26184, Waverly, West Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 26184, Waverly, West Virginia is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 26184 (Parkersburg, WV)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the Parkersburg, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26184) area, focusing on key metrics to help you make informed decisions. This analysis considers factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities. Note that data is constantly evolving, and it's always recommended to verify information directly with the hospitals.

**The Landscape: A Regional Perspective**

The primary healthcare providers for residents of 26184 are located in and around Parkersburg, WV. These hospitals serve a broader regional population, and their performance can significantly impact the health outcomes of the local community. This review will concentrate on the most relevant facilities, weighing their strengths and weaknesses based on publicly available data.

**WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center**

WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center, located in Parkersburg, is a prominent player in the region. It is a teaching hospital affiliated with West Virginia University.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Camden Clark currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall hospital quality, based on factors like mortality, safety of care, readmission rates, patient experience, and timely and effective care.
* **Emergency Department (ED):** ED wait times are a critical consideration. While specific, real-time wait times fluctuate, Camden Clark generally reports average wait times that are in line with, or slightly above, the national average. It's crucial to check the hospital's website or use online tools like Google to get the most up-to-date estimates before heading to the ER.
* **Specialty Services:** Camden Clark offers a range of specialized services, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and a comprehensive women's health program. They have a dedicated cancer center, providing advanced treatment options.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth capabilities are increasingly important. Camden Clark has been expanding its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services, particularly for follow-up appointments and chronic disease management. The availability of telehealth services can vary depending on the specialty and the patient's insurance coverage.
* **Overall Health Score Assessment:** Camden Clark is a vital regional hospital, offering a broad spectrum of services. Its CMS rating indicates areas for improvement, but its commitment to expanding telehealth and its specialized services are positive indicators.

**Memorial Health System - Marietta Memorial Hospital**

Marietta Memorial Hospital, located across the Ohio River in Marietta, Ohio, is another major healthcare provider accessible to residents of 26184.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Marietta Memorial Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **Emergency Department (ED):** ED wait times at Marietta Memorial Hospital can vary. As with all hospitals, it's important to check real-time data before arriving.
* **Specialty Services:** Marietta Memorial Hospital offers a variety of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and cancer care.
* **Telehealth:** Marietta Memorial Hospital has been actively developing its telehealth programs, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring options.
* **Overall Health Score Assessment:** Marietta Memorial Hospital provides a comprehensive range of services, and its proximity to Parkersburg makes it a convenient option for many residents.

**Other Considerations: Smaller Facilities and Outpatient Services**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several other facilities and outpatient services contribute to the healthcare landscape in the 26184 area. These can be valuable for specific needs.

* **Outpatient Clinics and Urgent Care Centers:** Numerous outpatient clinics and urgent care centers offer convenient access to care for less serious conditions. These facilities typically have shorter wait times than hospital ERs and are often more cost-effective for routine medical needs.
* **Specialty Clinics:** The region has specialized clinics focusing on areas like physical therapy, mental health, and specific medical conditions.

**Key Metrics: Diving Deeper**

Understanding the specific metrics used to evaluate hospitals is crucial.

* **Mortality Rates:** Hospitals are assessed on their mortality rates for specific conditions. Lower mortality rates are generally indicative of higher quality care.
* **Readmission Rates:** High readmission rates (patients returning to the hospital shortly after discharge) can signal issues with care coordination or post-discharge support.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient surveys (like those used by CMS) provide insights into patient satisfaction, including communication with doctors and nurses, cleanliness, and responsiveness.
* **Safety of Care:** This encompasses factors like infection rates, medication errors, and complications during procedures.
* **Timely and Effective Care:** This measures how quickly patients receive necessary treatments, such as stroke care or heart attack interventions.

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

Emergency room wait times are a significant concern for patients. Prolonged wait times can lead to increased anxiety, delayed treatment, and potentially poorer outcomes.

* **Factors Influencing Wait Times:** Wait times can fluctuate based on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the patient's condition. Hospitals prioritize patients based on the urgency of their needs.
* **Accessing Wait Time Information:** Many hospitals now provide real-time or estimated wait times on their websites or through mobile apps. It's always advisable to check these resources before heading to the ER.

**Specialty Centers: Focused Expertise**

Specialty centers offer focused expertise in specific areas of medicine.

* **Cardiology:** Cardiac centers provide diagnosis and treatment for heart conditions.
* **Oncology:** Cancer centers offer comprehensive cancer care, including diagnosis, treatment, and support services.
* **Orthopedics:** Orthopedic centers specialize in musculoskeletal conditions.
* **Women's Health:** Women's health centers provide specialized care for women's health needs.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access**

Telehealth is transforming healthcare delivery.

* **Benefits of Telehealth:** Telehealth offers convenience, reduces travel time, and can improve access to specialists, especially for those in rural areas.
* **Telehealth Services:** Telehealth services can include virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals.

**Overall Health Score Summary: Considerations for 26184 Residents**

The healthcare landscape near 26184 offers a mix of options.

* **Strengths:** The area benefits from the presence of major hospitals with a range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. The increasing availability of telehealth services is a positive development.
* **Challenges:** CMS ratings for the primary hospitals indicate areas for improvement in overall quality. Emergency room wait times can be a concern, and it's crucial to check real-time data.
* **Recommendations:** Residents should carefully consider their individual healthcare needs when choosing a provider. Researching specific services, checking wait times, and exploring telehealth options are essential steps. Comparing hospitals based on their CMS ratings, specialty offerings, and patient reviews can help in making informed decisions.
* **Ongoing Monitoring:** Healthcare is dynamic. It's crucial to stay informed about changes in hospital services, ratings, and wait times. Regularly reviewing the information provided by hospitals and healthcare organizations will help ensure you are receiving the best possible care.

This review provides a starting point for understanding the healthcare options near 26184. Remember to conduct your own research and consult with your physician to determine the best healthcare provider for your individual needs.