26276, Kerens, West Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 26276, Kerens, West Virginia is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 26276 (Parsons, West Virginia)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents near Parsons, West Virginia (ZIP code 26276), understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, analyzing key factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities, to offer a comprehensive picture of available healthcare options. Due to the rural nature of the area, the scope of this review will extend beyond immediate proximity to include regional healthcare providers that serve the Parsons community.

**Understanding the Score:**

The "Overall Health Score" is a composite assessment, considering multiple factors. These include publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and third-party sources like Healthgrades and U.S. News & World Report. The score reflects a combination of quality of care, patient safety, accessibility, and the availability of specialized services. The absence of a specific rating doesn't necessarily equate to poor care, but rather, a lack of publicly available data for comprehensive evaluation.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The cornerstone of any healthcare assessment is the quality of care provided. CMS star ratings offer a valuable, albeit imperfect, snapshot of hospital performance. These ratings, based on a five-star scale, consider factors like patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.

Unfortunately, hospitals immediately adjacent to Parsons, WV, may not have a CMS star rating due to their size or reporting requirements. However, the nearest hospitals that serve the region, and that are likely to be a primary source of care for residents of 26276, are worth noting.

**Davis Medical Center (Elkins, WV):** Located approximately 25 miles from Parsons, Davis Medical Center is a key provider for the region. While it may not always have a current CMS star rating, it is a critical access hospital and has a long history of serving the local community. It is important to check the CMS website for the most up-to-date ratings. Davis Medical Center provides a range of services, including a 24/7 emergency department, surgical services, and a comprehensive array of inpatient and outpatient care.

**Mon Health Medical Center (Morgantown, WV):** Situated further afield, approximately 80 miles from Parsons, Mon Health Medical Center is a larger, regional medical center. It is part of the Mon Health System. Mon Health often receives a CMS star rating, and it is advisable to check the CMS website for the most current information. It is a Level II Trauma Center and offers a broader spectrum of specialized services than smaller, local hospitals, including advanced cardiac care, cancer treatment, and comprehensive surgical options.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration:**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of accessibility and efficiency. Long wait times can be detrimental to patient outcomes, particularly in critical situations. While specific, real-time wait times fluctuate, understanding the general trends is important.

Davis Medical Center, being a critical access hospital, may experience varying wait times depending on the volume of patients and the severity of their conditions. Patients should expect to be triaged upon arrival, with the most critical cases receiving immediate attention.

Mon Health Medical Center, as a larger facility, typically handles a higher volume of emergency cases. Wait times can vary significantly, especially during peak hours or in the event of a regional emergency. Checking the hospital's website or using online tools like those provided by the hospital, or third-party sites, can provide an estimate of current wait times.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

The availability of specialized services is a key factor in assessing the overall health of a hospital. Residents of Parsons may need access to specialized care for various conditions.

Davis Medical Center offers a range of general medical services, including cardiology, pulmonology, and gastroenterology. It also provides surgical services and offers a comprehensive women's health program.

Mon Health Medical Center boasts a wider array of specialty centers. These include a comprehensive cancer center, a heart and vascular institute, and specialized programs for neurological conditions. The hospital also offers advanced surgical options, including robotic surgery.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Parsons. It allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists.

Both Davis Medical Center and Mon Health Medical Center have embraced telehealth. Davis Medical Center offers telehealth consultations for certain specialties, and remote monitoring programs for patients with chronic conditions.

Mon Health Medical Center has a more extensive telehealth program, providing virtual visits with specialists, remote monitoring, and access to educational resources. They are likely to have a more robust telehealth offering due to their larger size and broader network.

**Accessibility and Patient Experience:**

Beyond clinical quality, accessibility and patient experience are vital. Factors to consider include ease of access to the hospital, availability of interpreters, and the overall patient experience.

Davis Medical Center, being a community hospital, likely prioritizes patient-centered care. It is important to consider the hospital's patient satisfaction scores, which can be found on the CMS website or through third-party sources.

Mon Health Medical Center, as a larger facility, may have a more complex system, but also has more resources to improve patient experience. The hospital's website likely provides information on patient services, including interpreter services and assistance with billing and insurance.

**Other Considerations:**

* **Mental Health Services:** Access to mental health services is a critical component of overall health. Assess the availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, at both Davis Medical Center and Mon Health Medical Center.
* **Community Health Needs Assessment:** Reviewing the community health needs assessment for Tucker County (where Parsons is located) can provide valuable insights into the specific health challenges faced by the local population.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospitals accept your insurance plan. Check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage for services at each facility.
* **Transportation:** Consider transportation options, especially if you do not have personal transportation. Public transportation in rural areas may be limited.

**Overall Health Score Summary (for residents of 26276):**

Given the limitations of publicly available data for hospitals immediately adjacent to Parsons, a definitive numerical "Overall Health Score" is difficult to assign. However, the following observations can be made:

* **Davis Medical Center (Elkins, WV):** Serves as a critical access hospital, providing essential services to the local community. The availability of a 24/7 emergency department is crucial. Check the CMS website for the most up-to-date information.
* **Mon Health Medical Center (Morgantown, WV):** A larger, regional medical center offering a broader range of specialized services. It is important to check the CMS website for the most current information.

**Recommendation:**

Residents of Parsons, WV, should primarily rely on Davis Medical Center for their healthcare needs. However, for specialized care, Mon Health Medical Center is a valuable resource. Consider the factors discussed above, including CMS star ratings (if available), ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities, when making healthcare decisions. Regularly check the CMS website and other reliable sources for the most up-to-date information on hospital performance and quality of care. Proactively communicate with your primary care physician to determine the best healthcare plan for your specific needs.