41271, Williamsport, Kentucky Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 41271, Williamsport, Kentucky is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 41271 (Paintsville, KY)

The health landscape near Paintsville, Kentucky (ZIP code 41271) presents a unique challenge. The region, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, faces well-documented health disparities, including higher rates of chronic diseases and limited access to specialized care. This review assesses the available healthcare options, focusing on their overall health scores, a composite of factors including quality metrics, accessibility, and patient experience. Due to the rural nature of the area, the options are fewer, and residents often travel for specialized care.

**The Core Players: Paintsville's Immediate Healthcare Ecosystem**

The most immediate healthcare provider for residents of 41271 is **Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center** in Paintsville itself. While not a flagship hospital in the traditional sense, it serves as the primary access point for acute care. Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center is a 75-bed facility and the only hospital within Paintsville. It is part of the King's Daughters Health System.

Unfortunately, Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center does not have a CMS star rating available. CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star ratings, while not a perfect measure, offer a standardized way to compare hospitals based on quality of care, patient experience, and other factors. The absence of a rating indicates a lack of sufficient data or potentially, that the hospital does not meet the minimum requirements for the CMS rating system.

**Emergency Room Dynamics:**

ER wait times are a critical indicator of hospital accessibility. Publicly available data on ER wait times for Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center is limited. This lack of readily available data makes it difficult to assess the ER's efficiency. However, in a rural setting, ER wait times can be influenced by factors like staffing shortages and the volume of patients.

**Specialty Care Availability (or Lack Thereof):**

Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center offers a range of general medical services, including internal medicine, surgery, and obstetrics. However, the availability of specialized services, such as cardiology, oncology, and advanced neurology, is limited. Patients needing these specialized services typically need to travel to larger hospitals in the region.

**Telehealth: A Critical Bridge in Rural Healthcare:**

Telehealth services are increasingly vital in rural areas, allowing patients to access specialists remotely. Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center does offer telehealth services. This is particularly important for connecting patients with specialists who may not be readily available locally. However, the breadth and depth of these telehealth offerings, including the types of specialists available and the frequency of consultations, require further investigation.

**Venturing Beyond Paintsville: Regional Hospital Options**

Residents of 41271 often seek care at hospitals located in nearby cities. This includes the **King's Daughters Medical Center** in Ashland, Kentucky. Ashland is approximately 70 miles northeast of Paintsville.

**King's Daughters Medical Center:**

King's Daughters Medical Center is a large regional hospital with a more comprehensive range of services than Paul B. Hall. It is a 465-bed facility and a Level II Trauma Center. King's Daughters Medical Center has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This rating reflects the hospital's performance on a variety of quality measures, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience.

**ER Wait Times at King's Daughters:**

King's Daughters Medical Center's ER wait times are generally longer than those at smaller hospitals. However, the hospital's status as a Level II Trauma Center suggests that it is equipped to handle a higher volume of critical cases.

**Specialty Services at King's Daughters:**

King's Daughters Medical Center offers a wide array of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and orthopedics. It is a regional referral center for many complex medical conditions. The hospital has a dedicated cancer center and a comprehensive heart program.

**Telehealth at King's Daughters:**

King's Daughters Medical Center has a robust telehealth program, providing access to specialists and remote monitoring services. This is particularly beneficial for patients in the surrounding rural areas.

**The Huntington, WV Option:**

Another potential option for residents of 41271 is **Cabell Huntington Hospital** in Huntington, West Virginia. Huntington is approximately 80 miles east of Paintsville.

**Cabell Huntington Hospital:**

Cabell Huntington Hospital is a 303-bed facility. It is a Level I Trauma Center and a teaching hospital affiliated with Marshall University. Cabell Huntington Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.

**ER Wait Times at Cabell Huntington:**

Cabell Huntington Hospital's ER wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. Being a Level I Trauma Center means that the ER is equipped to handle the most critical cases, which can sometimes lead to longer wait times for less urgent conditions.

**Specialty Services at Cabell Huntington:**

Cabell Huntington Hospital offers a broad range of specialty services, including advanced cardiac care, neurosurgery, and comprehensive cancer treatment. The hospital is home to the Hoops Family Children's Hospital.

**Telehealth at Cabell Huntington:**

Cabell Huntington Hospital has a significant telehealth program, particularly in areas like behavioral health and chronic disease management.

**Other Considerations: Outpatient and Ambulatory Care**

Beyond hospitals, the availability of outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, and specialized medical practices is crucial. The Paintsville area has a limited number of these facilities. Residents often travel to larger cities for specialized outpatient services.

**The Role of Community Health Centers:**

Community health centers play a vital role in providing primary care and preventative services to underserved populations. The area surrounding Paintsville has several community health centers, including those affiliated with the Big Sandy Health Care system. These centers offer a range of services, including primary care, dental care, and behavioral health services.

**Access to Specialists:**

The availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, oncologists, and neurologists, is a significant concern in rural areas. Residents of 41271 often need to travel to larger cities like Ashland or Huntington to access these specialists.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient experience is a crucial element of overall health. The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey provides insights into patient satisfaction. Publicly available HCAHPS data for the hospitals discussed above can provide valuable information on patient perceptions of care.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The overall health score for residents near ZIP code 41271 is influenced by a combination of factors: the limited availability of local resources, the need to travel for specialized care, and the health disparities prevalent in the region.

* **Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center:** Serves as a critical access point but lacks a CMS star rating and has limited specialty services. Telehealth is a positive.
* **King's Daughters Medical Center (Ashland):** Offers a broader range of services, a 3-star CMS rating, and a robust telehealth program. Longer ER wait times are a factor.
* **Cabell Huntington Hospital (Huntington):** A Level I Trauma Center with a 3-star CMS rating and extensive specialty services. ER wait times can be variable.

**Conclusion:**

Residents of 41271 have limited choices for local healthcare. While Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center provides essential services, patients often need to travel to larger hospitals like King's Daughters Medical Center or Cabell Huntington Hospital for specialized care. The availability of telehealth services is a critical advantage in this rural setting. The overall health score for the area is impacted by the need for travel, the limited availability of specialists, and the underlying health disparities. Residents should carefully consider their healthcare needs and the available options, weighing factors such as quality ratings, specialty services, and accessibility.