23898, Zuni, Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 23898, Zuni, Virginia is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 23898

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents near ZIP code 23898 (which encompasses areas like Smithfield, Isle of Wight County, and parts of Suffolk, Virginia), understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth availability. The goal is to empower informed healthcare decisions.

**Defining the Scope:**

The primary focus will be on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of 23898. This includes facilities in Smithfield, Suffolk, and potentially Newport News, depending on travel times. The analysis will prioritize hospitals with a significant impact on the community's healthcare access.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on various quality metrics. These ratings, ranging from one to five stars, offer a readily understandable benchmark.

**Riverside Regional Medical Center (Newport News):** Riverside Regional Medical Center, a large, regional hospital, often serves as a referral center for patients in the 23898 area. It boasts a four-star CMS rating. This rating reflects generally good performance across various quality indicators, including patient experience, safety of care, and timely and effective care. Riverside's size allows for a broad range of specialized services.

**Sentara Obici Hospital (Suffolk):** Sentara Obici Hospital, another significant player, is closer to the 23898 area. Obici also holds a four-star CMS rating. This indicates a solid commitment to quality and patient safety. Its proximity makes it a more convenient option for many residents.

**Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center (Portsmouth):** While slightly further afield, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center is a major hospital that may be considered by some residents. It is also a four-star facility.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a critical indicator of a hospital's efficiency and ability to handle urgent medical needs. These times can fluctuate, but trends offer insight.

**Riverside Regional Medical Center:** Riverside, due to its larger volume, may experience longer wait times, particularly during peak hours. However, they generally strive to maintain reasonable wait times, and their size allows for efficient triage.

**Sentara Obici Hospital:** Obici Hospital typically has shorter ER wait times compared to larger facilities. This can be a significant advantage for patients requiring immediate attention. Real-time wait time information is often available on their websites.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Access to specialized care is essential for comprehensive healthcare. The hospitals near 23898 offer a range of specialized services.

**Riverside Regional Medical Center:** Riverside excels in several specialties. It is known for its comprehensive cardiac care, including advanced interventional cardiology and open-heart surgery. They also have a robust cancer center, offering radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology services. Additionally, Riverside provides specialized services in areas like neurosurgery, orthopedics, and women's health.

**Sentara Obici Hospital:** Obici also provides a wide array of specialized services. Their cardiac care program is well-regarded. They offer comprehensive cancer care, including medical oncology, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. Obici also has strong programs in orthopedics, women's health, and behavioral health.

**Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center:** Maryview offers comprehensive services including cardiac care, cancer care, orthopedics, and women's health.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and mental health services.

**Riverside Health System:** Riverside has embraced telehealth. They offer virtual visits for various specialties, allowing patients to consult with providers remotely. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and certain behavioral health services. They have also expanded their telehealth offerings during the pandemic.

**Sentara Healthcare:** Sentara also has a robust telehealth program. They provide virtual visits for primary care, specialist consultations, and behavioral health services. This offers convenient access to care, particularly for those in remote areas or with mobility limitations. They also offer virtual urgent care options.

**Bon Secours Health System:** Bon Secours has been expanding their telehealth offerings. They provide virtual visits for various specialties.

**Other Important Considerations:**

Beyond the core metrics, other factors influence the overall health score.

**Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, provide valuable insights. These surveys assess factors like communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and overall hospital environment. The hospitals near 23898 generally perform well on these measures.

**Community Outreach and Partnerships:** Hospitals that actively engage with the community, through health education programs, screenings, and partnerships with local organizations, demonstrate a commitment to overall health. Both Riverside and Sentara have strong community outreach programs.

**Financial Stability and Resources:** The financial health of a hospital impacts its ability to invest in new technology, recruit skilled staff, and maintain quality services. Both Riverside and Sentara are financially stable health systems.

**Specific Conditions and Needs:** The best hospital for an individual depends on their specific health needs. For example, a patient with a complex cardiac condition might benefit from the specialized expertise at Riverside. A patient needing immediate care might prioritize a hospital with shorter ER wait times, like Obici.

**Access to Care:** The availability of primary care physicians and specialists is crucial. The 23898 area has a mix of primary care practices and specialists, but access can vary depending on insurance coverage and specific needs.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

Based on the available data, hospitals near ZIP code 23898 offer a good level of healthcare.

**Riverside Regional Medical Center:** Receives a high score due to its comprehensive services, strong CMS rating, and advanced technology. However, potential longer ER wait times are a consideration.

**Sentara Obici Hospital:** Earns a high score for its convenient location, shorter ER wait times, and good CMS rating. It provides a broad range of services and is a strong choice for many residents.

**Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center:** Earns a good score, with a strong CMS rating and comprehensive services.

**Recommendations:**

* **Research and compare:** Before seeking care, research the specific services offered by each hospital and compare wait times.
* **Consider your needs:** Choose a hospital that aligns with your specific health needs and preferences.
* **Check insurance coverage:** Ensure the hospital and providers are within your insurance network.
* **Utilize telehealth:** Take advantage of telehealth options for convenient access to care.
* **Stay informed:** Regularly check hospital websites for updated information on wait times, services, and patient satisfaction scores.

This "Overall Health Score" review provides a starting point for making informed healthcare decisions. It is essential to conduct further research and consult with your primary care physician to determine the best healthcare options for your individual needs. The hospitals near 23898 offer a range of quality services, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses can empower residents to navigate the healthcare system effectively.