24279, Pound, Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 24279, Pound, Virginia is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 24279

This review assesses the overall health and healthcare accessibility for residents near ZIP code 24279, focusing on hospital quality, services, and patient experience. The analysis considers factors such as CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, telehealth availability, and other relevant metrics. Due to the rural nature of the area, the focus is on the closest and most relevant facilities, recognizing that residents may travel further for specialized care.

**Proximity and Primary Care Landscape**

The ZIP code 24279, representing the town of Saltville, Virginia, is located in Smyth County, a region characterized by its rural setting. This geographical context significantly influences healthcare access. Residents often rely on smaller, community-based hospitals and clinics for primary care and routine medical needs. The availability of primary care physicians and specialists within a reasonable driving distance is a crucial factor in assessing the overall health score.

**Flagship Hospital: Johnston Memorial Hospital**

Johnston Memorial Hospital (JMH), located in Abingdon, Virginia (approximately 25-30 miles from Saltville), serves as a critical healthcare provider for the region. As a flagship hospital, JMH offers a wider range of services than smaller community facilities. It is essential to analyze its performance and impact on the health of the 24279 ZIP code population.

**Johnston Memorial Hospital: CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics**

Johnston Memorial Hospital's CMS star rating is a key indicator of its overall quality. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings based on various quality measures, including patient safety, mortality rates, readmission rates, and patient experience. The current star rating provides a snapshot of the hospital's performance compared to other hospitals nationwide. It's crucial to note that ratings can fluctuate, so the most recent data is essential. Beyond the star rating, specific quality metrics like hospital-acquired infection rates (e.g., C. difficile, MRSA), surgical outcomes, and adherence to best practices in treating conditions like heart failure and pneumonia are all important. These metrics offer a more granular understanding of the hospital's performance.

**Emergency Room Performance: Wait Times and Efficiency**

Emergency room (ER) wait times are a significant concern for patients. Long wait times can lead to increased anxiety, delayed treatment, and potentially worse outcomes. Data on average ER wait times at JMH is essential, along with the percentage of patients seen within a specific timeframe (e.g., within 30 minutes). The efficiency of the ER, including the time it takes to register, be seen by a provider, and receive treatment, is crucial. Analyzing the ER's staffing levels, triage protocols, and availability of diagnostic services (e.g., X-ray, CT scans) provides a more complete picture.

**Specialty Centers and Services at Johnston Memorial Hospital**

The availability of specialized services significantly impacts the healthcare options for residents near 24279. JMH likely offers a range of specialties, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health. The quality of these specialty centers is assessed through factors like board-certified physicians, advanced technology, and patient outcomes. Specific programs, such as a cardiac catheterization lab or a comprehensive cancer center, are particularly important. The hospital's ability to provide advanced surgical procedures, such as minimally invasive surgery, is also a key consideration.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care Initiatives**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telehealth can improve access to specialists, provide remote monitoring, and offer convenient follow-up appointments. The availability of telehealth services at JMH, including the types of specialties offered via telehealth (e.g., mental health, dermatology), the ease of access to these services, and patient satisfaction with telehealth experiences, is an important factor. The hospital's integration of telehealth into its overall care model and its ability to provide virtual consultations and remote monitoring are key.

**Other Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities in the Region**

While JMH is a primary provider, it's crucial to examine other healthcare facilities within a reasonable distance of 24279. This includes smaller community hospitals, urgent care centers, and outpatient clinics. The services offered by these facilities, their quality ratings, and their impact on the overall healthcare landscape should be considered.

**Smyth County Community Hospital:** This smaller hospital, if located in the immediate vicinity, may provide basic services and stabilize patients before transferring them to JMH for more advanced care. Assessing its services and its relationship with JMH is crucial.

**Urgent Care Centers and Outpatient Clinics:** The availability of urgent care centers and outpatient clinics offers alternative options for non-emergency medical needs. These facilities can help reduce ER overcrowding and provide convenient access to care.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction**

Patient experience is a critical aspect of healthcare quality. Surveys and feedback from patients provide valuable insights into their satisfaction with the care they received. This includes factors such as communication with doctors and nurses, the cleanliness of the hospital, the availability of information, and the overall feeling of being cared for. Reviewing patient satisfaction scores, such as those collected by CMS or other patient experience surveys, is essential.

**Accessibility and Affordability**

Healthcare accessibility encompasses more than just the physical proximity of hospitals. It includes factors like insurance coverage, the availability of financial assistance programs, and transportation options. The affordability of healthcare services is a major concern for many residents. The hospital's participation in insurance networks, its pricing transparency, and its ability to offer financial assistance to patients who cannot afford care are important considerations. Transportation options to and from hospitals and clinics, especially for those without personal vehicles, are also crucial.

**Public Health and Community Health Initiatives**

The overall health score is also influenced by public health initiatives and community health programs. These programs address health disparities, promote preventative care, and improve the overall health of the population. Assessing the presence and effectiveness of public health programs in Smyth County, such as health education campaigns, chronic disease management programs, and mental health services, is essential. The hospital's involvement in these initiatives and its partnerships with community organizations are also important.

**Mental Health Services**

Mental health services are a critical component of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is crucial. Assessing the hospital's mental health services, including inpatient and outpatient programs, crisis intervention services, and access to substance abuse treatment, is important. The integration of mental health services into primary care settings and the availability of telehealth options for mental health consultations are also significant factors.

**Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation Services**

The availability of long-term care facilities and rehabilitation services is essential for patients who require extended care or recovery after an illness or injury. Assessing the availability of skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health care services in the region is important. The quality of these services, including staffing levels, patient outcomes, and patient satisfaction, is also a key consideration.

**Impact of Socioeconomic Factors**

The socioeconomic factors of the 24279 ZIP code area significantly impact health outcomes. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, limited educational opportunities, and other social determinants of health can contribute to health disparities. Understanding these factors and their impact on healthcare access and outcomes is crucial. The hospital's awareness of these factors and its efforts to address them through community outreach and other initiatives are important considerations.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

Based on the available data, the overall health score for residents near ZIP code 24279 is likely influenced by the quality of care at Johnston Memorial Hospital, the accessibility of specialty services, the availability of telehealth options, and the impact of socioeconomic factors. The CMS star rating of JMH, ER wait times, and patient satisfaction scores are key indicators of quality. The availability of primary care physicians, specialists, and mental health services within a reasonable distance is crucial. Telehealth services and community health initiatives can improve access to care, especially in a rural setting. The overall health score is also affected by the socioeconomic factors of the area, including poverty, access to healthy food, and educational opportunities. Residents should research JMH’s current CMS rating, ER wait times, and specialty services to make informed decisions about their healthcare. They should also explore available telehealth options and community health resources.