24228, Clintwood, Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 24228, Clintwood, Virginia is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 24228

Navigating healthcare can feel like traversing a complex maze. For residents near ZIP code 24228, the task involves assessing a range of hospitals, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, incorporating factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and telehealth offerings to offer a comprehensive picture. This information should be considered alongside individual needs and preferences when making healthcare decisions.

**The Landscape: Key Hospitals in the Region**

The area surrounding ZIP code 24228, encompassing the vicinity of Lebanon, Virginia, primarily relies on a network of hospitals that serve a broader regional population. The major players include Ballad Health facilities, as well as smaller community hospitals.

**Ballad Health: A Regional Powerhouse**

Ballad Health is a significant healthcare provider in the region. This integrated system operates multiple hospitals, clinics, and specialized centers, making it a dominant force in the area. Evaluating Ballad Health's facilities requires a nuanced approach, as performance can vary between individual hospitals within the system.

**Holston Valley Medical Center (Kingsport, TN): A Flagship with a Mixed Bag**

Located approximately an hour's drive from 24228, Holston Valley Medical Center is a flagship facility within the Ballad Health system. It holds a three-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a mixed performance across various quality metrics. While Holston Valley excels in some areas, it falls short in others.

Holston Valley boasts a comprehensive cardiac program, offering advanced treatments for heart conditions. Its cardiology department is well-regarded, providing services such as angioplasty and open-heart surgery. The hospital also has a dedicated stroke center, equipped to provide rapid assessment and treatment for stroke patients.

However, Holston Valley's ER wait times can fluctuate. While specific, real-time data is always changing, historical averages suggest that wait times can sometimes exceed regional and national averages. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours.

Holston Valley's telehealth offerings are expanding, providing access to specialists and remote monitoring services. The availability of telehealth options can be particularly beneficial for residents in rural areas, reducing the need for travel. The hospital is actively increasing its virtual care capabilities.

**Bristol Regional Medical Center (Bristol, TN): Another Ballad Health Option**

Bristol Regional Medical Center, another Ballad Health facility, is also within reasonable driving distance of 24228. This hospital also holds a three-star CMS rating, similar to Holston Valley. This indicates a similar overall performance profile, with strengths and weaknesses across different quality indicators.

Bristol Regional offers a range of specialized services, including a cancer center and a women's health center. Its cancer center provides comprehensive care, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. The women's health center offers a variety of services, including obstetrics, gynecology, and mammography.

ER wait times at Bristol Regional are also variable. Patients should anticipate potential delays, although the hospital is working to improve its efficiency. Like Holston Valley, Bristol Regional is investing in telehealth infrastructure, expanding its virtual care options.

**Russell County Medical Center (Lebanon, VA): Serving the Local Community**

Closer to the 24228 ZIP code is Russell County Medical Center, located in Lebanon, Virginia. This hospital serves the immediate community and offers essential services. While it may not possess the same breadth of specialized services as the larger Ballad Health facilities, it plays a crucial role in providing accessible healthcare to local residents.

Russell County Medical Center's CMS star rating is not readily available. However, it is important to note that smaller community hospitals may not be subject to the same level of CMS scrutiny as larger facilities. The hospital's focus is on providing general medical care, including emergency services, inpatient care, and outpatient clinics.

ER wait times at Russell County Medical Center are typically shorter than those at the larger regional hospitals, making it a convenient option for urgent care needs. The hospital is also working to expand its telehealth capabilities.

**Other Considerations: Specialty Centers and Telehealth**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, the region offers access to various specialty centers. These centers may focus on specific areas of medicine, such as rehabilitation, behavioral health, or chronic disease management. Patients with specialized needs should research the availability of these centers and their proximity to 24228.

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in healthcare delivery. Ballad Health and other providers in the region are expanding their telehealth offerings, providing access to specialists and remote monitoring services. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for residents in rural areas, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth options when seeking medical care.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a crucial consideration when evaluating hospitals. Long wait times can delay treatment and worsen patient outcomes. While specific wait times fluctuate constantly, it's essential to research historical averages and understand the potential for delays at each hospital. Websites like the CMS Hospital Compare website and other online resources provide data on ER wait times.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary**

Based on the available information, the hospitals near ZIP code 24228 offer a range of healthcare options. Ballad Health facilities, such as Holston Valley Medical Center and Bristol Regional Medical Center, provide comprehensive services but may have longer ER wait times. Russell County Medical Center offers a more local option with potentially shorter wait times.

**Holston Valley Medical Center:** Three-star CMS rating. Strong cardiology and stroke programs. Variable ER wait times. Expanding telehealth offerings.
**Bristol Regional Medical Center:** Three-star CMS rating. Cancer and women's health centers. Variable ER wait times. Expanding telehealth offerings.
**Russell County Medical Center:** Local community hospital. Shorter ER wait times. Expanding telehealth capabilities. CMS rating not readily available.

The "Overall Health Score" for each hospital is nuanced. Holston Valley and Bristol Regional offer broader services but may have longer wait times. Russell County Medical Center provides convenient access to essential care. The best choice depends on individual needs, the urgency of the situation, and the availability of specialized services.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing a hospital is a personal decision. Residents near 24228 should consider the following factors:

* **Specific medical needs:** Do you require specialized care, such as cardiac services or cancer treatment?
* **Urgency of the situation:** Are you seeking emergency care or a routine appointment?
* **Travel distance:** How far are you willing to travel for care?
* **ER wait times:** Are you prepared for potential delays?
* **Telehealth options:** Do you prefer virtual care options?
* **CMS star ratings:** While not the sole indicator, these ratings provide a general assessment of quality.

By carefully considering these factors and researching the hospitals in the area, residents near 24228 can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. It is always recommended to contact the hospital directly for the most up-to-date information on services, wait times, and telehealth availability. This review serves as a starting point for a more in-depth investigation.