25540, Midkiff, West Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 25540, Midkiff, West Virginia is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 25540

The health landscape surrounding ZIP code 25540, encompassing the town of Hamlin, West Virginia, presents a mixed bag of healthcare options. Residents have access to a range of hospitals, clinics, and specialty services, but proximity to high-acuity care and specialized expertise can be a challenge. This review assesses the overall health score of available facilities, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth availability.

**Regional Hubs and Their Impact**

The closest major metropolitan area impacting healthcare access for 25540 residents is Huntington, West Virginia, approximately an hour's drive away. Huntington serves as a regional hub, housing several prominent hospitals that significantly influence the overall health score for the area.

**Cabell Huntington Hospital:** Cabell Huntington Hospital, a flagship facility, is a major player in the region. It boasts a strong reputation and offers a wide array of services. While the hospital's CMS star rating fluctuates, it generally maintains a respectable score, reflecting a commitment to quality and patient safety. Cabell Huntington Hospital is known for its comprehensive cancer center, cardiovascular services, and a robust emergency department. ER wait times can vary, but the hospital strives to maintain reasonable wait times, particularly given its high patient volume. Telehealth services are increasingly available, offering convenient access to specialists and follow-up care.

**St. Mary's Medical Center:** Another significant hospital in Huntington, St. Mary's Medical Center, provides a different set of strengths. It is a Catholic hospital, emphasizing faith-based care. St. Mary's often receives positive reviews for its patient experience and community involvement. The hospital offers a range of specialties, including a well-regarded obstetrics and gynecology department. CMS star ratings for St. Mary's also vary, but it generally maintains a solid performance. ER wait times are a factor to consider, and patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours. Telehealth services are growing, providing patients with more options for remote consultations and monitoring.

**Local Options and Their Strengths**

Closer to 25540, residents have access to smaller, community-based hospitals and clinics. These facilities often provide essential primary care and basic emergency services.

**Lincoln Primary Care:** Lincoln Primary Care, located in Hamlin, offers primary care services, including family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. It is a crucial resource for residents seeking routine check-ups, vaccinations, and management of chronic conditions. While it does not have an ER, it provides essential primary care access.

**Logan Regional Medical Center:** Approximately a 45-minute drive from Hamlin, Logan Regional Medical Center is a community hospital offering a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and diagnostic imaging. Its CMS star rating is a key indicator of its overall quality, and it's important to check the most recent rating for the most accurate assessment. ER wait times can fluctuate, but the hospital aims to provide timely care. Logan Regional Medical Center's specialty offerings may be more limited than those of the larger hospitals in Huntington. Telehealth availability is a factor to consider, as it may be less developed than at the regional hubs.

**Assessing Emergency Room Wait Times**

ER wait times are a critical factor in evaluating healthcare access. The proximity to a well-equipped and efficient emergency department can be a life-or-death matter. Cabell Huntington Hospital and St. Mary's Medical Center, with their larger ERs, typically handle a higher volume of patients. ER wait times at these facilities can vary depending on the time of day, the severity of the patient's condition, and overall demand. Smaller community hospitals like Logan Regional Medical Center may have shorter wait times, but their capacity to handle complex emergencies may be limited. It is crucial to check current wait times through online resources or by calling the hospitals directly, especially during peak hours or during flu season.

**Specialty Centers and Their Availability**

Access to specialized medical care is a key component of a high overall health score. Huntington's hospitals offer a wide array of specialty centers, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and orthopedics. Cabell Huntington Hospital is known for its comprehensive cancer center and advanced cardiovascular services. St. Mary's Medical Center has strong programs in obstetrics and gynecology. Residents of 25540 can benefit from these specialized services, but they may need to travel to Huntington for appointments and treatments. The availability of specialized care closer to home is more limited.

**Telehealth: A Growing Influence**

Telehealth is rapidly transforming healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. Telehealth services can bridge the gap between patients and specialists, providing convenient access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. Cabell Huntington Hospital and St. Mary's Medical Center are both expanding their telehealth offerings, allowing patients to connect with providers remotely. Lincoln Primary Care may also offer telehealth options for certain services. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for residents of 25540, reducing the need for long drives to appointments.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Key Indicator**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings provide a valuable benchmark for hospital quality. These ratings are based on a variety of factors, including patient outcomes, safety, patient experience, and efficiency. Hospitals are assigned a star rating from one to five stars, with five stars representing the highest quality. It is essential to consult the most recent CMS star ratings for the hospitals in the region, as these ratings can change over time. Cabell Huntington Hospital and St. Mary's Medical Center generally receive respectable ratings, reflecting their commitment to quality care. Logan Regional Medical Center's rating is also a key factor to consider.

**Challenges and Considerations**

The health landscape near 25540 presents several challenges. The rural location can lead to longer travel times to access specialized care. Limited public transportation options can further exacerbate this issue. The availability of specialists and advanced medical technologies may be more restricted than in larger metropolitan areas. The economic factors of the area can also impact healthcare access, with some residents facing financial barriers to care.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

The overall health score for residents near ZIP code 25540 is a mixed bag. The presence of major hospitals in Huntington, like Cabell Huntington Hospital and St. Mary's Medical Center, provides access to a wide range of specialized services and advanced medical care. However, residents must factor in travel time. The availability of local primary care options, such as Lincoln Primary Care, is a positive aspect. ER wait times, CMS star ratings, and telehealth availability are key considerations when assessing the overall health score. Residents should research hospitals' CMS ratings, check ER wait times, and explore available telehealth options to make informed decisions about their healthcare. While the region offers a range of healthcare options, the overall health score is somewhat diminished by the rural location and the need to travel for specialized care. The ongoing expansion of telehealth services offers a promising avenue for improving healthcare access and the overall health score for residents in the area.