26134, Belmont, West Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 26134, Belmont, West Virginia is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 26134

This review provides an in-depth analysis of healthcare options for residents near ZIP code 26134, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and available services. The goal is to offer a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for informed healthcare decisions. Due to the limited geographic area, the analysis primarily focuses on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, drawing on publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and reputable healthcare databases.

**Defining the Scope: Geographic Considerations**

ZIP code 26134, representing the town of Harrisville, West Virginia, is located in a relatively rural area. This geographic context significantly influences healthcare access. Residents typically rely on hospitals within a 30-60 minute radius, including those in Parkersburg, WV, and potentially stretching into Marietta, Ohio. This review prioritizes hospitals in these key areas.

**Flagship Hospital Analysis: CMS Star Ratings and Beyond**

The CMS star rating system is a widely used metric for assessing hospital quality. However, it's essential to remember that these ratings are just one piece of the puzzle. They reflect performance across various categories, including patient experience, safety, and efficiency.

**Camden Clark Medical Center (Parkersburg, WV):** Camden Clark Medical Center, a significant healthcare provider in the region, is a key focus. While the most recent publicly available CMS star rating information is unavailable at the time of this review, it is crucial to consult the latest CMS data. Camden Clark offers a broad range of services, including a comprehensive emergency department, various specialty centers, and a commitment to community outreach. The hospital’s website provides detailed information on its services, including cardiology, oncology, and surgical specialties. Further investigation into the hospital's performance in specific areas, such as patient safety indicators and readmission rates, is recommended.

**Memorial Health System (Marietta, OH):** Located across the Ohio River, Memorial Health System is another important option. The hospital's CMS star rating should be checked on the CMS website. Memorial Health System provides a wide array of services, including specialized care in areas such as heart and vascular, cancer, and women's health. The hospital's website offers detailed information about its various departments, physician directories, and patient resources. It is important to consider travel time and accessibility when evaluating this option.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room wait times are a significant indicator of hospital efficiency and accessibility. Long wait times can negatively impact patient outcomes, particularly in critical situations. Publicly available data on ER wait times can be found on hospital websites and through resources like the Healthgrades website.

**Camden Clark Medical Center:** ER wait times at Camden Clark Medical Center should be assessed through available data sources. Factors influencing wait times include patient volume, staffing levels, and the severity of presenting conditions.

**Memorial Health System:** Similarly, ER wait times at Memorial Health System should be checked. Comparing wait times between these hospitals allows residents to make informed decisions based on their individual needs and the urgency of their situation.

**Specialty Centers: Accessing Specialized Care**

Access to specialized medical care is vital for managing complex health conditions. The availability of specialty centers near ZIP code 26134 is a critical factor in the overall health score.

**Cardiology:** Both Camden Clark Medical Center and Memorial Health System offer cardiology services. The quality of these services, including the availability of interventional cardiology procedures and cardiac rehabilitation programs, should be investigated.

**Oncology:** Cancer care is another crucial specialty. Both hospitals likely provide oncology services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. The availability of comprehensive cancer centers, including support services like counseling and patient navigation, is essential.

**Orthopedics:** Orthopedic services, including joint replacement and sports medicine, are often in demand. The availability of orthopedic surgeons, physical therapy, and rehabilitation services should be assessed.

**Women's Health:** Access to comprehensive women's health services, including obstetrics and gynecology, is also important. The availability of these services, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, and gynecological surgery, should be reviewed.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. It expands access to care by allowing patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely.

**Telehealth Availability:** Both Camden Clark Medical Center and Memorial Health System likely offer telehealth services. These services may include virtual consultations with physicians, remote monitoring of chronic conditions, and mental health support. The scope of telehealth services offered, including the specialties available and the ease of use of the platform, is a key factor.

**Mental Health Services: Addressing a Critical Need**

Mental health services are a crucial component of overall healthcare. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is essential.

**Mental Health Resources:** Both hospitals should be assessed for their mental health services. The availability of inpatient psychiatric units, outpatient therapy, and support groups should be investigated. Access to mental health services can be a challenge in rural areas, so the availability of these services is particularly important.

**Patient Experience: The Human Element**

Patient experience is a crucial aspect of healthcare quality. Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, provide valuable insights into the patient's perspective.

**Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores, as reported by CMS, should be examined for both Camden Clark Medical Center and Memorial Health System. These scores reflect patient perceptions of factors like communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of hospital staff, and the cleanliness of the hospital environment. Online reviews and testimonials can also provide additional insights into the patient experience.

**Community Health Needs Assessments: Addressing Local Needs**

Hospitals often conduct community health needs assessments to identify the most pressing health concerns in their service areas. These assessments can provide valuable insights into the health needs of residents near ZIP code 26134.

**Community Health Initiatives:** Examining the community health needs assessments conducted by Camden Clark Medical Center and Memorial Health System can reveal the hospitals' priorities and their efforts to address specific health challenges in the community. These initiatives may include programs focused on chronic disease management, preventative care, and health education.

**Financial Considerations: Insurance and Costs**

Healthcare costs are a significant concern for many patients. Understanding the hospital's financial policies, including insurance acceptance and out-of-pocket costs, is essential.

**Insurance Acceptance:** Information on insurance acceptance, including the major insurance providers accepted by each hospital, should be readily available on the hospital websites.

**Cost Transparency:** Efforts by hospitals to provide cost transparency, such as providing estimates for common procedures, should be assessed.

**Overall Health Score: A Preliminary Assessment**

Based on the available information and the factors discussed, a preliminary "Overall Health Score" can be developed. This score is a subjective assessment based on the following:

* **Hospital Quality (CMS Star Ratings, Patient Safety):** The availability and quality of data on CMS star ratings, patient safety indicators, and other quality metrics will significantly influence the score.
* **Accessibility (ER Wait Times, Geographic Considerations):** The ease of access to care, including ER wait times and travel distance, is crucial.
* **Service Availability (Specialty Centers, Telehealth):** The range of services offered, including specialty centers, telehealth options, and mental health services, will be evaluated.
* **Patient Experience (Satisfaction Surveys, Reviews):** Patient satisfaction scores and online reviews will be considered.
* **Community Engagement (Health Needs Assessments, Initiatives):** The hospital's commitment to addressing community health needs will be assessed.

**Recommendations:**

Residents near ZIP code 26134 should:

* **Consult the latest CMS data:** Regularly check the CMS website for the most up-to-date hospital ratings.
* **Compare ER wait times:** Utilize available resources to compare ER wait times at different hospitals.
* **Investigate specialty services:** Research the specific specialty services offered by each hospital, based on individual healthcare needs.
* **Explore telehealth options:** Inquire about telehealth services offered by local hospitals.
* **Review patient reviews:** Read online reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the patient experience.
* **Consider travel time:** Factor in travel time when choosing a hospital, especially in emergency situations.
* **Consult with healthcare providers:** Discuss healthcare options with their primary care physicians.

This review provides a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape near ZIP code 26134. Residents should conduct their own research, consult with healthcare providers, and make informed decisions based on their individual needs and preferences. The "Overall Health Score" is a dynamic assessment that should be regularly updated as new information becomes available.