24282, Saint Charles, Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 24282, Saint Charles, Virginia is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 24282

Navigating healthcare can be daunting, especially when facing a medical need. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near ZIP code 24282 (Saltville, Virginia), focusing on key metrics like quality, accessibility, and patient experience. This information aims to empower residents with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their care.

**The Landscape of Care: Proximity and Options**

Saltville, Virginia, is a rural community, and the availability of extensive healthcare services directly within the town is limited. Residents typically rely on hospitals in neighboring towns and cities. The primary focus of this review will be on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, considering factors like travel time and the availability of specialized services.

**Flagship Hospitals: Quality and Reputation**

The most prominent hospital serving the region is **Ballad Health**, a large integrated health system with multiple facilities. While no single Ballad Health hospital is immediately adjacent to Saltville, several are accessible. Ballad Health operates multiple hospitals, and their performance varies.

**Holston Valley Medical Center (Kingsport, TN):** Located approximately 45 minutes from Saltville, Holston Valley is a flagship facility within the Ballad Health system. It boasts a **4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**, indicating above-average performance in areas like patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. Holston Valley offers a wide range of services, including a comprehensive heart program, a cancer center, and a Level II Trauma Center.

**Bristol Regional Medical Center (Bristol, TN):** Situated about an hour from Saltville, Bristol Regional is another major Ballad Health facility. It also holds a **4-star CMS rating**. Bristol Regional is known for its advanced surgical capabilities, including robotic surgery, and its specialized centers for stroke care and women's health.

**Patient Safety and Outcomes: A Crucial Consideration**

CMS star ratings provide a valuable snapshot of hospital performance. These ratings are based on a variety of factors, including patient safety, readmission rates, and mortality rates. Hospitals with higher star ratings generally demonstrate better outcomes and a commitment to patient safety. The presence of a Level II Trauma Center at Holston Valley is particularly important, as it signifies the hospital's ability to handle serious injuries and emergencies.

**Emergency Room Performance: Time is of the Essence**

Emergency room (ER) wait times are a critical indicator of accessibility and efficiency. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, understanding the general performance of hospitals in the area is essential.

**Holston Valley Medical Center:** Holston Valley's ER typically experiences wait times that are in line with the national average. However, wait times can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the volume of patients. Checking online resources or calling the hospital directly for current wait times before heading to the ER is advisable.

**Bristol Regional Medical Center:** Bristol Regional's ER wait times are often comparable to those at Holston Valley. Again, it is crucial to verify current wait times before seeking care.

**Specialty Centers: Addressing Specific Needs**

The presence of specialized centers is a significant advantage for patients with specific medical needs. Both Holston Valley and Bristol Regional offer a range of specialty services.

**Cardiovascular Care:** Both hospitals have robust cardiology programs, offering diagnostic testing, interventional procedures, and cardiac rehabilitation.

**Cancer Care:** Holston Valley and Bristol Regional have comprehensive cancer centers, providing a range of treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.

**Women's Health:** Bristol Regional has a dedicated women's health center, offering services such as obstetrics, gynecology, and mammography.

**Stroke Care:** Both hospitals are certified stroke centers, equipped to provide rapid diagnosis and treatment for stroke patients.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth services are increasingly important, particularly in rural areas where access to specialists can be limited. Ballad Health has invested in telehealth capabilities.

**Telehealth Availability:** Ballad Health offers telehealth consultations for various specialties, including primary care, behavioral health, and certain specialist appointments. This can significantly reduce the need for travel and improve access to care. The availability of telehealth services is particularly beneficial for residents of Saltville, as it can connect them with specialists who may not be readily available locally.

**Patient Experience: Beyond Clinical Outcomes**

Patient experience is a crucial aspect of healthcare. It encompasses factors like communication, responsiveness, and the overall feeling of being cared for. CMS star ratings include patient experience scores based on patient surveys.

**Patient Feedback:** Both Holston Valley and Bristol Regional have received generally positive feedback in patient surveys, indicating a commitment to providing a positive patient experience. However, it's essential to remember that individual experiences can vary.

**Accessibility and Affordability: Navigating the System**

Access to healthcare includes not just proximity but also affordability. Understanding insurance coverage and the hospital's financial assistance policies is crucial.

**Insurance Acceptance:** Both Holston Valley and Bristol Regional accept a wide range of insurance plans. Patients should verify their insurance coverage with the hospital before receiving care.

**Financial Assistance:** Both hospitals offer financial assistance programs for patients who qualify. Information about these programs is typically available on the hospital's website or through the patient financial services department.

**Other Hospitals to Consider (Within Driving Distance)**

While Ballad Health facilities are the primary focus, other hospitals within a reasonable driving distance may offer specific services or be a good option for certain needs.

**Norton Community Hospital (Norton, VA):** Located approximately an hour and a half from Saltville, Norton Community Hospital is a smaller facility that may be a good option for certain services.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

Based on the available data, the hospitals near ZIP code 24282 offer a range of healthcare options. **Holston Valley Medical Center and Bristol Regional Medical Center, both part of the Ballad Health system, are the primary choices, with 4-star CMS ratings indicating good quality and patient outcomes.** Both offer comprehensive services, including specialty centers for cardiology, cancer care, and stroke care. ER wait times are generally in line with the national average, and telehealth services are available to improve access. Residents should consider the specific needs of their care, travel time, and individual preferences when making a decision. Checking current ER wait times and confirming insurance coverage before seeking care is always recommended. While the options are good, the rural location necessitates longer travel times for some services.