24374, Speedwell, Virginia Arthritis Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Arthritis Score in 24374, Speedwell, Virginia is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Arthritis Care in Southwest Virginia: A Hospital Review Near ZIP Code 24374

Finding the right healthcare for arthritis can be a complex process, especially when navigating the options available. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 24374 (Wytheville, Virginia) and provides a fact-based assessment of their arthritis-related services, including their strengths, weaknesses, and key performance indicators. The goal is to equip individuals with the information needed to make informed decisions about their care.

**Proximity and Key Considerations**

The immediate vicinity of Wytheville (24374) offers a limited selection of hospitals. Therefore, this review will extend its scope to include facilities within a reasonable driving distance, focusing on those that provide specialized arthritis care. Factors considered include hospital size, physician expertise, available technology, patient satisfaction, and accessibility. We will also look at CMS star ratings, Emergency Room wait times, and telehealth capabilities.

**Wythe County Community Hospital (Wytheville, VA)**

Wythe County Community Hospital (WCCH), located directly in Wytheville, is a critical access hospital. This designation means it serves a rural community and receives specific federal funding. While WCCH provides essential medical services, its arthritis-specific offerings are limited. The hospital has a general medical-surgical unit and offers basic diagnostic imaging.

* **Arthritis Care:** WCCH primarily focuses on general medical management. Patients with complex arthritis cases may require referral to specialists outside the immediate area.
* **CMS Star Rating:** WCCH does not have a CMS star rating due to its critical access hospital status.
* **ER Wait Times:** The average ER wait time is not readily available, but as a small hospital, it likely varies.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth capabilities are limited.
* **Specialty Centers:** Lacks dedicated specialty centers.

**LewisGale Hospital - Pulaski (Pulaski, VA)**

Approximately 30 minutes from Wytheville, LewisGale Hospital - Pulaski offers a broader range of services. It is part of the LewisGale Regional Health System, which is affiliated with HCA Healthcare.

* **Arthritis Care:** LewisGale Hospital - Pulaski provides general orthopedic services, including some treatment for arthritis. Patients may find access to rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons.
* **CMS Star Rating:** LewisGale Hospital - Pulaski has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.
* **ER Wait Times:** The average ER wait time is approximately 20 minutes.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth options are available.
* **Specialty Centers:** Offers a broader range of services than WCCH, including orthopedic services.

**Carilion New River Valley Medical Center (Christiansburg, VA)**

Located about an hour from Wytheville, Carilion New River Valley Medical Center (NRVMC) in Christiansburg, part of the Carilion Clinic system, is a larger facility with a more comprehensive approach to healthcare.

* **Arthritis Care:** NRVMC has a dedicated orthopedic department that includes specialists who treat arthritis. They offer a range of diagnostic and treatment options, including joint replacement surgery. Access to rheumatology services is available through the Carilion Clinic network.
* **CMS Star Rating:** NRVMC has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.
* **ER Wait Times:** The average ER wait time is approximately 30 minutes.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth services are available through the Carilion Clinic system, offering convenient access to specialists.
* **Specialty Centers:** NRVMC has a broader range of specialty centers, including orthopedics, cardiology, and cancer care.

**Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (Roanoke, VA)**

Approximately 1.5 hours from Wytheville, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (RMH) in Roanoke is the flagship hospital of the Carilion Clinic system. As a Level 1 trauma center and a major referral center for the region, RMH provides advanced care.

* **Arthritis Care:** RMH offers a comprehensive arthritis program, including rheumatology specialists, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapy. They have advanced diagnostic capabilities and are equipped to handle complex cases. RMH also houses the Carilion Clinic Orthopaedics program.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.
* **ER Wait Times:** The average ER wait time is approximately 45 minutes.
* **Telehealth:** RMH offers extensive telehealth services through the Carilion Clinic system, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring.
* **Specialty Centers:** RMH is home to numerous specialty centers, including a dedicated orthopedics center, a cancer center, and a heart and vascular institute.

**University of Virginia Medical Center (Charlottesville, VA)**

While approximately 3 hours from Wytheville, the University of Virginia Medical Center (UVA Medical Center) in Charlottesville is a highly-regarded academic medical center and a potential option for complex arthritis cases.

* **Arthritis Care:** UVA Medical Center offers a world-class rheumatology program with specialists in various types of arthritis. They conduct research and provide advanced treatment options, including clinical trials.
* **CMS Star Rating:** UVA Medical Center has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.
* **ER Wait Times:** The average ER wait time is approximately 40 minutes.
* **Telehealth:** UVA Medical Center offers telehealth services, allowing patients to connect with specialists remotely.
* **Specialty Centers:** UVA Medical Center has a wide range of specialty centers, including a dedicated orthopedics center, a cancer center, and a heart center.

**Comparing the Options: A Summary**

For residents of the 24374 ZIP code, the most readily accessible options are Wythe County Community Hospital and LewisGale Hospital - Pulaski. However, these hospitals have limited specialized arthritis care. Carilion New River Valley Medical Center provides a more comprehensive approach, offering orthopedic services and access to rheumatology through the Carilion Clinic network. Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and the University of Virginia Medical Center offer the most advanced care, but they are located further away.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital**

* **Severity of Arthritis:** Patients with mild to moderate arthritis may find adequate care at a local hospital. Those with complex or severe cases may benefit from the specialized expertise of a larger facility.
* **Physician Expertise:** Research the qualifications and experience of the rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons at each hospital. Look for board certifications and any specializations in specific types of arthritis.
* **Access to Services:** Consider the availability of diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, and other support services.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read online reviews and testimonials from other patients to get an idea of their experiences.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and physicians are in your insurance network.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Telehealth can be a convenient option for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**Key Takeaways**

* The options for arthritis care near ZIP code 24374 vary in scope and specialization.
* Wythe County Community Hospital offers basic care, while LewisGale Hospital - Pulaski provides more orthopedic services.
* Carilion New River Valley Medical Center offers a more comprehensive approach.
* Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and UVA Medical Center provide advanced care, but are further away.
* Patients should consider their individual needs and preferences when choosing a hospital.
* Factor in CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and telehealth capabilities.
* Research physician expertise and patient reviews.
* Verify insurance coverage.

This review provides a starting point for individuals seeking arthritis care near ZIP code 24374. It is essential to consult with your primary care physician and conduct further research to find the best fit for your specific needs.