23708, Portsmouth, Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 23708, Portsmouth, Virginia is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 23708 (Norfolk, VA)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of Norfolk, Virginia, specifically those residing near the 23708 ZIP code, understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, examining key performance indicators, specialty offerings, and patient experiences to offer a comprehensive picture of the healthcare options available.

**Defining the Scope:**

The 23708 ZIP code encompasses a significant portion of Norfolk, including areas near Old Dominion University and the Ghent neighborhood. This review will focus on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, considering factors like traffic patterns and typical commute times. Key hospitals evaluated include Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Sentara Leigh Hospital, Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD), and Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center.

**Sentara Norfolk General Hospital: A Flagship Institution**

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (SNGH) stands as a major healthcare provider in the region. It's a Level I Trauma Center, equipped to handle the most critical emergencies. SNGH is also a teaching hospital, affiliated with Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), contributing to its advanced capabilities and access to cutting-edge research.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system to evaluate hospital performance. SNGH's CMS star rating is a crucial indicator of its overall quality. As of the latest available data, the hospital’s CMS star rating should be checked on the CMS website. This rating considers factors like patient outcomes, safety of care, readmission rates, and patient experience. A higher star rating generally indicates better performance across these key areas.

**Emergency Room Dynamics:**

ER wait times are a critical concern for patients. While specific wait times fluctuate, it's essential to check current averages. Resources like the hospital's website and third-party platforms often provide real-time or recent data on ER wait times. Longer wait times can indicate higher patient volume or potential resource constraints. The efficiency of the ER is a crucial factor in the overall health score.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

SNGH boasts a comprehensive range of specialty centers. Its Heart Hospital is a major regional resource, offering advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. The hospital also houses a comprehensive cancer center, providing a range of treatment options, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The hospital's neuroscience center offers treatment for neurological conditions, including stroke and brain tumors. The availability and quality of these specialized services significantly impact the overall health score.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important. SNGH has likely expanded its telehealth offerings, especially in response to evolving healthcare needs. Telehealth can improve access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments, consultations, and chronic disease management. The extent of telehealth integration, including the types of services offered and patient utilization rates, is a factor in the overall health score.

**Sentara Leigh Hospital: Community Focus**

Sentara Leigh Hospital, located in Norfolk, offers a more community-focused approach. While not a Level I Trauma Center like SNGH, it provides a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and maternity services.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:**

Sentara Leigh's CMS star rating should be checked on the CMS website. The rating provides insight into its performance across various quality metrics.

**Emergency Room Dynamics:**

ER wait times at Sentara Leigh should be checked on the hospital's website or third-party platforms. These wait times provide a snapshot of ER efficiency and patient volume.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Sentara Leigh has a strong focus on women's health, with dedicated maternity services and a focus on obstetrics and gynecology. The hospital also offers surgical services, including general surgery and orthopedic procedures. The quality and accessibility of these specialized services are important factors in the overall health score.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Sentara Leigh's telehealth capabilities should be evaluated. The availability of telehealth services, particularly for follow-up care and consultations, can improve patient convenience and access.

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

CHKD is a dedicated pediatric hospital, serving the unique healthcare needs of children. It is a regional leader in pediatric care, offering a comprehensive range of services.

**Accreditations and Recognition:**

CHKD’s accreditations and recognitions are vital indicators of its quality. Accreditations from organizations like the Joint Commission demonstrate adherence to rigorous standards of care. Awards and rankings from reputable sources further validate CHKD's commitment to excellence.

**Emergency Room Dynamics:**

CHKD’s pediatric ER wait times should be checked. Pediatric ERs often experience different patient flow dynamics than adult ERs.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

CHKD boasts a wide array of pediatric specialty centers, including cardiology, oncology, and neurology. The hospital's commitment to specialized pediatric care is a key strength. The availability of these specialized services and the expertise of the medical staff are crucial factors in the overall health score.

**Telehealth Integration:**

CHKD's telehealth services, specifically tailored for pediatric patients, are important. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, consultations, and managing chronic conditions in children.

**Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center: A Comprehensive Approach**

Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center offers a range of healthcare services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and primary care.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:**

Bon Secours DePaul's CMS star rating should be checked on the CMS website. The rating provides insight into its performance across various quality metrics.

**Emergency Room Dynamics:**

ER wait times at Bon Secours DePaul should be checked on the hospital's website or third-party platforms. These wait times provide a snapshot of ER efficiency and patient volume.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Bon Secours DePaul offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The availability and quality of these specialized services are important factors in the overall health score.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Bon Secours DePaul's telehealth capabilities should be evaluated. The availability of telehealth services, particularly for follow-up care and consultations, can improve patient convenience and access.

**Other Considerations:**

**Patient Experience:**

Patient reviews and satisfaction scores are valuable indicators of hospital quality. Websites like Healthgrades and the CMS Hospital Compare site provide patient feedback. Analyzing patient experiences, including communication with staff, cleanliness, and overall satisfaction, is crucial.

**Accessibility and Affordability:**

The geographic accessibility of hospitals, considering traffic and transportation options, is important. Additionally, understanding the hospital's financial assistance programs and acceptance of insurance plans is crucial for affordability.

**Conclusion: Overall Health Score Assessment**

Determining a definitive "Overall Health Score" requires a nuanced evaluation of all the factors discussed. While the CMS star ratings provide a valuable starting point, it is essential to consider ER wait times, specialty offerings, patient experiences, and telehealth integration. For residents near the 23708 ZIP code, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, with its Level I Trauma Center and comprehensive services, likely scores highly. CHKD, as a dedicated pediatric hospital, excels in pediatric care. Sentara Leigh and Bon Secours DePaul offer valuable community-focused services. Prospective patients should research each hospital, considering their individual healthcare needs and preferences, to make informed decisions about their care. Regular monitoring of CMS ratings, ER wait times, and patient feedback is essential for staying informed about the evolving healthcare landscape in Norfolk.