23502, Norfolk, Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 23502, Norfolk, Virginia is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Navigating Healthcare in Norfolk: An Overall Health Score Review for Hospitals Near 23502

The 23502 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of downtown Norfolk, Virginia, places residents within a healthcare landscape dominated by several prominent hospitals. Determining the "best" hospital requires a nuanced understanding of various factors, from overall quality metrics to specialized services and accessibility. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering key performance indicators and offering insights to help residents make informed decisions.

**Defining the Landscape: Flagship Hospitals and Key Players**

The healthcare ecosystem near 23502 is primarily shaped by two major players: Sentara Healthcare and Bon Secours Mercy Health. These systems operate several hospitals in the vicinity, each with its own strengths and specializations. Understanding their individual profiles is crucial for assessing overall healthcare quality.

**Sentara Norfolk General Hospital: A Regional Powerhouse**

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (SNGH), located at 600 Gresham Drive, is a major tertiary care center and the flagship hospital for the Sentara Healthcare system. It's a Level I Trauma Center, meaning it's equipped to handle the most critical injuries and illnesses. SNGH is also a teaching hospital, affiliated with Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), contributing to a culture of advanced medical practices and research.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:**

SNGH's performance is tracked by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which assigns hospitals a star rating based on various quality measures. As of the most recent data, SNGH holds a [**Insert Current CMS Star Rating for SNGH Here – this requires real-time data retrieval**]. This rating reflects performance across areas like patient safety, readmission rates, mortality rates, and patient experience. Prospective patients should consult the CMS Hospital Compare website for the most up-to-date information.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a critical factor for immediate care. The average ER wait time at SNGH fluctuates, but it's generally advisable to check real-time wait times through the hospital's website or third-party apps before heading to the ER. Long wait times can indicate high patient volume or resource constraints, potentially impacting the speed of care. [**Insert current average ER wait time for SNGH here – this requires real-time data retrieval**].

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

SNGH boasts a comprehensive array of specialty centers, including a renowned Heart Hospital, a comprehensive cancer center, and a transplant program. Its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a regional referral center. The hospital's affiliation with EVMS provides access to cutting-edge research and advanced medical technologies.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Sentara has invested significantly in telehealth services. SNGH offers various telehealth options, including virtual visits for certain specialties and remote monitoring programs for chronic conditions. This can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in geographically remote areas. [**Insert specific telehealth services offered by SNGH and their utilization rates, if available – this requires real-time data retrieval**].

**Sentara Leigh Hospital: Community-Focused Care**

Located at 830 Kempsville Road, Sentara Leigh Hospital offers a more community-focused approach. While not a Level I Trauma Center, it provides a wide range of services, including a comprehensive stroke center and a dedicated women's health center.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:**

Sentara Leigh Hospital also receives a CMS star rating. [**Insert Current CMS Star Rating for Sentara Leigh Hospital Here – this requires real-time data retrieval**]. Its performance metrics should be compared to SNGH and other hospitals in the area to assess its strengths and weaknesses.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:**

ER wait times at Sentara Leigh Hospital are generally shorter than at SNGH, but this can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of cases. [**Insert current average ER wait time for Sentara Leigh Hospital here – this requires real-time data retrieval**].

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Sentara Leigh Hospital excels in women's health, offering a wide range of services, including obstetrics, gynecology, and breast care. Its stroke center is certified by the Joint Commission, indicating a commitment to providing high-quality stroke care.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Sentara Leigh Hospital also provides telehealth services, although the scope may be different from SNGH. [**Insert specific telehealth services offered by Sentara Leigh Hospital and their utilization rates, if available – this requires real-time data retrieval**].

**Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center: A Historical Presence**

Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center, located at 150 Kingsley Lane, has a long history of serving the Norfolk community. It offers a range of services, with a focus on providing compassionate care.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:**

Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center's CMS star rating should be considered. [**Insert Current CMS Star Rating for Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center Here – this requires real-time data retrieval**].

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:**

ER wait times at DePaul should be considered when making a decision about care. [**Insert current average ER wait time for Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center here – this requires real-time data retrieval**].

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center offers services in areas such as cardiology, orthopedics, and behavioral health.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center offers telehealth services, but the scope may vary. [**Insert specific telehealth services offered by Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center and their utilization rates, if available – this requires real-time data retrieval**].

**Other Considerations: Access, Affordability, and Patient Experience**

Beyond clinical metrics, several other factors influence the "Overall Health Score" of a hospital.

**Accessibility:**

Proximity to 23502 is a key factor. SNGH is centrally located, making it easily accessible for many residents. Sentara Leigh Hospital, while not as close, provides an alternative option. DePaul is also located within reasonable proximity. Transportation options, including public transportation and parking availability, should be considered.

**Affordability:**

Healthcare costs are a major concern. Patients should inquire about the hospital's pricing transparency policies and understand their insurance coverage. The availability of financial assistance programs can also be a crucial factor.

**Patient Experience:**

Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS and other organizations, provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Factors like communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness to needs, and the overall hospital environment contribute to patient satisfaction.

**Comparing and Contrasting: Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the "best" hospital depends on individual needs and preferences. For trauma cases and complex medical conditions, SNGH's Level I Trauma Center and specialized services may be the best choice. For community-focused care and shorter ER wait times, Sentara Leigh Hospital or DePaul may be more suitable.

**Overall Health Score Assessment (Hypothetical - Requires Real-Time Data)**

Based on the current landscape, and *assuming* the following hypothetical data:

* **SNGH:** CMS Star Rating: 4 stars, ER Wait Time: 45 minutes, Strong in Trauma, Cardiology, and Cancer.
* **Sentara Leigh:** CMS Star Rating: 3 stars, ER Wait Time: 30 minutes, Strong in Women's Health and Stroke.
* **DePaul:** CMS Star Rating: 3 stars, ER Wait Time: 40 minutes, Focus on Community Care.

**Overall Health Score (Hypothetical):**

* **SNGH:** 8.5/10 (Excellent for complex care, but longer wait times)
* **Sentara Leigh:** 7.5/10 (Good for community care, shorter wait times, strong women's health)
* **DePaul:** 7/10 (Solid community care, needs improvement in some areas)

**Disclaimer:** *These scores are hypothetical and based on illustrative data. Actual scores will vary based on real-time data and individual patient needs. It is crucial to consult the most recent data from CMS, hospital websites, and other reliable sources before making healthcare decisions.*

**Conclusion: Empowering Informed Choices**

Residents of the 23502 ZIP code have access to a range of healthcare options. By carefully evaluating the factors outlined in this review, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities, individuals can make informed decisions that best meet their healthcare needs. Regular review of hospital performance data and patient feedback is essential for staying abreast of the evolving healthcare landscape in Norfolk.