41725, Carrie, Kentucky Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 41725, Carrie, Kentucky is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 41725

This review provides an overall health score assessment of hospitals serving the region surrounding ZIP code 41725, a rural area in southeastern Kentucky. The evaluation considers factors crucial to patient well-being, including hospital quality ratings, emergency room efficiency, specialized services, and telehealth accessibility. The analysis aims to offer residents a comprehensive understanding of their healthcare options.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The healthcare landscape in this region is characterized by a mix of community hospitals and regional medical centers. Proximity to larger facilities in neighboring states, such as West Virginia and Tennessee, also influences patient choices. Access to specialized care can be limited in rural areas, making the quality of local hospitals and the availability of telehealth critical factors.

**Key Hospitals and Their Performance:**

**1. Pikeville Medical Center (Pikeville, KY):**

Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) stands as a prominent healthcare provider in the region. PMC is a large, regional referral center. PMC has a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While the 3-star rating indicates areas for improvement, PMC offers a broad range of services.

PMC boasts a Level II Trauma Center, critical for handling severe injuries and emergencies. The hospital's emergency room (ER) wait times are a crucial metric. Data suggests that ER wait times at PMC can fluctuate, but generally reflect the challenges of serving a large patient population in a rural setting. PMC has invested in various specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. PMC's cardiology program is well-regarded, offering advanced cardiac interventions. The oncology department provides comprehensive cancer treatment, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Orthopedic services include joint replacement and sports medicine.

Telehealth is increasingly important in rural healthcare. PMC has expanded its telehealth offerings, allowing patients to access specialists remotely. Telehealth services include virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to behavioral health specialists. PMC has also invested in advanced imaging technology, including MRI and CT scanners.

**2. Whitesburg Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) Hospital (Whitesburg, KY):**

Whitesburg ARH Hospital, part of the Appalachian Regional Healthcare system, is another key provider in the area. ARH is a network of hospitals serving the Appalachian region. Whitesburg ARH Hospital has a CMS rating of 3 stars.

ARH hospitals generally focus on providing comprehensive primary care services. Whitesburg ARH Hospital offers a range of medical and surgical services. ER wait times at Whitesburg ARH Hospital are a significant factor for patients. The hospital's ER is often a critical point of access for the community. Whitesburg ARH Hospital provides services such as obstetrics, gynecology, and general surgery.

Telehealth services are available, providing access to specialists and follow-up care. The hospital has invested in diagnostic imaging and laboratory services.

**3. Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center (Hazard, KY):**

Located approximately 30 miles from 41725, Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center serves as a regional referral center. Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center has a CMS rating of 2 stars.

Hazard ARH offers a range of medical and surgical services. ER wait times are a critical factor for patients. The hospital's ER is often a point of access for the community. Hazard ARH provides services such as cardiology, oncology, and general surgery.

Telehealth services are available, providing access to specialists and follow-up care. The hospital has invested in diagnostic imaging and laboratory services.

**4. Other Considerations:**

**a. Regional Hospitals:** Residents may also seek care at hospitals in neighboring states, such as West Virginia and Tennessee, particularly for specialized services.

**b. Outpatient Clinics and Urgent Care Centers:** The availability of outpatient clinics and urgent care centers provides alternative options for less severe medical needs.

**c. Critical Access Hospitals:** Some smaller, rural hospitals in the area may be designated as Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs). CAHs are designed to provide essential services in remote areas.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

ER wait times are a critical indicator of hospital efficiency and access to care. Data on ER wait times can vary, but generally reflect the challenges of serving a rural population. Hospitals with shorter wait times are often preferred by patients. Factors influencing ER wait times include patient volume, staffing levels, and the complexity of cases.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

The availability of specialized services is a key factor in assessing hospital quality. Cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and behavioral health are essential specialties. Hospitals with advanced cardiology programs can provide life-saving interventions for heart conditions. Oncology departments offer comprehensive cancer treatment. Orthopedic services address musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Behavioral health services are crucial for addressing mental health needs.

**Telehealth Accessibility:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in rural healthcare. Telehealth allows patients to access specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel. Telehealth services include virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to behavioral health specialists. Hospitals that have invested in telehealth are better positioned to serve their communities.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient experience and satisfaction are important indicators of hospital quality. Patient surveys and feedback provide valuable insights into the quality of care. Hospitals that prioritize patient experience often have higher satisfaction scores. Factors influencing patient experience include communication, compassion, and the overall environment.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the available data, the overall health score for hospitals near ZIP code 41725 is mixed. Pikeville Medical Center, with its Level II Trauma Center and broader range of services, is a leading provider. However, the 3-star CMS rating indicates areas for improvement. Whitesburg ARH Hospital and Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center, with their 3- and 2-star ratings respectively, offer essential services but may have limitations in terms of specialized care. ER wait times are a concern across the region, reflecting the challenges of serving a rural population. Telehealth services are expanding, providing improved access to specialists.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize Hospitals with Stronger CMS Ratings:** Patients should consider hospitals with higher CMS star ratings, as these ratings reflect a broader assessment of quality.
* **Assess ER Wait Times:** Patients should inquire about ER wait times before seeking care, especially for non-emergency situations.
* **Evaluate Specialty Service Needs:** Patients with specific medical needs should research the availability of specialized services, such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics.
* **Explore Telehealth Options:** Patients should consider telehealth options for convenient access to specialists and follow-up care.
* **Consider Proximity and Travel Time:** Travel time to hospitals and specialists should be a factor in decision-making, especially in emergencies.
* **Review Patient Reviews and Feedback:** Patients should research patient reviews and feedback to gain insights into the experiences of others.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 41725 presents a range of options, with PMC being a flagship facility. However, challenges remain in terms of access to specialized care and ER wait times. Residents should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences when selecting a healthcare provider. Ongoing efforts to improve hospital quality, expand telehealth services, and address access issues are essential for improving the overall health of the community.