26327, Berea, West Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 26327, Berea, West Virginia is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Bridgeport, WV (ZIP Code 26327)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near Bridgeport, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26327), focusing on key metrics like quality, accessibility, and patient experience. This information aims to empower residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**The Landscape: Major Players and Proximity**

The immediate vicinity of Bridgeport, WV, is served by a network of hospitals, with a few key players dominating the landscape. Proximity is a crucial factor, influencing access to emergency care and specialized services. Residents of 26327 primarily rely on facilities in Clarksburg, Morgantown, and Fairmont.

**United Hospital Center (Clarksburg): A Central Hub**

United Hospital Center (UHC) in Clarksburg is a major healthcare provider for the region. It's a large, acute-care facility offering a wide range of services. UHC is the closest major hospital to Bridgeport, making it a critical resource for the community.

UHC holds a **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. This rating reflects performance across various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it's essential to delve deeper into specific areas of strength and weakness.

**Emergency Room (ER) Performance: A Critical Metric**

ER wait times are a crucial indicator of accessibility and efficiency. UHC’s ER wait times are generally reported on the hospital's website and through third-party sources like ProPublica. It's important to note that wait times fluctuate based on patient volume and the severity of cases. The average wait time at UHC's ER, as reported by CMS, is around 2 hours.

**Specialty Centers and Services at UHC**

UHC boasts several specialty centers. The hospital has a dedicated **cardiac care program**, including interventional cardiology and open-heart surgery. UHC also houses a **comprehensive cancer center**, offering radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology services. Additionally, UHC has a **women's health center**, providing obstetrics, gynecology, and other specialized care.

**Telehealth Initiatives at UHC**

Telehealth is increasingly important for expanding access to care. UHC has expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The hospital's telehealth offerings include remote patient monitoring for chronic conditions and virtual visits with specialists. Specific data on telehealth usage and patient satisfaction is available on the hospital's website.

**WVU Medicine (Morgantown): A Regional Powerhouse**

West Virginia University Medicine (WVU Medicine) is a major healthcare system with several hospitals in the region. The flagship hospital, **WVU Medicine Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown**, is a Level I Trauma Center and a tertiary referral center. While located further from Bridgeport than UHC, it offers a broader range of specialized services.

**Ruby Memorial's CMS Star Rating**

Ruby Memorial Hospital has a **4-star rating from CMS**. This higher rating reflects better performance in several key areas compared to UHC. Ruby Memorial excels in complex surgical procedures, trauma care, and specialized medical treatments.

**ER Performance at Ruby Memorial**

Ruby Memorial's ER is a high-volume facility. ER wait times are typically longer than those at UHC, reflecting the complexity of cases and the hospital's role as a regional referral center. The hospital's website and CMS data provide up-to-date information on average wait times.

**Specialty Centers at Ruby Memorial**

Ruby Memorial offers an extensive array of specialty centers. The hospital houses a renowned **cancer institute**, a **transplant center**, and a **comprehensive heart and vascular institute**. These specialized centers attract patients from across the state and beyond.

**Telehealth Integration at Ruby Memorial**

WVU Medicine has a robust telehealth program. Ruby Memorial utilizes telehealth for various purposes, including remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and chronic disease management. The system has invested heavily in telehealth infrastructure to improve access to care for patients across West Virginia.

**Fairmont Regional Medical Center (Fairmont): A Local Option**

Fairmont Regional Medical Center (FRMC) in Fairmont is another option for residents near Bridgeport. It offers a range of general medical and surgical services.

**FRMC's CMS Star Rating and ER Performance**

FRMC does not currently have a CMS star rating. ER wait times at FRMC can vary, and it is important to check current wait times on their website.

**Specialty Centers and Services at FRMC**

FRMC offers a range of services, including emergency care, general surgery, and medical imaging. It's a good option for basic medical needs.

**Telehealth Initiatives at FRMC**

FRMC has expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations.

**Other Considerations: Patient Experience and Community Feedback**

Beyond objective metrics, patient experience is critical. Online reviews, patient satisfaction surveys, and community feedback provide valuable insights into the quality of care. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals offer patient reviews and ratings.

**Factors Influencing Overall Health Score**

The "Overall Health Score" is not a single number but a holistic assessment. It considers:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** Provide a standardized measure of quality.
* **ER Wait Times:** Reflect accessibility and efficiency.
* **Specialty Services:** Indicate the availability of specialized care.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Enhance access to care.
* **Patient Reviews and Feedback:** Gauge patient satisfaction.
* **Proximity:** Determine ease of access.

**Overall Health Score Assessment for Bridgeport Residents**

For residents of 26327, the "Overall Health Score" is influenced by the following:

* **United Hospital Center (UHC):** Offers convenient access, a 3-star rating, and a range of services.
* **WVU Medicine Ruby Memorial Hospital:** Provides a higher quality of care, with a 4-star rating, but is further away.
* **Fairmont Regional Medical Center:** Offers local access, but may have limited specialty services.

**Recommendations for Patients**

* **Emergency Situations:** UHC is the closest option for immediate care.
* **Specialized Care:** Ruby Memorial offers a broader range of specialists.
* **Routine Care:** Consider UHC or FRMC for primary care and routine needs.
* **Research:** Consult hospital websites, CMS data, and patient reviews to make informed decisions.
* **Telehealth:** Explore telehealth options for convenience and access.

**Conclusion**

The healthcare landscape near Bridgeport, WV, offers a mix of options. UHC provides convenient access, while Ruby Memorial offers a higher level of specialized care. FRMC provides local services. Residents should carefully consider their individual needs, research available resources, and utilize telehealth options to navigate the healthcare system effectively. The "Overall Health Score" is a dynamic assessment, and residents should stay informed about changes in hospital ratings, services, and performance.