41274, Wittensville, Kentucky Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 41274, Wittensville, Kentucky is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: A Deep Dive into Hospitals Near ZIP Code 41274

Navigating healthcare can feel like traversing a complex labyrinth. For residents near ZIP code 41274 (which encompasses the city of Paintsville, Kentucky, and surrounding areas), understanding the local hospital landscape is crucial. This review provides a fact-rich assessment of the available options, focusing on key performance indicators and offering an "Overall Health Score" based on available data. Due to the nature of healthcare data and its frequent updates, this analysis reflects information available as of October 26, 2023.

**The Landscape: Paintsville and Beyond**

The primary hospital serving the Paintsville area is **Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center (PBRMC)**. While other hospitals may be accessible within a reasonable driving distance, PBRMC serves as the primary point of care for many residents. Evaluating its performance, along with considering options in nearby cities, is essential for informed healthcare decisions.

**Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center: A Closer Look**

PBRMC is a critical access hospital, meaning it receives specific federal funding designed to support hospitals in rural areas. This designation often reflects the vital role these hospitals play in providing essential services to their communities. However, it's important to note that critical access hospitals may not always offer the same breadth of services as larger, urban facilities.

Unfortunately, PBRMC does not currently have a publicly available CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star rating. CMS star ratings are a valuable tool for comparing hospitals based on various quality metrics, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. The absence of a star rating makes direct comparison more challenging, but other data points can still be assessed.

**Emergency Room (ER) Performance:**

ER wait times are a critical indicator of a hospital's ability to manage patient flow and provide timely care. While specific, publicly available ER wait time data for PBRMC is difficult to obtain directly, local news sources and patient reviews can sometimes provide anecdotal insights. It's advisable to check with the hospital directly or consult online resources like the Healthgrades website for the most up-to-date information.

**Specialty Services at PBRMC:**

PBRMC offers a range of services, including:

* **Emergency Services:** As a 24/7 emergency room, PBRMC provides immediate care for urgent medical needs.
* **Surgical Services:** The hospital offers surgical procedures, including general surgery and potentially specialized surgeries.
* **Diagnostic Imaging:** PBRMC has diagnostic imaging capabilities, such as X-rays, CT scans, and potentially MRI.
* **Laboratory Services:** The hospital provides laboratory testing for diagnosis and monitoring of various conditions.
* **Cardiopulmonary Services:** PBRMC offers services related to heart and lung health.
* **Physical Therapy:** Rehabilitation services are available for patients recovering from injuries or illnesses.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Telehealth is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. While specific telehealth statistics for PBRMC are difficult to find, it's important to inquire about their telehealth capabilities. Telehealth can provide access to specialists, remote monitoring, and virtual consultations, improving access to care for patients in the Paintsville area.

**Beyond Paintsville: Exploring Regional Options**

While PBRMC is the primary hospital, residents should be aware of other healthcare options within a reasonable driving distance. These options may offer specialized services or higher CMS ratings.

**Cabell Huntington Hospital (Huntington, WV): A Regional Powerhouse**

Located approximately 100 miles from Paintsville, Cabell Huntington Hospital is a major regional medical center. It is a teaching hospital affiliated with Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. Cabell Huntington Hospital consistently receives high ratings and is a flagship hospital.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Cabell Huntington Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS. While not the highest possible rating, this indicates a generally good level of quality and performance.
* **Specialty Centers:** Cabell Huntington Hospital boasts several specialized centers, including:
* **Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center:** Provides comprehensive cancer care, including diagnosis, treatment, and support services.
* **Heart and Vascular Institute:** Offers advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery.
* **Neuroscience Center:** Specializes in neurological disorders and provides advanced diagnostic and treatment options.
* **Women's Health Services:** Provides comprehensive care for women's health needs.
* **ER Wait Times:** Cabell Huntington Hospital's ER wait times are generally available online through sources like Healthgrades. These wait times can fluctuate, so it's best to check current data before seeking emergency care.
* **Telehealth:** Cabell Huntington Hospital has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This can be a significant benefit for patients in the Paintsville area who may need access to specialists or follow-up care.

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

Located approximately 60 miles from Paintsville, King's Daughters Medical Center (KDMC) is another significant healthcare provider in the region.

* **CMS Star Rating:** KDMC has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Specialty Services:** KDMC offers a broad range of services, including:
* **Heart Care:** KDMC provides comprehensive cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery.
* **Cancer Care:** KDMC offers cancer treatment services, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
* **Orthopedics:** KDMC provides orthopedic care, including joint replacement and sports medicine.
* **Women's Health:** KDMC offers comprehensive women's health services.
* **ER Wait Times:** Like Cabell Huntington Hospital, ER wait times for KDMC are usually available through online resources.
* **Telehealth:** KDMC has a telehealth program, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services.

**Considering Other Factors:**

Beyond hospital ratings and services, several other factors should influence healthcare decisions:

* **Physician Availability:** The availability of specialists and primary care physicians in the Paintsville area is crucial.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospitals and providers you choose are within your insurance network.
* **Patient Experience:** Read patient reviews and testimonials to gauge the quality of care and patient satisfaction.
* **Transportation:** Consider the distance and ease of access to each hospital, especially for emergency situations.

**Overall Health Score: A Tentative Assessment**

Due to the limited data available for PBRMC, a direct comparison is challenging. However, based on the available information and the presence of regional options, a tentative "Overall Health Score" can be offered.

* **Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center:** Without a CMS star rating, a comprehensive assessment of PBRMC's quality is difficult. The availability of essential services, including emergency care, is a positive factor. The hospital's critical access designation highlights its importance to the community. However, the lack of publicly available data makes it difficult to assess its performance in areas like patient safety and outcomes.
* **Cabell Huntington Hospital:** With a 3-star CMS rating and a wide array of specialty services, Cabell Huntington Hospital offers a higher level of care. Its telehealth program is a significant advantage.
* **King's Daughters Medical Center:** KDMC also has a 3-star CMS rating and a comprehensive range of services.

**Recommendations:**

Residents of the 41274 ZIP code should:

* **Prioritize preventative care:** Establish a relationship with a primary care physician for regular check-ups and screenings.
* **Research specialists:** If you have specific healthcare needs, investigate the availability of specialists in the area or at regional hospitals.
* **Consider all options:** Be aware of the services offered by PBRMC, Cabell Huntington Hospital, and KDMC.
* **Check ER wait times:** Before seeking emergency care, check current ER wait times at the closest hospitals.
* **Inquire about telehealth:** Ask your healthcare providers about their telehealth capabilities to improve access to care.
* **Stay informed:** Healthcare data is constantly evolving. Regularly check for updates on hospital ratings and services.

**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. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.