23666, Hampton, Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 23666, Hampton, Virginia is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Newport News, VA (ZIP Code 23666)

Finding the right healthcare in the Newport News, Virginia area, specifically near the 23666 ZIP code, requires a nuanced understanding of available resources. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like hospital quality, emergency room efficiency, specialized services, and telehealth accessibility. This score isn't a single number but a composite picture to help residents make informed decisions.

**Flagship Hospitals: A Deep Dive**

The dominant players in the 23666 healthcare landscape are Riverside Regional Medical Center and Sentara CarePlex Hospital. Both are major regional providers, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Their performance directly impacts the overall health score for the area.

**Riverside Regional Medical Center:** Riverside Regional Medical Center, located in Newport News, is a large, comprehensive facility. It's a teaching hospital, which often means access to cutting-edge treatments and a wide range of specialists. Riverside boasts a Level II Trauma Center, crucial for handling serious injuries and emergencies. The hospital has a strong reputation for cardiology and cancer care, with dedicated centers for both.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:** Riverside Regional Medical Center currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects performance across various metrics, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it's essential to delve deeper into specific areas. For example, the hospital may excel in a particular specialty while facing challenges in others. Publicly available data on the CMS website provides detailed breakdowns.

**Emergency Room Dynamics:** ER wait times are a critical factor. Riverside Regional Medical Center's ER wait times fluctuate, and can be influenced by the time of day, day of the week, and overall patient volume. Data from sources like ProPublica's Hospital Compare tool can provide insights into average wait times, offering a benchmark for comparison. The hospital has implemented strategies to improve efficiency, but patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours.

**Specialty Centers and Programs:** Riverside's strength lies in its specialized centers. The hospital's cardiovascular program is well-regarded, offering advanced treatments for heart conditions. The Virginia Oncology Associates at Riverside provides comprehensive cancer care, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Additionally, the hospital has a dedicated neuroscience institute, offering services for neurological conditions.

**Telehealth Integration:** Riverside has been expanding its telehealth offerings. Telehealth appointments are available for certain specialties, providing patients with convenient access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. The availability of telehealth services varies depending on the specialty and patient needs.

**Sentara CarePlex Hospital:** Located in Hampton, just a short distance from the 23666 ZIP code, Sentara CarePlex Hospital is another major player. Sentara is part of a larger health system, which can provide economies of scale and access to a broader network of specialists.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:** Sentara CarePlex Hospital also holds a 3-star rating from CMS. Similar to Riverside, this rating reflects a composite of performance measures. Patients should consult the CMS website for detailed performance data, examining specific areas of strength and weakness.

**Emergency Room Dynamics:** Sentara CarePlex Hospital's ER wait times are a crucial consideration. Data from sources like the Virginia Department of Health and Hospital Compare can provide insights into average wait times. Patients should be aware that wait times can vary significantly. The hospital has implemented strategies to improve ER efficiency, but delays are possible.

**Specialty Centers and Programs:** Sentara CarePlex has a strong focus on women's health services, including obstetrics and gynecology. The hospital also has a comprehensive orthopedic program, offering surgical and non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions. Additionally, Sentara has a dedicated stroke center, providing rapid assessment and treatment for stroke patients.

**Telehealth Integration:** Sentara has been actively expanding its telehealth services. Telehealth appointments are available for various specialties, offering patients convenient access to care. The availability of telehealth services varies depending on the specialty and patient needs.

**Other Healthcare Providers and Considerations**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, the 23666 area offers other healthcare options. These include:

**Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital:** Located in Newport News, this hospital provides a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and specialized programs. Its CMS rating and specific performance metrics should be considered.

**Urgent Care Centers:** Several urgent care centers are available in the area. These facilities are useful for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, offering a convenient alternative to the ER for certain conditions.

**Primary Care Physicians:** Access to a primary care physician is crucial for preventative care and ongoing health management. Residents should research local primary care practices, considering factors like insurance acceptance, patient reviews, and the availability of same-day appointments.

**Mental Health Services:** Access to mental health services is a critical component of overall health. The area has a range of mental health providers, including therapists, psychiatrists, and counseling centers.

**Rehabilitation Centers:** For patients recovering from injuries or illnesses, rehabilitation centers provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

**Telehealth and Digital Health Trends**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important. Both Riverside and Sentara are expanding their telehealth offerings. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth appointments for their specific needs. Digital health tools, such as patient portals and mobile apps, are also becoming more prevalent, allowing patients to manage their health information and communicate with their providers.

**Emergency Preparedness**

The proximity to the James River and the potential for hurricanes and other natural disasters makes emergency preparedness a crucial consideration. Residents should familiarize themselves with the hospitals' emergency plans and evacuation procedures.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

The "Overall Health Score" for the 23666 area is complex. While the presence of two major hospitals, Riverside and Sentara, provides a strong foundation, the CMS 3-star ratings indicate areas for improvement. The availability of specialized centers, such as those for cardiology, cancer care, and women's health, is a positive factor. ER wait times, however, remain a concern, and patients should be prepared for potential delays. Telehealth integration is improving, providing greater access to care. The presence of urgent care centers and primary care physicians offers additional options.

**Recommendations for Residents:**

* **Research specific needs:** Identify the specific healthcare needs and research providers that specialize in those areas.
* **Check CMS ratings and hospital compare data:** Use the CMS website and other resources to evaluate hospital performance.
* **Inquire about ER wait times:** Contact hospitals or check online resources to get an idea of current wait times.
* **Explore telehealth options:** Determine if telehealth appointments are available for the required care.
* **Establish a relationship with a primary care physician:** Having a primary care physician is crucial for preventative care and ongoing health management.
* **Consider insurance coverage:** Ensure that the chosen healthcare providers accept the patient's insurance plan.
* **Plan for emergencies:** Know the location of the nearest emergency room and be prepared for potential delays.

The overall health score for the 23666 area is solid, but not without its challenges. By carefully researching options, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of available providers, and taking advantage of available resources, residents can navigate the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions about their health. This is an evolving landscape and ongoing monitoring of performance and services is necessary.