29591, Scranton, South Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 29591, Scranton, South Carolina is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Evaluating Hospitals Near Surfside Beach, SC (ZIP Code 29591)

The coastal community of Surfside Beach, South Carolina (ZIP Code 29591), and its surrounding areas benefit from a diverse healthcare landscape. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of the hospitals closest to this zip code, considering factors like quality of care, accessibility, specialized services, and patient experience. This evaluation aims to provide residents with a comprehensive understanding of their healthcare options.

**Proximity and Key Players:**

The primary hospitals serving Surfside Beach are located in the nearby city of Myrtle Beach. These facilities include Grand Strand Medical Center and McLeod Health Carolina Forest. While smaller clinics and urgent care centers are also available within the immediate vicinity, this review focuses on the major hospitals capable of handling a wide range of medical needs.

**Grand Strand Medical Center:**

Grand Strand Medical Center, a flagship facility, is a prominent player in the region. It is a 369-bed acute care hospital and is a part of the HCA Healthcare network. This hospital is a designated Level I Trauma Center, a critical designation for providing immediate and comprehensive care to patients with severe injuries.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Indicators:**

Grand Strand Medical Center holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it's important to delve deeper into specific quality indicators.

The hospital performs well in areas such as stroke care and heart attack treatment, meeting or exceeding national benchmarks for timely interventions. However, like many hospitals, it faces challenges in reducing hospital-acquired infections and improving patient satisfaction scores. Further investigation into specific data points, such as readmission rates and complication rates for specific procedures, is essential for a complete picture.

**Emergency Room (ER) Performance:**

ER wait times are a crucial factor for patients seeking immediate care. Grand Strand Medical Center’s ER wait times are generally in line with national averages. Data from public sources indicates that the median wait time to see a provider in the ER is around 30-45 minutes. However, wait times can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the volume of patients.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Grand Strand Medical Center boasts a comprehensive range of specialty centers. These include a dedicated heart and vascular institute, a cancer center offering radiation oncology and chemotherapy, a women’s health center, and a bariatric surgery program. The hospital also offers advanced imaging services, including MRI, CT scans, and nuclear medicine.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Telehealth services are increasingly important for expanding access to care. Grand Strand Medical Center offers telehealth consultations for certain specialties, allowing patients to connect with providers remotely. This is particularly valuable for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations with specialists who may not be readily available in the immediate area. The hospital is actively expanding its telehealth offerings to meet the growing demand for virtual care.

**McLeod Health Carolina Forest:**

McLeod Health Carolina Forest is another significant hospital in the area. It is a 120-bed facility and part of the McLeod Health system. This hospital provides a range of services, including emergency care, surgical services, and inpatient care.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Indicators:**

McLeod Health Carolina Forest does not have a CMS star rating due to its smaller size and the specific criteria used for rating. However, the McLeod Health system, as a whole, is known for its commitment to quality and patient safety.

**Emergency Room (ER) Performance:**

ER wait times at McLeod Health Carolina Forest are generally comparable to those at Grand Strand Medical Center. Patients can expect to wait a similar amount of time to see a provider, although this can vary.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

McLeod Health Carolina Forest offers a strong focus on primary care and general surgery. It also has a women's health center and a labor and delivery unit. The hospital is equipped with advanced imaging technology and offers a range of diagnostic services.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

McLeod Health Carolina Forest also provides telehealth services, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring for certain conditions. This helps to improve access to care for patients who may have difficulty traveling to the hospital.

**Other Healthcare Options:**

Beyond the major hospitals, residents of Surfside Beach have access to a network of outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, and physician practices. These facilities offer a variety of services, including primary care, specialized care, and diagnostic testing.

**Urgent Care Centers:**

Several urgent care centers are located near Surfside Beach. These facilities provide convenient access to care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. They typically have shorter wait times than hospital ERs and offer a more affordable alternative for many patients.

**Physician Practices:**

A wide range of physician practices are available in the area, including primary care physicians, specialists, and therapists. These practices offer comprehensive care and can help patients manage their health conditions.

**Factors Influencing Overall Health Score:**

Several factors influence the "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near Surfside Beach. These include:

* **Quality of Care:** Measured by CMS star ratings, patient outcomes, and complication rates.
* **Accessibility:** Determined by ER wait times, the availability of appointments, and the proximity of healthcare facilities.
* **Specialized Services:** Reflects the availability of specialized centers and advanced treatments.
* **Patient Experience:** Based on patient satisfaction surveys and feedback.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** The availability and effectiveness of virtual care options.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the available information, the "Overall Health Score" for the hospitals near Surfside Beach is generally positive, but with areas for improvement.

* **Grand Strand Medical Center:** Offers a wide range of services, including trauma care, and has a 3-star CMS rating. It excels in specific areas like stroke care but needs to improve in patient satisfaction and reduce hospital-acquired infections. ER wait times are average.
* **McLeod Health Carolina Forest:** Provides a good level of care, particularly in primary care and general surgery. While it doesn't have a CMS star rating, it is part of a reputable health system. ER wait times are comparable to Grand Strand.

**Recommendations for Residents:**

* **Research and Compare:** Before seeking care, research the hospitals and healthcare providers in the area. Compare their services, quality ratings, and patient reviews.
* **Consider Your Needs:** Choose a hospital or healthcare provider that meets your specific medical needs. If you have a chronic condition, find a provider with expertise in that area.
* **Utilize Telehealth:** Take advantage of telehealth services for follow-up appointments and consultations.
* **Understand Insurance Coverage:** Familiarize yourself with your insurance plan and the hospitals and providers that are in your network.
* **Ask Questions:** Don't hesitate to ask your healthcare providers questions about their services, quality of care, and patient experience.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near Surfside Beach offers a range of options for residents. Grand Strand Medical Center and McLeod Health Carolina Forest are the primary hospitals, providing a wide array of services. While Grand Strand Medical Center has a 3-star CMS rating, both hospitals are committed to providing quality care. Residents should research their options, consider their individual needs, and take advantage of available resources to ensure they receive the best possible healthcare. The "Overall Health Score" for the area is good, with ongoing efforts to improve quality, accessibility, and patient experience.