23664, Hampton, Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 23664, Hampton, Virginia is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Newport News, VA (ZIP Code 23664)

The search for quality healthcare is a constant, and for residents near Newport News, Virginia (ZIP code 23664), understanding the landscape is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, focusing on key factors like hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services, to help navigate the healthcare options in the area. The analysis incorporates data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), publicly available hospital reports, and other relevant sources.

**The Flagship Players: Riverside Regional Medical Center and Sentara CarePlex Hospital**

Two major players dominate the healthcare scene near 23664: Riverside Regional Medical Center and Sentara CarePlex Hospital. Both are large, established facilities, offering a wide range of services. Their performance, as measured by the CMS Hospital Compare star ratings, is a significant indicator of overall quality.

Riverside Regional Medical Center, a flagship facility of the Riverside Health System, holds a three-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects its performance across various categories, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. The hospital offers a comprehensive array of services, including a Level II Trauma Center, a comprehensive stroke center, and specialized programs in areas like cardiology and oncology. Riverside Regional Medical Center is known for its strong focus on community outreach and preventative care initiatives.

Sentara CarePlex Hospital, part of the Sentara Healthcare system, also holds a three-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects its performance in various areas. Sentara CarePlex Hospital is known for its advanced surgical capabilities, including robotic surgery, and its specialized centers for women's health and orthopedics. The hospital also boasts a robust emergency department and a dedicated heart and vascular center.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Metric**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor for any healthcare consumer. These times can vary significantly between hospitals and can impact the overall patient experience. While specific, real-time wait times fluctuate, publicly available data provides a general understanding of the average wait times in the area.

Both Riverside Regional Medical Center and Sentara CarePlex Hospital strive to maintain reasonable ER wait times. However, due to the unpredictable nature of emergency situations, wait times can be influenced by factors such as patient volume, staffing levels, and the severity of patient conditions. It is always advisable to call ahead or check online resources for the most current wait time information.

**Specialty Centers: Meeting Specific Needs**

Beyond general medical care, specialized centers cater to specific health needs. Both Riverside Regional Medical Center and Sentara CarePlex Hospital have invested in specialized programs to address a range of conditions.

Riverside Regional Medical Center's specialized programs include a comprehensive cancer center, offering advanced treatments and support services. The hospital also has a dedicated heart and vascular institute, providing advanced cardiac care. Furthermore, they have a strong focus on rehabilitation services.

Sentara CarePlex Hospital boasts a specialized women's health center, providing comprehensive care for women of all ages. The hospital also has a robust orthopedic program, offering advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions. Sentara CarePlex Hospital also has a dedicated stroke center.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in recent years, as a means of expanding access to care. Both Riverside and Sentara have embraced telehealth to varying degrees.

Riverside Health System has been actively expanding its telehealth offerings, including virtual visits with primary care physicians and specialists. They have also implemented telehealth programs for chronic disease management and mental health services. Telehealth is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas or those with mobility issues.

Sentara Healthcare has also invested in telehealth infrastructure, offering virtual visits and remote monitoring programs. They have expanded their telehealth services to include behavioral health and urgent care options. The availability of telehealth services can significantly improve access to care and reduce the need for in-person visits.

**Other Hospitals and Healthcare Options**

While Riverside Regional Medical Center and Sentara CarePlex Hospital are the primary hospitals serving the 23664 area, other healthcare options exist.

The area is served by a network of urgent care clinics, offering immediate care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. These clinics can be a convenient alternative to the emergency room for certain conditions.

Numerous primary care physicians and specialists operate in the area, providing a range of outpatient services. Finding a primary care physician is crucial for preventative care and ongoing health management.

**Quality of Care: Beyond the Star Ratings**

CMS star ratings provide a valuable snapshot of hospital performance, but they are not the sole indicator of quality. Patient reviews, physician referrals, and personal experiences also play a role in evaluating healthcare providers.

Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals provide patient reviews and ratings, offering insights into patient experiences. Consulting with primary care physicians and specialists can also provide valuable information about the quality of care provided by specific hospitals and physicians.

**Accessibility and Convenience**

Accessibility and convenience are important considerations when choosing a healthcare provider. Factors such as location, transportation options, and insurance coverage can impact accessibility.

Both Riverside Regional Medical Center and Sentara CarePlex Hospital are located within a reasonable distance of the 23664 ZIP code, making them accessible for most residents. Public transportation options are available, although they may be limited in some areas.

It is crucial to verify that a healthcare provider accepts your insurance plan. Checking with your insurance company and the provider's billing department can help ensure that your healthcare costs are covered.

**Community Health Initiatives**

Both Riverside and Sentara are involved in community health initiatives, aiming to improve the overall health of the population. These initiatives can include health education programs, screenings, and support groups.

Riverside Health System actively participates in community outreach programs, focusing on preventative care and disease management. They also partner with local organizations to address health disparities.

Sentara Healthcare is also involved in community health initiatives, focusing on areas such as chronic disease management and behavioral health. They also support community health events and programs.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

Based on the available data and analysis, the healthcare options near ZIP code 23664 offer a reasonable level of care.

* **Riverside Regional Medical Center:** Three-star CMS rating, a comprehensive range of services, and a focus on community health initiatives make it a strong option.
* **Sentara CarePlex Hospital:** Three-star CMS rating, advanced surgical capabilities, and specialized centers are also a significant advantage.

**Overall Health Score: Good**

The area benefits from the presence of two major hospitals with a range of specialized services. The CMS star ratings provide a useful benchmark for quality, and the availability of telehealth services further enhances access to care. The presence of urgent care clinics and a network of primary care physicians and specialists provides additional healthcare options.

**Recommendations for Patients**

* **Research and compare:** Before choosing a hospital or physician, research your options and compare their services, ratings, and patient reviews.
* **Consider your needs:** Evaluate your specific healthcare needs and choose providers who specialize in those areas.
* **Check insurance coverage:** Verify that your insurance plan is accepted by the provider and understand your out-of-pocket costs.
* **Ask questions:** Don't hesitate to ask questions about your care and treatment options.
* **Stay informed:** Keep up-to-date on healthcare trends and developments in your area.

This review provides a general overview of the healthcare landscape near ZIP code 23664. Individual healthcare needs vary, and it is essential to make informed decisions based on personal circumstances and preferences. Consulting with healthcare professionals and conducting thorough research is crucial for making the best choices for your health.