41262, Tomahawk, Kentucky Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 41262, Tomahawk, Kentucky is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 41262

The health landscape surrounding ZIP code 41262, encompassing the Paintsville, Kentucky area, presents a complex picture. While the region is served by a limited number of hospitals, understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and accessibility is crucial for residents seeking quality healthcare. This review assesses the key healthcare providers, focusing on factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities, to provide an overall health score perspective.

**The Dominant Player: Paintsville ARH Hospital**

Paintsville ARH Hospital, located within the 41262 ZIP code, serves as the primary healthcare hub for the immediate area. As part of the Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) system, the hospital offers a range of services. However, publicly available data on Paintsville ARH Hospital’s performance, including CMS star ratings, is currently unavailable. This lack of readily accessible data makes a comprehensive assessment challenging.

**Emergency Room Dynamics: A Critical Metric**

Emergency room wait times are a vital indicator of a hospital's efficiency and accessibility. Unfortunately, specific real-time wait time data for Paintsville ARH Hospital is not consistently available through public sources. Patients should contact the hospital directly or utilize online resources like Google or third-party apps to get the most up-to-date information. Longer wait times can indicate overcrowding, staffing shortages, or a high volume of patients, potentially impacting the timeliness of care.

**Specialty Services: Assessing the Depth of Care**

Paintsville ARH Hospital provides a variety of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery. The hospital also offers a labor and delivery unit. Details on the specific scope and volume of these services, such as the number of cardiac procedures performed or the complexity of orthopedic surgeries, are not always readily accessible to the public. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to gauge the hospital's expertise in particular areas.

**Telehealth Integration: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Paintsville. Paintsville ARH Hospital has embraced telehealth to some extent, offering remote consultations and follow-up appointments. The extent of their telehealth offerings, including the specific specialties available and the number of virtual visits conducted, requires further investigation. Telehealth can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in remote locations or those with mobility limitations.

**Beyond Paintsville: Exploring Regional Options**

While Paintsville ARH Hospital is the local focus, residents may seek care at hospitals in neighboring communities. The closest major hospitals are located in Ashland, Kentucky, and Charleston, West Virginia, both of which are within a reasonable driving distance.

**King's Daughters Medical Center (Ashland, KY): A Regional Powerhouse**

King's Daughters Medical Center (KDMC) in Ashland, Kentucky, is a larger, more comprehensive hospital that offers a broader range of services. KDMC has a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating, while not the highest, suggests a level of quality and patient care that is generally considered acceptable.

KDMC boasts a robust emergency department, with wait times that can fluctuate depending on the time of day and patient volume. The hospital's website and online resources provide real-time wait time updates. KDMC also has a Level II Trauma Center, indicating its ability to handle serious injuries and emergencies.

King's Daughters Medical Center has a wide array of specialty centers, including a heart center, a cancer center, and a comprehensive women's health center. The hospital performs a significant volume of complex procedures, such as cardiac interventions and advanced surgical treatments. KDMC has also invested in telehealth infrastructure, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services across several specialties.

**Cabell Huntington Hospital (Huntington, WV): A Beacon of Advanced Care**

Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia, is another regional option, located approximately an hour's drive from Paintsville. Cabell Huntington Hospital, affiliated with Marshall University, is a tertiary care center that provides a high level of specialized care. The hospital does not have a CMS star rating.

Cabell Huntington Hospital's emergency department is well-equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, with wait times that can vary depending on the situation. The hospital's website and other online resources provide information on current wait times.

Cabell Huntington Hospital has a strong reputation for its specialty services, particularly in areas like neurosurgery, cardiology, and cancer treatment. The hospital is home to the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Hoops Family Children's Hospital, offering specialized care for patients of all ages. Cabell Huntington Hospital has also integrated telehealth into its practice, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring capabilities.

**St. Mary's Medical Center (Huntington, WV): Another Huntington Option**

St. Mary's Medical Center, also located in Huntington, West Virginia, offers another option for residents near 41262. St. Mary's does not have a CMS star rating.

St. Mary's offers a comprehensive emergency department and wait times that can vary. The hospital's website or other online resources will provide the most up-to-date information.

St. Mary's offers a variety of specialty services, including a heart center, a cancer center, and a women's health center. The hospital is known for its strong focus on community outreach and patient-centered care. St. Mary's has also embraced telehealth, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services.

**Access to Care: Transportation and Distance**

The geographical distance to these larger hospitals is a significant factor. Residents of Paintsville must consider travel time, particularly in emergency situations. Transportation options, including personal vehicles and ambulance services, play a crucial role in accessing timely medical care. The availability of ambulance services and the proximity of air ambulance facilities are critical considerations in this rural setting.

**Insurance Coverage: Navigating the Financial Landscape**

The acceptance of various insurance plans is a critical aspect of healthcare accessibility. Patients should confirm that their insurance provider is accepted by the hospitals they consider. The availability of financial assistance programs and the hospital's policies on charity care are also important considerations for those with limited financial resources.

**Overall Health Score Considerations: A Summary**

The overall health score for residents near ZIP code 41262 is influenced by several factors. While Paintsville ARH Hospital provides local care, the lack of readily available performance data makes it challenging to assess its quality. The availability of specialty services and the integration of telehealth are key considerations.

The regional hospitals, such as King's Daughters Medical Center, Cabell Huntington Hospital, and St. Mary's Medical Center, offer a broader range of services and greater specialization. However, the distance to these hospitals and the potential for longer travel times, especially in emergencies, must be factored into the overall assessment.

**Recommendations for Patients:**

* **Research Thoroughly:** Before seeking care, patients should research the hospitals in their area, considering factors like CMS star ratings (if available), specialty services offered, and telehealth capabilities.
* **Check Wait Times:** Patients should check real-time emergency room wait times online or by calling the hospitals directly.
* **Verify Insurance:** Patients should confirm that their insurance plan is accepted by the hospital and any specialists they may need to see.
* **Consider Telehealth:** Explore telehealth options to access care remotely, particularly for follow-up appointments or consultations.
* **Plan for Transportation:** Consider transportation options, including personal vehicles, ambulance services, and the potential for longer travel times to regional hospitals.
* **Ask Questions:** Don't hesitate to ask healthcare providers questions about their services, expertise, and patient outcomes.
* **Stay Informed:** Keep abreast of local healthcare developments and changes in hospital services.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 41262 presents a mixed bag. While local options exist, regional hospitals offer a wider array of services. Patients should carefully weigh the factors discussed in this review, considering their individual needs and circumstances, to make informed decisions about their healthcare. The overall health score is ultimately determined by a combination of local resources, regional accessibility, and the patient's ability to navigate the system effectively.