24236, Damascus, Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 24236, Damascus, Virginia is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 24236

The residents of ZIP code 24236, nestled in the heart of Southwest Virginia, have access to a network of healthcare providers, ranging from large regional medical centers to smaller community hospitals and specialized clinics. Evaluating the “Overall Health Score” for these facilities requires a deep dive into various factors, including quality of care, patient experience, accessibility, and specialized services. This review will analyze the prominent hospitals in the region, focusing on key metrics to provide a comprehensive assessment.

**The Landscape of Care:**

The healthcare landscape surrounding 24236 is largely dominated by two major players: Ballad Health and Carilion Clinic. These integrated health systems operate multiple facilities, offering a broad spectrum of services. Beyond these, smaller community hospitals and specialized clinics provide additional options. The geographical challenges of the region, including mountainous terrain and dispersed populations, influence access to care and the types of services available.

**Ballad Health: A Regional Powerhouse**

Ballad Health, a major force in the region, operates several hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of 24236. These include Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, TN (approximately 30 miles) and Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, TN (approximately 20 miles). Both of these hospitals are flagship facilities within the Ballad Health system.

**Holston Valley Medical Center:** Holston Valley Medical Center, a large regional hospital, boasts a Level II Trauma Center, crucial for handling severe injuries and emergencies. It offers a wide array of specialties, including cardiology, oncology, and surgical services. While the hospital’s specific CMS star rating fluctuates, it generally hovers around three to four stars, reflecting its performance across various quality measures. Patient satisfaction scores, available through sources like the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey, provide insights into the patient experience. These scores can vary, but generally reflect the challenges of providing care in a large, complex environment. ER wait times at Holston Valley Medical Center fluctuate depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. Real-time wait times are often available on the Ballad Health website or through third-party apps, but it is important to note that these can change rapidly. The hospital has invested in telehealth services, offering virtual appointments for various specialties, including primary care and behavioral health, aiming to improve access for patients in remote areas.

**Bristol Regional Medical Center:** Bristol Regional Medical Center, another significant Ballad Health facility, also provides a comprehensive range of services. It has a strong focus on cardiac care, with a dedicated heart center. Like Holston Valley, it also houses a Level II Trauma Center. The CMS star rating for Bristol Regional Medical Center similarly fluctuates, typically falling within the three- to four-star range. The hospital has a robust oncology program, providing advanced cancer treatments. Patient satisfaction scores at Bristol Regional Medical Center are comparable to those at Holston Valley, reflecting the challenges of delivering care in a large health system. ER wait times are variable, and patients should check online resources for the most up-to-date information. Bristol Regional Medical Center has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services to enhance patient care.

**Carilion Clinic: A Growing Presence**

While not as directly accessible to 24236 as the Ballad Health facilities, Carilion Clinic operates hospitals within a reasonable driving distance. Carilion Clinic is a large, integrated health system with a strong reputation for quality.

**Carilion New River Valley Medical Center:** Located in Christiansburg, VA (approximately 70 miles), Carilion New River Valley Medical Center is a regional hospital serving the New River Valley. It offers a broad range of services, including emergency care, surgical services, and specialized programs. The hospital’s CMS star rating is a key indicator of its performance. Patient satisfaction scores are also a critical measure of the patient experience. ER wait times at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center vary, and patients should consult online resources for the most current information. The hospital has embraced telehealth, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring to improve access to care.

**Smaller Community Hospitals and Specialty Clinics:**

Beyond the major health systems, several smaller hospitals and specialty clinics serve the region. These facilities often provide more personalized care and focus on specific medical needs.

**Dickenson County Medical Center:** Located in Clintwood, VA (approximately 30 miles), Dickenson County Medical Center is a critical access hospital serving a rural population. It offers essential services, including emergency care, primary care, and some specialty services. The hospital’s CMS star rating provides an indication of its quality performance. Patient satisfaction is a key focus for this community hospital. ER wait times are variable, and patients should check with the hospital for the most up-to-date information.

**Specialty Clinics:** Various specialty clinics, such as those focusing on cardiology, orthopedics, and behavioral health, are available in the region. These clinics offer specialized care and often have shorter wait times for appointments. The availability of these clinics improves the overall healthcare landscape for the 24236 zip code area.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor:**

ER wait times are a significant concern for patients. Factors such as the time of day, the severity of the patient's condition, and the overall patient volume influence wait times. Online resources and hospital websites often provide real-time or estimated wait times. However, these times are subject to change.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance:**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important in the region, particularly for patients in rural areas. Ballad Health and Carilion Clinic have expanded their telehealth offerings, providing virtual appointments for various specialties. This technology can improve access to care and reduce travel time for patients. Telehealth is particularly beneficial for primary care, behavioral health, and follow-up appointments.

**Accessibility and Transportation:**

Accessibility to healthcare facilities is a critical factor, especially in a region with mountainous terrain and dispersed populations. Transportation options, including personal vehicles and public transportation, influence access to care. The distance to hospitals and clinics can be a significant barrier for some residents.

**Patient Experience: A Key Consideration:**

Patient experience is a vital aspect of healthcare quality. Patient satisfaction scores, derived from the HCAHPS survey, provide insights into the patient's experience. Factors such as communication with healthcare providers, responsiveness of staff, and the cleanliness of the environment influence patient satisfaction.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

The availability of specialty centers and services is a key indicator of the healthcare landscape's comprehensiveness. Cardiology centers, cancer centers, and orthopedic clinics provide specialized care for specific medical needs. The presence of these centers enhances the overall health score for the region.

**Overall Health Score: A Composite Assessment:**

Evaluating the "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near 24236 requires considering several factors. Ballad Health's Holston Valley Medical Center and Bristol Regional Medical Center, and Carilion New River Valley Medical Center offer comprehensive services and access to specialized care. The CMS star ratings for these hospitals provide a general indication of quality, although they do not capture all aspects of care. ER wait times are a significant factor, and patients should check for the most up-to-date information. The expansion of telehealth services is a positive development, improving access to care for patients in rural areas. Patient satisfaction scores provide insights into the patient experience. The presence of specialty clinics and services enhances the overall health score.

**Recommendations:**

Residents of 24236 should research the specific services offered by each hospital and clinic. They should check real-time ER wait times before seeking emergency care. Utilizing telehealth services can improve access to care. Patient reviews and online resources can provide insights into the patient experience. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each facility allows individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare. The healthcare landscape near 24236 is a dynamic one, and continuous monitoring of quality metrics and patient experience is essential.