23510, Norfolk, Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 23510, Norfolk, Virginia is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Norfolk, VA (ZIP Code 23510)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the 23510 ZIP code, encompassing Norfolk, VA, focusing on key performance indicators to help you make informed decisions. This score considers factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and telehealth offerings.

**The Players: Flagship Hospitals and Their Footprints**

The primary players in the 23510 area are Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center. Both are large, established institutions with significant resources and a broad range of services. Other hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, though technically outside the immediate ZIP code, also serve the population and warrant consideration. These include Sentara Leigh Hospital, and Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD).

**Sentara Norfolk General Hospital: A Deep Dive**

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, a flagship facility, is a Level I Trauma Center and a major teaching hospital affiliated with Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS). This affiliation translates to a constant influx of medical students and residents, contributing to a dynamic learning environment and potentially offering access to cutting-edge treatments. The hospital boasts a strong reputation for cardiac care, stroke treatment, and organ transplantation.

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital's CMS star rating is a crucial data point. As of the most recent publicly available data, the hospital holds a 3-star rating. This rating, derived from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), reflects overall quality of care, patient experience, and efficiency. While a 3-star rating is considered average, it's essential to remember that these ratings are just one piece of the puzzle.

ER wait times at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital are a significant factor in patient experience. While specific, real-time wait times fluctuate, they can be accessed through the hospital's website or through third-party platforms. Longer wait times can indicate high patient volume, potentially impacting the speed of diagnosis and treatment. It's important to check these times before heading to the ER, especially for non-life-threatening conditions.

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital features specialized centers including the Sentara Heart Hospital, the Sentara Cancer Center, and the Sentara Comprehensive Stroke Center. These centers offer dedicated teams, advanced technology, and specialized protocols for managing complex conditions. Telehealth services are also increasingly available, allowing for remote consultations and follow-up appointments. The hospital’s telehealth capabilities are expanding, offering patients greater convenience and access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and chronic disease management. Specific statistics on telehealth usage, such as the number of virtual visits or the types of services offered, are available on the Sentara Healthcare website.

**Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center: A Community Focus**

Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center, another key player, is a faith-based hospital with a long history of serving the Norfolk community. It emphasizes a patient-centered approach and offers a range of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health.

DePaul's CMS star rating, as of the most recent data, is a 3-star rating. This rating, similar to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, reflects the overall quality of care provided.

ER wait times at DePaul are another important consideration. Like Sentara Norfolk General, real-time wait times are typically available on the hospital's website or through external platforms. The hospital's website provides information on current wait times.

DePaul offers specialized services, including a dedicated heart institute and a comprehensive cancer center. Telehealth services are also offered, allowing patients to access care remotely. Information on the specific telehealth services offered by DePaul, including the types of appointments available and the number of virtual visits, can be found on the Bon Secours website.

**Sentara Leigh Hospital: Expanding Access**

Sentara Leigh Hospital, located a short distance from the 23510 ZIP code, provides additional options for residents. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and specialized care in areas like orthopedics and women's health.

Sentara Leigh Hospital's CMS star rating is important for evaluating its performance. As of the most recent data, the hospital has a 3-star rating.

ER wait times at Sentara Leigh Hospital are another crucial factor to consider. Real-time wait times can be accessed through the hospital's website or through third-party platforms.

Sentara Leigh Hospital offers specialized services and also has a focus on community health programs. Telehealth services are also offered, providing patients with remote access to care. Details on the specific telehealth services offered, including the types of appointments and the number of virtual visits, are available on the Sentara Healthcare website.

**Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD): Pediatric Expertise**

Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD), though a specialized facility, is a critical resource for families in the 23510 area. CHKD is a dedicated pediatric hospital offering a wide range of services for children, from routine checkups to complex surgeries.

CHKD's CMS star rating, as a specialized pediatric hospital, is not directly comparable to general hospitals. However, CHKD consistently receives high marks for patient safety and quality of care from other rating agencies and patient satisfaction surveys.

ER wait times at CHKD are another important factor, particularly for parents seeking immediate care for their children. Real-time wait times are typically available on the hospital's website or through third-party platforms.

CHKD excels in pediatric specialties, including cardiology, oncology, and surgery. Telehealth services are also offered, providing remote access to pediatric specialists. Information on the specific telehealth services offered, including the types of appointments and the number of virtual visits, is available on the CHKD website.

**Specialty Centers: Beyond the Basics**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, the 23510 area benefits from a network of specialty centers. These centers focus on specific medical areas, providing specialized expertise and advanced treatments.

The region has several outpatient surgery centers, offering same-day procedures in a convenient setting. These centers often have shorter wait times and lower costs compared to hospital-based surgeries.

Cancer treatment centers provide comprehensive care for cancer patients, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. These centers often have multidisciplinary teams of specialists working together to provide personalized care.

Cardiac centers offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options for heart conditions, including angioplasty, bypass surgery, and electrophysiology procedures. These centers often have state-of-the-art technology and experienced cardiologists.

Rehabilitation centers provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help patients recover from injuries, illnesses, and surgeries. These centers often have specialized programs for stroke rehabilitation, spinal cord injuries, and other conditions.

**Telehealth: A Growing Trend**

Telehealth is rapidly expanding in the 23510 area, offering patients greater access to care and convenience. Hospitals and clinics are increasingly offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services.

Telehealth services can be particularly beneficial for patients with chronic conditions, allowing them to receive regular checkups and medication management from the comfort of their homes. Telehealth also reduces the need for travel, saving patients time and money.

The availability of telehealth services varies by hospital and specialty. It's important to check with your healthcare provider to determine if telehealth is an option for your specific needs.

**Overall Health Score Considerations and Caveats**

This "Overall Health Score" assessment is based on publicly available data and general observations. It is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Individual patient experiences can vary.

CMS star ratings are a valuable tool, but they do not capture the full picture of a hospital's performance. Other factors, such as patient satisfaction, physician expertise, and access to specialized services, are also important.

ER wait times are a dynamic metric, subject to change based on patient volume and other factors. It's essential to check real-time wait times before heading to the ER.

Telehealth services are constantly evolving. The availability of specific services and technologies may vary.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing the right hospital is a personal decision. Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center are the major players in the 23510 area. Sentara Leigh Hospital and CHKD provide additional options. Consider your individual needs, the specific services offered by each hospital, and the factors discussed in this review. Consult with your primary care physician and research individual hospital websites to make the best choice for your healthcare needs. Remember to consider the CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings to make an informed decision.