24716, Bud, West Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 24716, Bud, West Virginia is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 24716

This review assesses the healthcare landscape surrounding ZIP code 24716, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and the breadth of services available. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" based on publicly available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty offerings, and telehealth capabilities. The information is intended to assist residents in making informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Geographic Context:**

ZIP code 24716 primarily encompasses the city of Bluefield, West Virginia, and surrounding areas. This region is located in a rural setting, which can influence access to care and the availability of specialized medical services. The review will consider hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, acknowledging the potential for patients to seek care across state lines, specifically into Virginia.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare website provides a valuable metric for evaluating hospital quality: the star rating system. This system, based on a range of quality measures, assigns hospitals a rating from one to five stars, with five being the highest.

**Princeton Community Hospital (Princeton, WV):** Located approximately 20 minutes from Bluefield, Princeton Community Hospital is a significant healthcare provider for the region. It is part of the WVU Medicine system. As of the latest available data, Princeton Community Hospital holds a three-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects performance across various quality indicators, including patient experience, safety of care, and timely and effective care. The hospital offers a broad range of services, including a comprehensive emergency department, surgical services, and a dedicated cardiac care unit.

**Bluefield Regional Medical Center (Bluefield, WV):** Situated directly within ZIP code 24716, Bluefield Regional Medical Center is another key hospital serving the community. It is a member of the LifePoint Health system. Bluefield Regional Medical Center currently holds a three-star rating from CMS. The hospital provides a wide array of services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient surgery, and specialized programs for conditions like diabetes and stroke.

**Comparing the Flagships:**

Both Princeton Community Hospital and Bluefield Regional Medical Center offer essential healthcare services to the residents of 24716. While both have three-star CMS ratings, residents should consider their specific healthcare needs when choosing a hospital. Factors such as the availability of specialized programs, physician preferences, and proximity to the patient's location should all be considered.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's ability to provide timely care. Data on ER wait times is often publicly available through hospital websites, state health departments, and platforms like ProPublica.

**Princeton Community Hospital:** Information on ER wait times can be found on the WVU Medicine website. As a general rule, wait times can fluctuate based on the time of day, day of the week, and the volume of patients. It is advisable to check the hospital's website or call directly for the most up-to-date information.

**Bluefield Regional Medical Center:** Similarly, ER wait time data is typically accessible through the hospital's website or by contacting the hospital directly. Residents should be aware that wait times are subject to change.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Beyond general hospital services, the availability of specialized centers and programs is a critical factor in evaluating healthcare quality.

**Princeton Community Hospital:** Princeton Community Hospital boasts a range of specialty centers, including a cardiac care unit, a cancer center, and a women's health center. They also offer a comprehensive range of surgical services, including general surgery, orthopedics, and urology.

**Bluefield Regional Medical Center:** Bluefield Regional Medical Center provides specialty services such as a cardiology program, a stroke center, and a wound care center. The hospital also offers a wide range of surgical options and other specialized medical treatments.

**Other Hospitals in the Area:**

While Princeton Community Hospital and Bluefield Regional Medical Center are the primary hospitals serving the 24716 area, residents may also consider other facilities within a reasonable driving distance.

**Carilion New River Valley Medical Center (Christiansburg, VA):** Located approximately an hour's drive from Bluefield, Carilion New River Valley Medical Center is a large regional hospital. It offers a wide range of services, including a Level II trauma center, a comprehensive cancer center, and advanced cardiac care. This hospital is part of the Carilion Clinic system.

**LewisGale Hospital - Pulaski (Pulaski, VA):** Located approximately an hour away, LewisGale Hospital - Pulaski is another option for residents seeking specialized care. It provides services such as a cardiac center, a stroke center, and a comprehensive surgical program.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas, to expand access to care.

**Princeton Community Hospital:** As part of the WVU Medicine system, Princeton Community Hospital likely offers telehealth services, including virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring, and other digital healthcare options. Information about specific telehealth offerings can be found on the WVU Medicine website.

**Bluefield Regional Medical Center:** As part of the LifePoint Health system, Bluefield Regional Medical Center is likely to have telehealth options available. Residents should check the hospital's website or contact them directly to learn about the specific telehealth services offered.

**Other Hospitals:** Both Carilion New River Valley Medical Center and LewisGale Hospital - Pulaski, as part of large healthcare systems, also likely have telehealth programs.

**Accessibility and Transportation:**

Accessibility to healthcare is a significant concern in rural areas. Residents of 24716 may face challenges related to transportation, particularly for those without personal vehicles or those with limited mobility. Public transportation options may be limited, and long travel times can be a barrier to accessing care.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The "Overall Health Score" is a complex evaluation that considers multiple factors.

**Strengths of the 24716 Healthcare Landscape:**

* **Local Hospital Access:** Residents have access to two hospitals (Bluefield Regional Medical Center and Princeton Community Hospital) within a reasonable distance, offering a wide range of essential services.
* **Specialty Care Availability:** Both hospitals offer specialty centers and programs, providing access to specialized medical care.
* **Telehealth Potential:** The hospitals' affiliations with larger healthcare systems suggest the availability of telehealth services, which can improve access to care.

**Weaknesses of the 24716 Healthcare Landscape:**

* **CMS Star Ratings:** Both flagship hospitals have three-star CMS ratings, indicating room for improvement in quality metrics.
* **Rural Location:** The rural setting presents challenges related to transportation, access to specialists, and potential limitations in the availability of certain advanced medical technologies.
* **ER Wait Times:** The potential for longer ER wait times, a common issue in many hospitals, needs to be considered.

**Recommendations for Residents:**

* **Research and Compare:** Residents should thoroughly research the services and quality metrics of each hospital, comparing their specific needs with the offerings of each facility.
* **Consider Proximity:** Proximity to the hospital is a significant factor, particularly in emergencies.
* **Inquire About Telehealth:** Residents should inquire about telehealth options, which can improve access to specialists and convenience.
* **Check ER Wait Times:** Before visiting the ER, residents should check the current wait times, if available.
* **Seek Second Opinions:** When necessary, residents should seek second opinions from specialists to ensure they receive the best possible care.
* **Advocate for Improvements:** Residents should advocate for improvements in healthcare services in the area, including expanded access to specialists, improved transportation options, and investments in healthcare infrastructure.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 24716 offers a mix of strengths and weaknesses. While residents have access to essential hospital services and specialty care, challenges related to quality metrics, rural location, and accessibility exist. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare and actively participate in improving the overall health of their community. The "Overall Health Score" for this area is, therefore, **moderate**, with opportunities for improvement through continued investment in healthcare quality, accessibility, and telehealth services. Further investigation into specific quality metrics and individual needs is highly recommended.