26282, Monterville, West Virginia Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 26282, Monterville, West Virginia is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Score: Decoding Hospital Care Near ZIP Code 26282

Navigating healthcare, especially when managing a condition like hypertension (high blood pressure), requires informed decisions. This review provides a fact-rich analysis of hospitals serving residents near ZIP code 26282 (Parsons, West Virginia), focusing on key factors relevant to hypertension care. This isn't an endorsement, but a data-driven assessment to empower individuals in their healthcare choices.

**Understanding the Landscape: The Importance of Proximity and Access**

Residents of Parsons, a rural community, often prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities. Distance can impact timely access to emergency services, follow-up appointments, and specialized care. This review considers hospitals within a reasonable driving radius, acknowledging the challenges of rural healthcare access.

**Key Considerations for Hypertension Care:**

Effective hypertension management demands a multifaceted approach, including prompt diagnosis, consistent medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring. The hospitals evaluated are assessed on their capacity to deliver these critical components.

**Hospital Profiles: A Data-Driven Overview**

The following hospitals are examined based on publicly available data, including Medicare.gov's Hospital Compare data, and other reliable sources. Data accuracy is paramount, but information can change. Always verify information directly with the hospital.

**1. Davis Medical Center (Elkins, WV): A Regional Hub**

Davis Medical Center (DMC), located approximately 30 miles from Parsons, serves as a regional hub for healthcare in the area. It is a critical access hospital, meaning it receives special funding to support its rural service area. DMC holds a **3-star rating from CMS**, indicating its overall quality of care. This rating is based on a range of factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

DMC's emergency department (ED) is a crucial point of access. While specific ED wait times fluctuate, it's essential to inquire about current wait times at the time of need. The hospital has a cardiology department, which is vital for hypertension management. It is important to confirm the availability of cardiologists, and the hospital's capacity to perform diagnostic tests such as echocardiograms and stress tests. DMC offers telehealth services, which can be beneficial for follow-up appointments and medication management, especially for patients in remote areas. Check the availability of telehealth options with the cardiology department.

**2. Mon Health Medical Center (Morgantown, WV): A Larger Tertiary Care Facility**

Mon Health Medical Center, situated roughly 70 miles from Parsons, is a larger, tertiary care facility. It has a **3-star CMS rating**. This hospital offers a broader range of specialized services, including a comprehensive cardiology program. This is a significant advantage for patients with complex hypertension cases or those requiring advanced interventions.

Mon Health's cardiology department provides a full spectrum of services, including cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, and electrophysiology. For hypertension patients, this means access to specialists capable of addressing a wide range of cardiovascular complications. The hospital's ED typically handles a high volume of patients, so inquire about current wait times. Mon Health also offers robust telehealth capabilities, which can be particularly valuable for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Confirm the availability of telehealth consultations with cardiologists and other specialists.

**3. St. Joseph's Hospital (Buckhannon, WV): A Community Hospital**

St. Joseph's Hospital, approximately 45 miles from Parsons, is a community hospital. It does not have a CMS star rating. It is important to check the hospital's performance metrics, such as readmission rates for heart failure or stroke, which are relevant to hypertension management.

St. Joseph's offers a cardiology program, although it may be smaller in scale than those at DMC or Mon Health. Inquire about the availability of cardiologists and the scope of services offered. The ED wait times should be verified at the time of need. Telehealth services may be available, but it's essential to confirm their availability for cardiology appointments.

**4. Preston Memorial Hospital (Kingwood, WV): A Rural Hospital**

Preston Memorial Hospital, located approximately 40 miles from Parsons, is a rural hospital. It does not have a CMS star rating. It is important to check the hospital's performance metrics, such as readmission rates for heart failure or stroke, which are relevant to hypertension management.

Preston Memorial offers a cardiology program, although it may be smaller in scale than those at DMC or Mon Health. Inquire about the availability of cardiologists and the scope of services offered. The ED wait times should be verified at the time of need. Telehealth services may be available, but it's essential to confirm their availability for cardiology appointments.

**Evaluating Key Metrics for Hypertension Care:**

Beyond hospital ratings, several specific metrics are crucial when assessing a hospital's suitability for hypertension care.

* **Cardiology Expertise:** The availability of board-certified cardiologists is paramount. Inquire about the number of cardiologists, their subspecialties (e.g., interventional cardiology, electrophysiology), and their experience.
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** Access to advanced diagnostic tools, such as echocardiograms, stress tests, and cardiac catheterization, is essential for accurate diagnosis and monitoring.
* **Medication Management:** Does the hospital have a robust pharmacy service? Does it provide medication counseling and support?
* **Patient Education:** Effective hypertension management requires patient education. Inquire about the hospital's patient education programs, including classes on diet, exercise, and medication adherence.
* **Telehealth Integration:** Telehealth can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. Confirm the availability of telehealth consultations with cardiologists and other relevant specialists.
* **Emergency Department Performance:** ED wait times are a critical factor, especially in emergencies. Inquire about average wait times and the hospital's protocols for managing patients with cardiovascular emergencies.
* **Readmission Rates:** High readmission rates for heart failure or stroke can indicate potential deficiencies in care. Review these rates on Hospital Compare or other sources.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth offers a significant advantage for residents of rural areas. It can facilitate remote consultations with cardiologists, medication management, and lifestyle coaching. Inquire about each hospital's telehealth capabilities, including the platforms used, the types of appointments available, and the insurance coverage.

**The Role of Primary Care Physicians:**

While this review focuses on hospitals, the role of a primary care physician (PCP) is crucial in hypertension management. Your PCP will typically be your first point of contact for diagnosis, medication management, and routine monitoring. They will also coordinate referrals to specialists if needed.

**Making Informed Decisions:**

Choosing the right hospital for hypertension care is a personal decision. This review provides a framework for evaluating hospitals near ZIP code 26282. Consider the following steps:

1. **Consult Your PCP:** Discuss your healthcare needs and preferences with your primary care physician. They can provide valuable recommendations.
2. **Research Hospitals:** Use the information in this review and other resources, such as Medicare.gov's Hospital Compare, to research the hospitals in your area.
3. **Contact Hospitals:** Call the hospitals and ask specific questions about their cardiology services, ED wait times, telehealth options, and patient education programs.
4. **Consider Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospitals you are considering are in your insurance network.
5. **Make an Informed Choice:** Based on your research and discussions with your PCP, make an informed decision about the hospital that best meets your needs.

**Conclusion:**

Managing hypertension effectively requires a proactive approach. This review provides a foundation for understanding the healthcare landscape near ZIP code 26282. By utilizing this information and engaging in open communication with your healthcare providers, you can make informed decisions that support your health and well-being. Remember that healthcare is dynamic, and continuous monitoring and adaptation are essential for optimal outcomes.