24211, Abingdon, Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 24211, Abingdon, Virginia is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 24211

This review assesses the overall health landscape for residents near ZIP code 24211, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services. The analysis incorporates data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), publicly available hospital websites, and other reputable sources to provide a comprehensive overview. The goal is to offer a fact-rich evaluation, enabling informed healthcare decisions.

**Defining the Geographic Scope:**

The primary focus is on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of ZIP code 24211, which is associated with the town of Abingdon, Virginia. Due to the rural nature of the area, the review considers facilities within a 50-mile radius, acknowledging that residents may travel further for specialized care.

**Flagship Hospital: Johnston Memorial Hospital**

Johnston Memorial Hospital (JMH), located in Abingdon, VA, serves as the primary healthcare hub for the immediate area. JMH is part of Ballad Health, a large regional health system. As of the latest CMS data, JMH holds a 3-star rating. This rating, while not the highest possible, indicates an average performance across various quality measures. CMS star ratings are based on factors like patient safety, readmission rates, effectiveness of care, and timely and effective care.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

Emergency room wait times are a critical indicator of accessibility and responsiveness. Publicly available data suggests that ER wait times at JMH fluctuate, with averages often hovering around the national average. However, it is important to note that wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the volume of patients. Residents should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours. Ballad Health provides online tools and mobile apps that can help patients check ER wait times.

**Specialty Centers at Johnston Memorial Hospital:**

JMH offers a range of specialty services. These include cardiology, with a focus on heart disease diagnosis and treatment. The hospital also has a comprehensive cancer center, providing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology services. Additionally, JMH has a dedicated women's health center, offering obstetrics, gynecology, and mammography services. Orthopedic care, including joint replacement and sports medicine, is another key specialty.

**Telehealth and Digital Health Initiatives:**

Ballad Health has invested in telehealth initiatives to improve access to care, particularly for residents in rural areas. Telehealth services at JMH include virtual consultations with specialists, remote patient monitoring, and access to behavioral health services. The system has expanded its telehealth offerings during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting a broader trend in healthcare delivery.

**Regional Hospital Options:**

Beyond JMH, residents have access to other hospitals within the broader region. These include facilities within the Ballad Health system, as well as other independent hospitals.

**Bristol Regional Medical Center:**

Bristol Regional Medical Center, located in Bristol, TN, is another major hospital within the Ballad Health system. This hospital is approximately 30 miles from Abingdon. Bristol Regional Medical Center generally has a higher CMS star rating than JMH, indicating a better overall performance on quality metrics. Bristol Regional Medical Center offers a broader range of specialized services than JMH.

**Mountain View Regional Hospital:**

Mountain View Regional Hospital, located in Norton, VA, is approximately 50 miles from Abingdon. It is part of the Norton Community Hospital system. The hospital offers a variety of services, including emergency care, surgical services, and diagnostic imaging. CMS star ratings are not available for Mountain View Regional Hospital.

**Other Considerations:**

**Access to Specialists:**

The availability of specialists is a crucial factor in evaluating healthcare quality. Residents of the 24211 area may need to travel to larger hospitals, such as Bristol Regional Medical Center, for access to certain specialists, including neurologists, endocrinologists, and certain types of surgeons.

**Hospital Readmission Rates:**

Hospital readmission rates are a key indicator of the quality of care and patient outcomes. High readmission rates can suggest problems with discharge planning, post-hospital care, or the management of chronic conditions. Publicly available data on readmission rates for hospitals in the area should be reviewed to understand the performance of each facility.

**Patient Satisfaction:**

Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, provide valuable insights into the patient experience. These surveys assess factors like communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and the overall hospital environment. Patient satisfaction scores can vary among hospitals, and it is important to consider these scores when making healthcare decisions.

**Community Health Needs Assessments:**

Hospitals are required to conduct Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) to identify the health needs of the populations they serve. These assessments can provide information about the prevalence of chronic diseases, access to care barriers, and other health challenges in the 24211 area. Reviewing CHNAs can provide valuable insights into the healthcare landscape.

**Specific Disease Centers:**

Both JMH and Bristol Regional Medical Center have dedicated centers for specific diseases. Bristol Regional Medical Center has a stroke center, certified by the Joint Commission. JMH has a dedicated cancer center. These centers provide specialized care and treatment options for patients with these conditions.

**Surgical Services:**

Both JMH and Bristol Regional Medical Center offer a range of surgical services, including general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and cardiac surgery. The availability of advanced surgical techniques and technologies can vary among hospitals.

**Mental Health Services:**

Access to mental health services is a critical need in many communities. JMH and other hospitals in the area offer mental health services, including inpatient and outpatient care. However, access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists and therapists, may be limited in the rural areas. Telehealth can help to address this.

**Preventive Care:**

Preventive care, such as screenings and vaccinations, is essential for maintaining good health. Hospitals in the area offer preventive care services, but access to these services may be limited by factors such as insurance coverage and transportation.

**Accessibility and Transportation:**

Transportation can be a significant barrier to accessing healthcare in rural areas. Residents of the 24211 area may need to travel long distances to reach hospitals and specialists. Public transportation options may be limited.

**Insurance Coverage:**

Insurance coverage is another important factor to consider. Residents should ensure that the hospitals and specialists they choose are in their insurance network. The availability of affordable health insurance options can impact access to care.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 24211 offers a mix of strengths and weaknesses. Johnston Memorial Hospital serves as a primary care provider, with a range of specialty services and telehealth options. Bristol Regional Medical Center provides a higher level of specialized care. Residents should consider their individual healthcare needs, insurance coverage, and transportation options when making healthcare decisions. ER wait times should be factored in. Access to specialists may require travel. The CMS star ratings, while not the only measure of quality, provide a useful benchmark for comparing hospitals. Overall, the health of residents in the area is dependent on a mix of local resources, regional options, and the ability to navigate the healthcare system effectively. Ongoing monitoring of quality metrics, patient satisfaction, and community health needs is crucial for improving healthcare outcomes.