comparable to those at GSMC, often falling within the 20-30 minute range. However, wait times can vary, and patients should always check current wait times if possible.

Conway Medical Center emphasizes its commitment to community health. It provides a range of services, including a comprehensive women's health center, a dedicated orthopedic center, and a cardiology program. CMC also has a robust rehabilitation program, offering physical, occupational, and speech therapy services.

Telehealth is also growing at CMC, with an emphasis on virtual appointments for follow-up care and consultations. The hospital is actively expanding its telehealth capabilities to improve access to care for patients in the surrounding communities.

**Other Healthcare Options: Urgent Care and Outpatient Facilities**

Beyond the major hospitals, the 29564 area is well-served by a network of urgent care clinics and outpatient facilities. These facilities provide convenient access to care for less severe illnesses and injuries, reducing the burden on hospital ERs. Several urgent care clinics are located throughout the area, offering extended hours and walk-in appointments.

Outpatient facilities, such as ambulatory surgery centers and diagnostic imaging centers, provide specialized services on an outpatient basis. These facilities offer convenience and often lower costs compared to hospital-based services. The availability of these facilities contributes to the overall healthcare accessibility in the region.

**Specialized Care and Considerations**

The 29564 area benefits from specialized care options. For example, the region has a growing number of skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers, catering to the needs of patients recovering from surgery or illness. These facilities provide specialized care and support for individuals requiring extended rehabilitation.

The area also has a growing number of mental health providers. Access to mental health services is crucial, and the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists is essential for addressing the mental health needs of the community.

**Comparing the Options: Strengths and Weaknesses**

Grand Strand Medical Center, as the Level I Trauma Center, is the primary choice for critical emergencies. Its comprehensive specialty services, including cardiology and cancer care, make it a significant resource for the community. However, its 3-star CMS rating suggests there is room for improvement in certain areas of quality and patient experience.

Conway Medical Center offers a community-focused approach with a range of services, particularly in women's health and rehabilitation. Its proximity to the inland communities makes it a convenient option for many residents. Its 3-star CMS rating indicates a similar level of overall performance to GSMC.

The network of urgent care clinics and outpatient facilities provides convenient access to care for less severe conditions, reducing the strain on hospital ERs. This network enhances the overall healthcare accessibility in the region.

**Telehealth's Growing Role**

Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in the healthcare landscape of the 29564 area. Both GSMC and CMC are expanding their telehealth offerings, providing virtual appointments for follow-up care, consultations, and behavioral health services. Telehealth improves access to care, particularly for those with mobility limitations or living in geographically remote areas.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a significant concern for residents. While both GSMC and CMC generally have wait times within the 20-30 minute range, these times can fluctuate. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak seasons or periods of high illness prevalence. Checking current wait times through online resources or by calling the hospitals directly is always recommended.

**Overall Health Score: A Nuanced Assessment**

The overall health score for the 29564 area is a nuanced assessment. The presence of two major hospitals, Grand Strand Medical Center and Conway Medical Center, provides a solid foundation of care. The availability of a Level I Trauma Center at GSMC is a critical asset for handling emergencies. The network of urgent care clinics and outpatient facilities further enhances healthcare accessibility.

However, the 3-star CMS ratings for both flagship hospitals suggest that there is room for improvement in certain areas of quality and patient experience. ER wait times remain a significant concern, and patients should be prepared for potential delays.

The ongoing expansion of telehealth services is a positive development, improving access to care and convenience for patients. The presence of specialized care options, such as skilled nursing facilities and mental health providers, contributes to the overall health of the community.

**Recommendations for Patients**

Patients in the 29564 area should consider several factors when choosing a hospital or healthcare provider. The severity of the condition is paramount. For critical emergencies, Grand Strand Medical Center's Level I Trauma Center is the primary choice. For less severe conditions, urgent care clinics and outpatient facilities offer convenient alternatives.

Patients should research the specific services offered by each hospital and provider, considering their individual healthcare needs. Checking online resources for ER wait times and other relevant information is always recommended. The growing availability of telehealth services provides another option for accessing care, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations.

The healthcare landscape in the 29564 area is continuously evolving. Patients should stay informed about the latest developments, including new services, technologies, and quality ratings, to make informed decisions about their healthcare.