26280, Mill Creek, West Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 26280, Mill Creek, West Virginia is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 26280 (West Virginia)

Navigating healthcare can be a daunting task. For residents of ZIP code 26280 (Parsons, West Virginia, and surrounding areas), understanding the landscape of available medical facilities is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like hospital quality, access to care, and specialized services. Given the rural nature of the area, proximity and accessibility are paramount.

**The Landscape: Limited Options, Focused Care**

The healthcare options directly within ZIP code 26280 are limited. Residents primarily rely on facilities in nearby towns and cities. This reality underscores the importance of considering hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, factoring in potential travel time and road conditions, especially during inclement weather. The availability of specialized care, particularly for complex medical needs, often necessitates travel further afield.

**Key Hospitals to Consider**

Several hospitals stand out as primary healthcare providers for residents of 26280. These facilities offer varying levels of service and specialization.

**1. Tucker County Hospital (Parsons, WV)**

Tucker County Hospital, located directly within Parsons, WV, serves as a critical access hospital. This designation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) signifies its importance in providing essential services to a rural community. While a critical access hospital may not offer the breadth of services found in larger facilities, it plays a vital role in providing immediate care and stabilizing patients before transfer, if necessary.

**CMS Star Rating:** Tucker County Hospital does not currently have a CMS star rating. This is not unusual for critical access hospitals, as they are evaluated differently than larger facilities.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times are a crucial indicator of access to immediate care. Data on ER wait times at Tucker County Hospital is not readily available through public sources. However, given its critical access status, the ER is likely a primary point of entry for urgent medical needs. Patients should be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.

**Specialty Centers:** Tucker County Hospital offers core services, including emergency care, laboratory services, radiology, and physical therapy. Specialized care options are limited, and patients with complex needs will likely require transfer to larger hospitals.

**Telehealth Stats:** The availability and utilization of telehealth services at Tucker County Hospital are not readily available in public data. However, given the rural location, it is likely that the hospital utilizes telehealth to some extent to connect patients with specialists and expand access to care.

**2. Davis Medical Center (Elkins, WV)**

Davis Medical Center, located in Elkins, WV (approximately 20-30 minutes from Parsons), is a larger facility and a major healthcare provider for the region. It offers a broader range of services than Tucker County Hospital.

**CMS Star Rating:** Davis Medical Center has a CMS star rating of 3 stars as of the latest available data. This indicates an average level of quality compared to other hospitals nationwide.

**ER Wait Times:** Data on ER wait times at Davis Medical Center fluctuates, but generally, it is a good idea to be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.

**Specialty Centers:** Davis Medical Center boasts a more extensive range of specialty services compared to Tucker County Hospital. These include cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health. The presence of these specialty centers makes Davis Medical Center a more comprehensive healthcare option for residents of 26280.

**Telehealth Stats:** Davis Medical Center likely utilizes telehealth services to expand access to specialists and provide remote monitoring. Specific data on telehealth usage is not readily available, but it is a growing trend in healthcare delivery.

**3. Mon Health Medical Center (Morgantown, WV)**

Mon Health Medical Center, located in Morgantown, WV (approximately 1.5-2 hours from Parsons), is a larger, regional medical center and a flagship hospital within the Mon Health System. It provides a higher level of specialized care.

**CMS Star Rating:** Mon Health Medical Center has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Mon Health Medical Center vary, but it's advisable to be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.

**Specialty Centers:** Mon Health Medical Center offers a comprehensive array of specialty services, including advanced cardiac care, comprehensive cancer treatment, neurosurgery, and trauma services. Its specialized centers make it a destination for complex medical needs.

**Telehealth Stats:** Mon Health System, including Mon Health Medical Center, is a leader in telehealth implementation. The system offers a wide range of telehealth services, including virtual visits with specialists, remote patient monitoring, and behavioral health services.

**4. WVU Medicine - J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital (Morgantown, WV)**

J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, also located in Morgantown (approximately 1.5-2 hours from Parsons), is the flagship hospital of the WVU Medicine system and a Level I trauma center. It is a major referral center for the region.

**CMS Star Rating:** J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital can be significant, particularly given its role as a trauma center. Patients should be prepared for potentially longer wait times.

**Specialty Centers:** J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital is a tertiary care center, offering a wide range of specialized services, including advanced cardiac care, comprehensive cancer treatment, neurosurgery, transplant services, and a Level I trauma center. It is the highest level of care available in the region.

**Telehealth Stats:** WVU Medicine is a leader in telehealth, and J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital offers extensive telehealth services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and specialized telehealth programs.

**Overall Health Score Considerations**

When evaluating the "Overall Health Score" for residents of 26280, several factors must be considered:

* **Proximity and Accessibility:** The rural nature of the area makes proximity a crucial factor. Travel time to hospitals is a significant consideration, especially for emergency situations.
* **Service Availability:** The range of services offered by each hospital is critical. Residents should consider their individual healthcare needs and whether the available services meet those needs.
* **Emergency Room Performance:** ER wait times are a key indicator of access to immediate care. Longer wait times can be a concern.
* **Specialty Care:** Access to specialized care is essential for those with complex medical conditions. The availability of specialty centers at each hospital is a significant factor.
* **Telehealth Integration:** Telehealth can improve access to care, particularly for residents in rural areas. The availability and utilization of telehealth services are important considerations.
* **Hospital Quality Ratings:** CMS star ratings provide a general indication of hospital quality, although they should be considered alongside other factors.

**Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

For residents of 26280, the "Overall Health Score" is best understood as a tiered system. Tucker County Hospital provides essential local care. Davis Medical Center offers a broader range of services and is a good option for many needs. Mon Health Medical Center and J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown provide more specialized care.

The best approach is to consider the specific healthcare needs, the urgency of the situation, and the travel time to each facility. Establishing a primary care physician is vital, as they can guide patients to the appropriate level of care and facilitate referrals to specialists. Residents should also be aware of the availability of urgent care clinics and other healthcare providers in the area.

**Conclusion**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 26280 presents both challenges and opportunities. While options are limited, residents have access to a range of hospitals with varying levels of service. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each facility and considering individual healthcare needs, residents can make informed decisions and navigate the healthcare system effectively. The utilization of telehealth services is likely to continue growing, offering improved access to care for this rural community.