26338, Camden, West Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 26338, Camden, West Virginia is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Bridgeport, WV (ZIP Code 26338)

The health landscape near Bridgeport, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26338) offers a diverse range of healthcare options, from large regional hospitals to smaller community clinics. Assessing the "Overall Health Score" requires a deep dive into various factors, including quality of care, accessibility, patient satisfaction, and specialized services. This review focuses on the major players in the area, providing a fact-rich overview to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**United Hospital Center (UHC): A Regional Powerhouse**

United Hospital Center (UHC), located in Bridgeport, WV, is the dominant healthcare provider within the 26338 ZIP code. This facility, part of WVU Medicine, serves as a regional referral center and offers a comprehensive array of services. UHC is a large hospital, boasting a significant number of beds and a wide range of medical specialties.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Indicators:** UHC's performance is tracked by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS assigns hospitals a star rating based on various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. As of the most recent data, UHC has a CMS star rating of [Insert current CMS star rating for UHC]. This rating reflects UHC's overall performance relative to other hospitals nationwide.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:** Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of accessibility and efficiency. UHC’s ED sees a high volume of patients. The average wait time to see a provider in the ED is [Insert current average ED wait time for UHC]. This data point, while constantly fluctuating, provides insight into the ED's capacity and operational efficiency.

**Specialized Services and Centers of Excellence:** UHC houses several specialized centers. These include a comprehensive cardiology program, with advanced cardiac catheterization labs and open-heart surgery capabilities. Their cancer center provides radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology services. The hospital also offers a robust women's health program, including obstetrics and gynecology services. UHC has a dedicated stroke center, equipped to rapidly diagnose and treat stroke patients.

**Telehealth Initiatives:** In the modern healthcare environment, telehealth plays an increasingly important role. UHC has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations for certain specialties and follow-up appointments. This allows patients to access care remotely, improving convenience and access, particularly for those in rural areas. The specific number of telehealth visits conducted annually and the specialties offered through telehealth are [Insert relevant data if available].

**Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction is a critical aspect of overall health. UHC’s patient satisfaction scores, as measured by HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) surveys, provide insight into the patient experience. Scores for key areas like communication with doctors and nurses, pain management, and overall hospital rating are [Insert relevant HCAHPS scores for UHC if available].

**Other Considerations for UHC:** UHC's location in Bridgeport makes it easily accessible for residents of the 26338 ZIP code. The hospital's commitment to research and medical education, as a teaching hospital affiliated with WVU Medicine, contributes to its overall quality of care.

**Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital (SJMH): A Community Focus**

Located in Weston, WV, Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital (SJMH) provides healthcare services to a broader geographic area, including some residents near the 26338 ZIP code. SJMH operates as a community hospital, focusing on providing essential services to the local population.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Indicators:** SJMH also receives a CMS star rating, which reflects its performance on various quality measures. As of the most recent data, SJMH has a CMS star rating of [Insert current CMS star rating for SJMH]. This rating should be considered in comparison to UHC and other regional hospitals.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:** SJMH's ED serves as a crucial point of access for emergency care. The average wait time to see a provider in the ED is [Insert current average ED wait time for SJMH]. This data point should be compared to UHC and other local hospitals.

**Specialized Services and Centers of Excellence:** SJMH provides a range of core services, including medical-surgical care, obstetrics, and emergency medicine. While it doesn't have the same breadth of specialized services as UHC, it offers essential healthcare options for the community. SJMH has a dedicated laboratory and radiology services.

**Telehealth Initiatives:** SJMH is also expanding its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations for certain specialties. The specific number of telehealth visits conducted annually and the specialties offered through telehealth are [Insert relevant data if available].

**Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores are important for SJMH. Scores for key areas like communication with doctors and nurses, pain management, and overall hospital rating are [Insert relevant HCAHPS scores for SJMH if available].

**Other Considerations for SJMH:** SJMH's location in Weston provides an alternative healthcare option for residents in the region. Its focus on community care and its role in the local economy are important factors to consider.

**Other Healthcare Providers and Considerations:**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several other healthcare providers contribute to the overall health landscape near the 26338 ZIP code. These include:

* **Clinics and Urgent Care Centers:** Several clinics and urgent care centers operate in the Bridgeport area, offering convenient access to primary care, minor illness and injury treatment, and preventative services. These facilities often have shorter wait times than hospital EDs for non-emergency situations.
* **Specialty Practices:** Numerous specialty practices, including cardiology, dermatology, and orthopedics, are available in the area. These practices often have affiliations with the larger hospitals, allowing for coordinated care.
* **Long-Term Care Facilities:** Several skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities provide long-term care services for the elderly and those with chronic conditions.

**Accessibility and Geographic Considerations:**

Accessibility is a critical factor in evaluating healthcare options. The 26338 ZIP code benefits from the presence of a major regional hospital (UHC) within its boundaries. The proximity of SJMH and other healthcare providers provides additional options. Transportation challenges, particularly for those without personal vehicles, should be considered. Public transportation options in the area are limited, and residents may need to rely on family, friends, or ride-sharing services to access healthcare.

**Financial Considerations:**

The cost of healthcare is a significant concern for many patients. Insurance coverage, co-pays, and out-of-pocket expenses vary depending on the provider and the services received. Patients should verify their insurance coverage and understand the associated costs before seeking care. The availability of financial assistance programs for those who qualify is another important consideration.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The overall health score for the area near the 26338 ZIP code is positive, thanks to the presence of a major regional hospital (UHC) with a wide range of services and a commitment to quality. SJMH provides an important community-focused alternative. The availability of clinics, urgent care centers, and specialty practices further enhances the healthcare landscape.

**Key Strengths:**

* **Comprehensive Services:** UHC provides a broad spectrum of medical specialties and advanced treatment options.
* **Accessibility:** The location of UHC and other providers within or near the 26338 ZIP code enhances accessibility.
* **Telehealth Expansion:** The increasing availability of telehealth services improves access to care, especially for those in rural areas.

**Areas for Improvement:**

* **ED Wait Times:** Reducing ED wait times at both UHC and SJMH would improve patient satisfaction and access to timely care.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Continuous efforts to improve patient satisfaction scores are crucial for all healthcare providers.
* **Transportation:** Addressing transportation challenges for those without personal vehicles would improve access to care.

**Conclusion:**

Residents of the 26338 ZIP code have access to a solid healthcare infrastructure. UHC serves as a regional hub, while SJMH and other providers offer additional options. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and access the best possible care for their individual circumstances. Ongoing monitoring of quality indicators, patient satisfaction, and accessibility is essential to ensure the continued improvement of healthcare services in the area.