23454, Virginia Beach, Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 23454, Virginia Beach, Virginia is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Virginia Beach, VA (ZIP Code 23454)

Choosing a hospital is a critical decision, especially when facing a health crisis. This review provides an in-depth analysis of healthcare options near the 23454 ZIP code, encompassing Virginia Beach and surrounding areas. We’ll examine flagship hospitals, their performance metrics, specialized services, and the growing importance of telehealth, all to help you make informed choices.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Their Footprints**

The healthcare landscape near 23454 is dominated by two major players: Sentara Healthcare and CHKD Health System. Sentara, a large non-profit system, operates several hospitals in the region, offering a broad spectrum of services. CHKD (Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters) is a dedicated pediatric hospital, a crucial resource for families in the area. Additionally, smaller facilities and specialized clinics contribute to the overall healthcare ecosystem.

**Sentara Healthcare: A Deep Dive**

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, located at 1060 First Colonial Rd, is a prominent facility. It boasts a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects its performance across various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. The hospital is known for its comprehensive services, including a Level II Trauma Center, crucial for handling serious injuries and emergencies. Sentara Virginia Beach General also offers specialized programs in areas like cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health.

Another key Sentara facility is Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, situated at 2025 Glenn Mitchell Dr. This hospital holds a 3-star CMS rating. It also features a comprehensive range of services, including a modern emergency department and specialized centers for stroke care and cardiovascular services. The hospital's location provides convenient access for residents in the southern parts of Virginia Beach.

**CHKD Health System: Focus on Pediatric Care**

CHKD, with its main hospital at 601 Children's Ln in Norfolk (a short drive from 23454), is a regional powerhouse in pediatric care. While not directly within the 23454 ZIP code, its proximity and specialized services make it a critical resource for families. CHKD is a nationally recognized hospital, consistently ranked among the best children's hospitals in the country. Its comprehensive services include specialized pediatric surgery, oncology, cardiology, and behavioral health programs. CHKD's commitment to pediatric care extends beyond its hospital walls, with numerous outpatient clinics and specialty centers throughout the region.

**Emergency Room Performance: Time is of the Essence**

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor in evaluating hospital performance. While precise real-time wait times fluctuate, publicly available data provides insights. Generally, hospitals near 23454 strive to maintain reasonable wait times. Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital typically reports average wait times that are competitive with regional benchmarks. Sentara Princess Anne Hospital also aims for efficient ER operations. However, it's essential to remember that wait times can vary depending on the time of day, the severity of the patient's condition, and overall ER volume. Checking hospital websites or using online tools like those provided by the Healthgrades website can provide up-to-date estimates.

**Specialty Centers: Expertise in Specific Areas**

Beyond general services, hospitals offer specialized centers for specific medical needs. Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital has a well-regarded heart and vascular center, providing advanced cardiac care. They also have specialized orthopedic programs, including joint replacement and sports medicine. Sentara Princess Anne Hospital also provides advanced cardiac care, stroke care, and has a dedicated women's health center.

CHKD's specialty centers are its defining feature. Its pediatric cardiology, oncology, and surgery programs are renowned. CHKD also operates a comprehensive behavioral health center, addressing the growing need for mental health services for children and adolescents.

**Telehealth: Healthcare at Your Fingertips**

Telehealth is rapidly transforming healthcare delivery. Both Sentara and CHKD have embraced telehealth to expand access to care and improve patient convenience. Sentara offers telehealth options for various specialties, including primary care, behavioral health, and certain specialist consultations. This allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits.

CHKD has also expanded its telehealth offerings, particularly in behavioral health and certain pediatric specialties. Telehealth is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and providing access to specialists for patients who live in more remote areas or have difficulty traveling.

**Quality Metrics: Gauging Performance**

CMS star ratings provide a valuable, albeit simplified, overview of hospital quality. These ratings are based on a range of factors, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. Hospitals are also evaluated on measures like readmission rates, infection rates, and mortality rates.

Beyond CMS ratings, it's crucial to consider other quality metrics. These include patient satisfaction scores, which reflect patients' experiences with their care. Hospitals also report data on specific clinical outcomes, such as success rates for certain procedures and complication rates. The Leapfrog Group, a non-profit organization, also provides hospital safety grades, offering another perspective on hospital quality.

**Accessibility and Insurance Considerations**

Accessibility is a critical factor in choosing a hospital. Consider factors such as proximity to your home, ease of parking, and public transportation options. It's also essential to verify that the hospital accepts your health insurance plan. Most hospitals accept a wide range of insurance plans, but it's always best to confirm coverage before seeking care.

**Beyond the Hospitals: Other Healthcare Options**

In addition to hospitals, the 23454 area offers a variety of other healthcare options. These include urgent care centers, which provide immediate care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. There are also numerous primary care physicians, specialists, and outpatient clinics.

**Making Your Choice: A Personalized Approach**

Choosing the right hospital is a personal decision. Consider your individual healthcare needs, preferences, and insurance coverage. If you have a chronic condition, you may want to choose a hospital with a strong reputation in that area of care. If you have children, CHKD's proximity and specialized pediatric services are a significant advantage.

**Conclusion: A Spectrum of Care**

The healthcare landscape near the 23454 ZIP code provides a comprehensive range of options. Sentara Healthcare offers a strong network of hospitals with diverse services, while CHKD provides specialized pediatric care. Emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth options are all important considerations. By carefully evaluating these factors and considering your individual needs, you can make an informed decision and choose the hospital that best meets your healthcare needs. Remember to consult with your primary care physician and research the latest available data to make the most informed choice.