24216, Appalachia, Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 24216, Appalachia, Virginia is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 24216

This review assesses the healthcare landscape surrounding ZIP code 24216, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and key performance indicators to provide an “Overall Health Score.” The analysis considers factors crucial to patient well-being, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and the availability of telehealth options. The goal is to provide a clear, fact-based overview for residents seeking healthcare within this region.

**Defining the Scope:**

ZIP code 24216, encompassing the town of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, sits within a geographically diverse area. Healthcare access can be challenging due to rurality. This review will prioritize hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, acknowledging the importance of regional healthcare networks.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on quality measures. These ratings offer a valuable, albeit simplified, snapshot of hospital performance. The nearest hospitals with CMS star ratings are crucial to this analysis.

**Norton Community Hospital (Norton, VA):** Located approximately 20 miles from Big Stone Gap, Norton Community Hospital is a primary care facility. It is a critical access hospital, which means it receives special funding due to its rural location. CMS data is limited for critical access hospitals. While a CMS star rating is not available, the hospital's performance can be evaluated through other publicly available data, such as patient satisfaction scores and quality metrics reported to the Virginia Department of Health.

**Mountain View Regional Hospital (Norton, VA):** This hospital is also located in Norton, VA, and is a part of the Ballad Health system. Ballad Health is a large regional healthcare network. The hospital's CMS star rating and performance metrics are key factors in evaluating healthcare options.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Metric:**

Emergency room wait times are a significant indicator of hospital efficiency and patient access to urgent care. Shorter wait times translate to quicker treatment and improved patient outcomes, particularly in emergency situations. Data on ER wait times is publicly available through sources like the CMS Hospital Compare website and individual hospital websites.

**Norton Community Hospital:** As a critical access hospital, it is important to check the hospital's website for specific ER wait times. These times can fluctuate.

**Mountain View Regional Hospital:** It is important to check the hospital's website for specific ER wait times.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Beyond general care, the availability of specialized services is crucial. This includes cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health. The presence of dedicated specialty centers significantly impacts the quality of care available locally.

**Norton Community Hospital:** Offers a range of services including emergency care, laboratory services, and imaging. It may have limited specialized services.

**Mountain View Regional Hospital:** As a part of Ballad Health, this hospital likely has a wider range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and surgical services. The specifics should be confirmed on the hospital's website.

**Telehealth and Remote Healthcare:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. It provides access to specialists and consultations without the need for travel. The availability and utilization of telehealth services are key components of a modern healthcare system.

**Norton Community Hospital:** Telehealth options may be available, but it is important to verify the specific services offered.

**Mountain View Regional Hospital:** As part of a larger health system, Mountain View Regional Hospital likely offers a broader range of telehealth services, potentially including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists via video.

**Patient Satisfaction and Experience:**

Patient satisfaction scores, often gathered through surveys like the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), provide insight into the patient experience. These scores reflect how patients perceive the care they receive, including communication, responsiveness, and overall satisfaction.

**Norton Community Hospital:** Patient satisfaction scores are available on the hospital's website.

**Mountain View Regional Hospital:** Patient satisfaction scores are available on the hospital's website.

**Community Health Needs Assessment:**

Local health needs assessments, conducted by hospitals and health departments, identify the most pressing health challenges within the community. These assessments inform resource allocation and program development, ultimately impacting the overall health of the population.

**Norton Community Hospital:** Information on the hospital's Community Health Needs Assessment is available on its website.

**Mountain View Regional Hospital:** Information on the hospital's Community Health Needs Assessment is available on its website.

**Financial Considerations and Affordability:**

Healthcare costs and insurance coverage significantly impact access to care. Understanding the financial aspects of healthcare is crucial for patients. This includes accepting insurance plans, providing financial assistance, and offering transparent pricing information.

**Norton Community Hospital:** It is important to check the hospital's website for information on accepted insurance plans and financial assistance programs.

**Mountain View Regional Hospital:** It is important to check the hospital's website for information on accepted insurance plans and financial assistance programs.

**Accessibility and Transportation:**

Geographic accessibility is a major factor in rural areas. Transportation options, including public transportation and patient transportation services, impact access to care.

**Norton Community Hospital:** Check the hospital's website for information on transportation services.

**Mountain View Regional Hospital:** Check the hospital's website for information on transportation services.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The "Overall Health Score" will be a qualitative assessment based on the factors outlined above. It will consider the following:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** If available, these are a primary indicator of quality.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter wait times are preferable.
* **Specialty Services:** The availability of a wide range of services is beneficial.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Increased telehealth options enhance access.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Higher scores indicate a positive patient experience.
* **Community Health Needs:** Addressing local health challenges is crucial.
* **Financial Considerations:** Transparent pricing and financial assistance are important.
* **Accessibility:** Transportation options and geographic proximity are essential.

**Caveats and Limitations:**

This review relies on publicly available data. Information can change, and it is essential to verify the most up-to-date information directly with the hospitals. The "Overall Health Score" is a general assessment and may not reflect individual patient experiences.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 24216 presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. While the presence of critical access hospitals and a regional healthcare system provides a foundation for care, residents should actively research and compare services, considering their individual needs and preferences. The "Overall Health Score" for this area is highly dependent on the performance of the local hospitals. Further research is needed to assess the specific services offered by each hospital and the level of access for the community.