23701, Portsmouth, Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 23701, Portsmouth, Virginia is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 23701 (Portsmouth, VA)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the 23701 ZIP code in Portsmouth, Virginia, focusing on key metrics to aid informed decision-making. The evaluation considers factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth capabilities, and other relevant data. Note that data availability and specific metrics can fluctuate. This review aims to offer a snapshot based on the most current publicly accessible information.

**Defining the Scope:**

The 23701 ZIP code primarily encompasses the city of Portsmouth, Virginia. Hospitals considered for this review are those geographically accessible to residents of this area, recognizing that individuals may also seek care outside of their immediate vicinity. The focus is on hospitals with significant service offerings, including acute care, emergency services, and specialized medical programs.

**Key Players and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a standardized measure of quality. These ratings, ranging from one to five stars, are based on various quality and patient experience metrics. It's a crucial starting point for evaluating a hospital's overall performance.

**Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center:**

Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, located within Portsmouth, is a prominent healthcare provider. While specific CMS star ratings can vary and are subject to change, it's essential to consult the most recent CMS data for the current rating. Maryview offers a comprehensive range of services, including a cardiac program, cancer care, and women's health services.

**Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (and its affiliation with Sentara Leigh Hospital):**

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, though not directly within the 23701 ZIP code, is a major regional hospital easily accessible to Portsmouth residents. It is a Level I Trauma Center and a teaching hospital. Sentara Norfolk General's CMS star rating is a key indicator of its overall quality. Sentara Leigh Hospital, also part of the Sentara Healthcare system, is another option. Both hospitals are part of the same health system, and patients may have access to a wide range of services through the network.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Metric:**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor for patients seeking immediate care. Shorter wait times often indicate more efficient operations and potentially faster access to treatment. Publicly available data on ER wait times can be found on hospital websites, through platforms like Google, and via resources like the CMS Hospital Compare website.

**Maryview's ER:**

Maryview Medical Center's ER wait times are a significant consideration for residents of 23701. The average wait time, the time from when a patient arrives at the ER to when they see a healthcare provider, can be a critical factor in determining the overall patient experience.

**Sentara's ERs:**

Sentara Norfolk General and Sentara Leigh Hospital's ER wait times are also important for residents in the area. Sentara Norfolk General, being a Level I Trauma Center, often handles complex cases, which may impact wait times. Comparing wait times across different hospitals can help patients make informed decisions based on their specific needs.

**Specialty Centers and Programs:**

Beyond general acute care, the availability of specialized centers and programs is a key differentiator for hospitals. These centers often focus on specific medical conditions or patient populations, offering specialized expertise and resources.

**Maryview's Specialties:**

Maryview's cardiac program is a significant asset, offering comprehensive cardiac care. The hospital also has a cancer center, providing a range of oncology services. Women's health services are another key focus.

**Sentara's Specialties:**

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital is known for its specialized services, including its heart and vascular program, neurosciences center, and transplant services. Sentara Leigh Hospital may offer similar specialized services.

**Telehealth Capabilities: Expanding Access:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for providing convenient access to care. Hospitals that offer telehealth services can reach patients remotely, providing consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring.

**Maryview's Telehealth:**

Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center likely offers telehealth services, including virtual visits and remote patient monitoring. The specifics of their telehealth offerings should be verified directly with the hospital.

**Sentara's Telehealth:**

Sentara Healthcare has a robust telehealth program. Sentara Norfolk General and Sentara Leigh Hospital likely offer a range of telehealth services, including virtual appointments with specialists and remote monitoring capabilities.

**Other Considerations: Patient Experience and Hospital Safety:**

Beyond the core metrics, patient experience and hospital safety are crucial factors. Patient satisfaction scores, often collected through surveys, provide insights into the quality of care from the patient's perspective. Hospital safety measures, such as infection rates and medication error rates, are also important indicators of quality.

**Patient Satisfaction:**

Patient satisfaction scores, available through sources like the CMS Hospital Compare website, provide valuable insights into the patient experience. These scores reflect patient feedback on various aspects of care, including communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and the overall hospital environment.

**Hospital Safety:**

Hospital safety metrics, such as infection rates (e.g., surgical site infections, hospital-acquired infections) and medication error rates, are critical for assessing the quality of care. These metrics are often reported to CMS and are publicly available.

**Access to Specialists:**

The availability of specialists is another important consideration. The ability to access specialists in various fields, such as cardiology, neurology, and oncology, is crucial for patients with complex medical needs.

**Maryview's Specialist Access:**

Maryview Medical Center likely has a network of specialists affiliated with the hospital. Patients should inquire about the availability of specialists in their specific areas of need.

**Sentara's Specialist Access:**

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, being a large regional hospital, has a broad network of specialists. Sentara Leigh Hospital also provides access to specialists.

**Community Health Needs Assessment:**

Hospitals often conduct Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs). These assessments identify the most pressing health needs of the community. Examining a hospital's CHNA can provide insights into its commitment to addressing local health challenges and its focus on community health initiatives.

**Financial Considerations:**

The cost of healthcare is a significant concern for many patients. Understanding the hospital's pricing transparency practices and the availability of financial assistance programs is crucial.

**Insurance Coverage:**

Hospitals accept a variety of insurance plans. Patients should confirm that the hospital accepts their insurance plan before seeking care.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary and Considerations:**

Assessing the "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near the 23701 ZIP code requires a comprehensive evaluation. Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, while in Portsmouth, and Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Sentara Leigh Hospital, are the primary contenders. CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth capabilities, patient satisfaction, and safety metrics are all crucial factors.

**Key Takeaways:**

* **CMS Star Ratings:** Check the latest CMS star ratings for each hospital to get a baseline assessment of quality.
* **ER Wait Times:** Consider ER wait times, which can vary.
* **Specialty Centers:** Assess the availability of specialized services based on your specific healthcare needs.
* **Telehealth:** Determine the availability of telehealth services for convenient access to care.
* **Patient Experience:** Review patient satisfaction scores and hospital safety data.
* **Access to Specialists:** Evaluate the availability of specialists in your area of need.
* **Financial Considerations:** Understand the hospital's pricing transparency practices and financial assistance programs.

**Recommendations:**

* **Consult the CMS Hospital Compare website:** This is a vital resource for accessing data on hospital quality and patient experience.
* **Contact the hospitals directly:** Inquire about specific services, wait times, and insurance coverage.
* **Consider your individual needs:** Choose a hospital that best meets your specific healthcare requirements.
* **Stay informed:** Healthcare information can change rapidly. Regularly review updated data and information.

This "Overall Health Score" review provides a starting point for evaluating hospitals near the 23701 ZIP code. It is essential to conduct thorough research and consider your individual healthcare needs when making decisions about your care. Remember that this assessment is based on publicly available information and may not reflect every aspect of a hospital's performance.