41129, Catlettsburg, Kentucky Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 41129, Catlettsburg, Kentucky is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Flatwoods, KY (ZIP Code 41129)

Navigating healthcare can be a daunting task. This review provides an overall health score assessment for hospitals serving the Flatwoods, Kentucky (ZIP code 41129) area, focusing on key metrics like quality, access, and patient experience. This information is crucial for residents seeking the best possible care.

**Defining the Scope:**

The primary focus will be on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of Flatwoods. This includes facilities in Ashland, Huntington (WV), and surrounding areas. The analysis will leverage publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and other reliable sources. The "Overall Health Score" is a composite assessment, considering factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty offerings, telehealth capabilities, and patient satisfaction.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

A cornerstone of any healthcare assessment is the quality of care provided. CMS star ratings are a valuable, though imperfect, tool for comparing hospitals.

**King's Daughters Medical Center (Ashland, KY):** King's Daughters Medical Center (KDMC) is a major regional player. KDMC, with its main campus in Ashland, is a large, comprehensive hospital. As of the most recent data, KDMC has received a **3-star rating** from CMS. This rating reflects performance across various quality metrics, including patient safety, readmission rates, and timely and effective care. It is important to note that CMS ratings are dynamic and can change.

**Cabell Huntington Hospital (Huntington, WV):** Located across the state line, Cabell Huntington Hospital is another significant option for Flatwoods residents. Cabell Huntington Hospital is a large, tertiary care center. Cabell Huntington Hospital currently holds a **3-star rating** from CMS.

**St. Mary's Medical Center (Huntington, WV):** St. Mary's Medical Center, also in Huntington, is another major provider in the area. St. Mary's is a large hospital. St. Mary's Medical Center currently holds a **3-star rating** from CMS.

**Emergency Room Wait Times and Access:**

Emergency room wait times are a critical indicator of access to care, especially in urgent situations. Shorter wait times can significantly impact patient outcomes. Data on ER wait times is often available on hospital websites or through platforms like ProPublica's Hospital Compare tool.

**King's Daughters Medical Center:** KDMC generally reports ER wait times that are comparable to, or slightly above, the national average. Specific wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the overall volume of patients. Residents should check KDMC's website or call ahead for real-time updates.

**Cabell Huntington Hospital and St. Mary's Medical Center:** Both Huntington hospitals typically report ER wait times that are also in line with, or slightly above, the national average. Again, real-time data is crucial. Potential patients should consult hospital websites or contact them directly.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

The availability of specialized medical services is a significant factor in assessing a hospital's overall health score. This includes centers for cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, women's health, and other specialized areas.

**King's Daughters Medical Center:** KDMC boasts a comprehensive range of specialty services. It has a well-regarded Heart Institute, an established Cancer Center, and a robust orthopedic program. KDMC also provides advanced surgical options and a dedicated women's health center.

**Cabell Huntington Hospital:** Cabell Huntington Hospital has a strong reputation for its specialty centers. It has a well-regarded Heart and Vascular Institute, a Cancer Center, and a comprehensive orthopedic program. It also offers specialized services in areas like neurosurgery and trauma care.

**St. Mary's Medical Center:** St. Mary's Medical Center offers a wide array of specialized services, including a Heart Institute, a Cancer Center, and orthopedic programs. St. Mary's also has a strong focus on women's health and other specialized services.

**Telehealth and Digital Health Initiatives:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Hospitals that offer robust telehealth programs can improve access to care and provide convenience for patients.

**King's Daughters Medical Center:** KDMC has been actively expanding its telehealth offerings. It provides virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other digital health services. The specifics of their telehealth program are readily available on their website.

**Cabell Huntington Hospital:** Cabell Huntington Hospital has also invested in telehealth initiatives. It offers virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and other digital health options. Information about their telehealth programs can be found on their website.

**St. Mary's Medical Center:** St. Mary's Medical Center has also embraced telehealth. They offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other digital health services. Details on their telehealth program are accessible on their website.

**Patient Satisfaction and Experience:**

Patient satisfaction is a crucial indicator of overall hospital quality. CMS uses patient surveys (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, or HCAHPS) to assess patient experiences.

**King's Daughters Medical Center:** Patient satisfaction scores for KDMC, as reported by CMS, are generally in line with, or slightly below, national averages. Specific scores are available on the CMS Hospital Compare website.

**Cabell Huntington Hospital:** Patient satisfaction scores for Cabell Huntington Hospital, as reported by CMS, are generally in line with, or slightly below, national averages. Specific scores are available on the CMS Hospital Compare website.

**St. Mary's Medical Center:** Patient satisfaction scores for St. Mary's Medical Center, as reported by CMS, are generally in line with, or slightly below, national averages. Specific scores are available on the CMS Hospital Compare website.

**Community Health Needs Assessments:**

Hospitals are increasingly involved in assessing the health needs of their communities. These assessments provide valuable insights into local health challenges and inform hospital priorities.

**King's Daughters Medical Center:** KDMC actively participates in community health needs assessments. These assessments help identify areas of need and guide the hospital's community outreach efforts.

**Cabell Huntington Hospital:** Cabell Huntington Hospital also conducts community health needs assessments, providing insights into the health challenges faced by the local population.

**St. Mary's Medical Center:** St. Mary's Medical Center participates in community health needs assessments, contributing to a better understanding of local health needs.

**Specific Considerations for Flatwoods Residents:**

Residents of Flatwoods, KY, have several options for healthcare, but proximity and ease of access are key considerations.

* **Proximity:** KDMC in Ashland is the closest major hospital.
* **Specialty Needs:** If specialized care is required, the Huntington hospitals (Cabell Huntington and St. Mary's) offer a broader range of services, but require crossing state lines.
* **Transportation:** Consider transportation options, especially for emergencies.
* **Insurance:** Verify that the chosen hospital accepts your insurance plan.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

Based on the available data, the hospitals near Flatwoods, KY, offer a range of healthcare options.

* **King's Daughters Medical Center:** Provides a comprehensive range of services and is the closest major hospital.
* **Cabell Huntington Hospital and St. Mary's Medical Center:** Offer a broader range of specialized services, but are located across the state line.

All three hospitals have CMS ratings of 3 stars. ER wait times are variable and should be checked in real-time. All three hospitals offer telehealth services. Patient satisfaction scores are generally in line with national averages.

**Recommendation:**

For residents of Flatwoods, KY, the "Overall Health Score" assessment suggests that all three hospitals offer viable options. The best choice will depend on individual needs, preferences, and insurance coverage. Residents should research each hospital's specific offerings, check real-time ER wait times, and consider their own healthcare priorities when making a decision. Consulting with a primary care physician is also highly recommended.