24219, Big Stone Gap, Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 24219, Big Stone Gap, Virginia is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 24219

Finding the right hospital is a critical decision, especially when facing a medical need. For residents near ZIP code 24219, located in the heart of Southwest Virginia, several healthcare facilities offer varying levels of care. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors such as CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities. This is not a ranking, but rather a comparative analysis to aid informed decision-making.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The healthcare landscape in this region is primarily served by a network of hospitals and clinics, often interconnected through larger health systems. Proximity is a significant factor, but evaluating the quality of care is paramount. This review focuses on the major players within a reasonable driving distance, acknowledging that access to specialized care might necessitate travel.

**Carilion New River Valley Medical Center (Christiansburg, VA):**

Carilion New River Valley Medical Center (NRVMC) is a prominent hospital serving the area. It’s a 146-bed facility, and is a part of the larger Carilion Clinic system. NRVMC holds 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 a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it's important to delve deeper into specific areas of strength and weakness.

NRVMC’s Emergency Department (ED) wait times are a crucial consideration. While specific, real-time data fluctuates, the average ED wait time can be a significant factor for patients. Generally, ED wait times in the Carilion system are reported, with the average being around 2 hours. However, these are averages, and individual experiences may vary. NRVMC is equipped to handle a broad range of medical emergencies.

NRVMC offers a range of specialty services. These include cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery. They also have a dedicated women's health center. Telehealth services are available, providing remote access to specialists and follow-up care. Carilion Clinic has been actively expanding its telehealth offerings, particularly in response to the evolving healthcare landscape.

**LewisGale Hospital Montgomery (Blacksburg, VA):**

LewisGale Hospital Montgomery is another key healthcare provider in the region. It is a part of the HCA Healthcare network. The hospital has a **3-star rating** from CMS. LewisGale is a 128-bed facility.

The ED wait times at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery are also a key consideration. While specific, real-time data fluctuates, the average ED wait time can be a significant factor for patients. Generally, ED wait times in the LewisGale system are reported, with the average being around 2 hours. However, these are averages, and individual experiences may vary.

LewisGale Hospital Montgomery offers a comprehensive array of services, including cardiovascular care, cancer treatment, and surgical services. The hospital has a dedicated cardiac catheterization lab. They also offer a range of outpatient services. Telehealth services are integrated into their care model, providing remote consultations and follow-up appointments.

**Specialized Care Considerations:**

For highly specialized care, residents near 24219 may need to travel. This could involve going to larger facilities within the Carilion Clinic network or other regional medical centers.

**Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (Roanoke, VA):**

While further afield, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, a flagship facility within the Carilion Clinic system, is a significant consideration for specialized care. It is a Level 1 trauma center and offers a wide range of advanced medical services. It has a **4-star rating** from CMS.

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital boasts specialized centers for heart and vascular care, cancer treatment, and neuroscience. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by a team of specialists. The hospital also has a dedicated children's hospital.

**Telehealth's Expanding Role:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Both Carilion Clinic and LewisGale Hospital Montgomery have expanded their telehealth services, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists. This can be especially valuable for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and mental health services. The availability and accessibility of telehealth services should be a factor when evaluating healthcare options.

**Other Considerations:**

Beyond the major hospitals, several other factors influence the "Overall Health Score" for residents near 24219.

* **Access to Primary Care:** The availability of primary care physicians and specialists is crucial for preventative care and ongoing health management.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, provide insights into the quality of care and patient experience.
* **Community Health Needs:** Understanding the specific health needs of the community, such as chronic disease prevalence, can help in evaluating the suitability of local healthcare services.
* **Cost of Care:** The cost of medical services, including insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses, is a significant factor for many individuals.
* **Hospital Accreditations:** Accreditation from organizations like The Joint Commission can indicate a commitment to quality and safety standards.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for residents near ZIP code 24219 is influenced by a combination of factors. Carilion New River Valley Medical Center and LewisGale Hospital Montgomery provide essential services, with NRVMC having a 3-star CMS rating and LewisGale Hospital Montgomery also having a 3-star CMS rating. For specialized care, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, with its 4-star CMS rating, is a viable option, albeit requiring travel. ED wait times and telehealth capabilities are crucial considerations. Residents should research specific services, consider their individual health needs, and evaluate patient experiences to make the most informed decisions about their healthcare. The evolving healthcare landscape, with the increasing importance of telehealth and a focus on patient-centered care, will continue to shape the "Overall Health Score" in this region.