26257, Coalton, West Virginia Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 26257, Coalton, West Virginia is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Havens: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 26257

Navigating the healthcare landscape, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, demands informed decisions. This review focuses on hospitals in proximity to ZIP Code 26257 (Elkins, West Virginia), providing a fact-rich overview to assist in choosing the best care for individuals with high blood pressure. The focus is on readily available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities.

**The Regional Landscape: A Limited Palette**

The immediate vicinity of Elkins presents a relatively limited choice of hospitals. The landscape is dominated by smaller, community-focused facilities, and the options for specialized care, particularly in cardiology, are more geographically dispersed. This necessitates a broader consideration of facilities within a reasonable driving distance, particularly for those requiring advanced interventions.

**Davis Medical Center: The Local Anchor**

Davis Medical Center (DMC), located in Elkins, is the primary healthcare provider for the immediate area. DMC is a 96-bed acute care facility. As of the latest publicly available data, DMC does not have a CMS star rating. This rating, assigned by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), reflects a hospital's overall quality of care based on various metrics. While the absence of a star rating doesn’t inherently indicate poor care, it does limit the ability to compare DMC directly with hospitals that have received ratings.

Emergency room wait times are a crucial consideration. Publicly available data on DMC's ER wait times is not consistently updated. Patients should check the hospital's website or call the ER directly for the most current information. DMC offers a range of services, including cardiology, but the scope of specialized cardiology services may be limited compared to larger regional centers. DMC is also expanding its telehealth offerings, which is essential for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Telehealth can facilitate remote monitoring, medication management, and follow-up appointments, improving access to care, especially for those in rural areas.

**West Virginia University Medicine – St. Joseph’s Hospital (Buckhannon): A Nearby Option**

Approximately an hour's drive from Elkins lies West Virginia University Medicine – St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon. St. Joseph’s Hospital is a 112-bed facility. St. Joseph’s Hospital currently does not have a CMS star rating. Information on ER wait times is not consistently updated. St. Joseph's Hospital offers a range of services, including cardiology. Telehealth services are available at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

**Regional Considerations: Expanding the Search**

Given the limitations in the immediate vicinity of Elkins, patients may need to consider hospitals further afield to access specialized cardiology services and potentially shorter ER wait times. This is especially important for individuals with complex hypertension or those requiring advanced interventions.

**United Hospital Center (Clarksburg): A Larger Regional Player**

Located in Clarksburg, United Hospital Center (UHC) is a larger regional facility. UHC has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This rating indicates that UHC performs at an average level compared to other hospitals nationally. UHC's ER wait times are not consistently updated. UHC has a cardiology department that provides a broader range of services than the smaller facilities. UHC has invested in telehealth services.

**Charleston Area: A Hub of Specialized Care**

The state capital, Charleston, is a significant healthcare hub, offering a wider array of specialized services. This necessitates a longer drive, but the potential benefits in terms of access to specialists and advanced treatments may outweigh the travel time for some patients.

**Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC): A Major Referral Center**

Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) is a large health system with multiple campuses. CAMC has a CMS star rating of 2 stars. This rating indicates that CAMC performs below the national average. ER wait times are available. CAMC offers a comprehensive cardiology program, including specialized centers for heart failure, electrophysiology, and interventional cardiology. CAMC has expanded its telehealth services, including remote monitoring programs for patients with chronic conditions like hypertension.

**Selecting the Right Hospital: Key Considerations**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension management involves several factors.

* **Severity of Condition:** Patients with uncomplicated hypertension may be adequately served by local facilities like DMC. Those with complex hypertension, or those requiring advanced interventions, should consider facilities with specialized cardiology programs, such as CAMC.
* **Access to Specialists:** The availability of cardiologists, electrophysiologists, and other specialists is crucial. Patients should inquire about the expertise and experience of the cardiology team at each hospital.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Long wait times can be particularly problematic for individuals experiencing hypertensive crises. Check the most current wait times before seeking care.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth services are valuable for managing hypertension, especially for remote monitoring, medication adjustments, and follow-up appointments. Inquire about the telehealth options offered by each hospital.
* **CMS Star Ratings:** While not the sole determinant of quality, CMS star ratings provide a valuable benchmark for comparing hospitals. Consider the ratings alongside other factors.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the chosen hospital and its specialists are within your insurance network.
* **Patient Reviews and Reputation:** Research patient reviews and the hospital's reputation.

**The Importance of Proactive Management**

Regardless of the hospital chosen, proactive management of hypertension is paramount. This includes regular blood pressure monitoring, adherence to prescribed medications, lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), and regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider.

**Disclaimer:** This review is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Hospital data, including CMS star ratings and ER wait times, is subject to change. Patients should consult with their primary care physician and cardiologists to determine the most appropriate healthcare provider for their individual needs. Always verify the most current information directly with the hospitals.