26372, Horner, West Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 26372, Horner, West Virginia is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 26372

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near ZIP code 26372, focusing on key metrics to help residents make informed decisions about their care. We'll examine factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth offerings, providing a comprehensive picture of each facility's strengths and weaknesses. The analysis considers data publicly available as of October 26, 2023.

**Understanding the Score:** The "Overall Health Score" is a qualitative assessment, incorporating quantitative data to reflect the general quality and accessibility of care. It considers a range of factors, including patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes, and resource availability. No single metric defines a hospital's worth; this review provides a balanced perspective.

**The Geographic Focus:** ZIP code 26372 primarily encompasses the city of Philippi, West Virginia, and its surrounding areas. The nearest hospitals serving this region are the primary focus of this review.

**Hospital A: United Hospital Center (Clarksburg, WV)**

United Hospital Center (UHC) in Clarksburg, WV, is a major regional player, and a key hospital for residents near 26372. UHC is a large facility offering a wide array of services.

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

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times are a crucial factor. Unfortunately, publicly available data on UHC's ER wait times is not consistently updated. However, anecdotal evidence suggests wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the presenting conditions. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours.

**Specialty Centers:** UHC boasts several specialized centers. These include a comprehensive cardiac center, a cancer center, and a women's health center. The cardiac center offers advanced procedures, including angioplasty and open-heart surgery. The cancer center provides a range of treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The women's health center offers services related to obstetrics, gynecology, and breast health.

**Telehealth Offerings:** UHC has expanded its telehealth capabilities. They offer virtual visits for various specialties, including primary care, cardiology, and behavioral health. This is a valuable resource for patients in rural areas, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care.

**Overall Health Score for UHC:** A solid 3.5 out of 5. UHC is a comprehensive hospital with a good range of services. While the CMS rating is average, the presence of specialized centers and telehealth offerings increases its score. The variable ER wait times are a potential drawback.

**Hospital B: St. Joseph's Hospital (Buckhannon, WV)**

St. Joseph's Hospital, located in Buckhannon, WV, is another option for residents near 26372, though further afield. It is a smaller, community-focused hospital.

**CMS Star Rating:** St. Joseph's Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS. This is similar to UHC, indicating an average performance based on the CMS criteria.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** Publicly available data on ER wait times at St. Joseph's is limited. However, as a smaller hospital, wait times may be shorter than at larger facilities like UHC, although this is not guaranteed.

**Specialty Centers:** St. Joseph's offers a more limited range of specialized services compared to UHC. They provide services in areas like cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery. The focus is on providing essential care within a community setting.

**Telehealth Offerings:** St. Joseph's has incorporated telehealth services, expanding access to specialists and remote monitoring. They offer virtual visits for certain specialties, including behavioral health.

**Overall Health Score for St. Joseph's:** A 3 out of 5. St. Joseph's provides essential care within a smaller, community-focused setting. The CMS rating is similar to UHC, and the limited range of specialized services is a factor. The telehealth offerings are a positive aspect.

**Hospital C: WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center (Parkersburg, WV)**

While further from Philippi, WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg, WV, is another potential option, especially for specialized care.

**CMS Star Rating:** Camden Clark Medical Center has a 2-star rating from CMS. This indicates performance below the national average on the CMS quality measures.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** Public data on ER wait times is not consistently available. However, given the lower CMS rating, it's reasonable to expect potential challenges in efficiency.

**Specialty Centers:** Camden Clark offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and a stroke center. Being part of the WVU Medicine network provides access to a broader range of specialists and resources.

**Telehealth Offerings:** As part of the WVU Medicine system, Camden Clark has access to a robust telehealth infrastructure. This includes virtual visits for various specialties and remote monitoring capabilities.

**Overall Health Score for Camden Clark:** A 2.5 out of 5. The lower CMS rating is a significant factor. While the hospital offers specialized services and telehealth, the overall performance is below average compared to the other facilities in the region.

**Additional Considerations:**

**Access to Specialists:** The availability of specialists is a crucial factor. Residents near 26372 should consider the proximity and accessibility of specialists in areas like cardiology, neurology, and oncology. UHC and Camden Clark, being larger hospitals, generally have a wider network of specialists.

**Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction is an important indicator of quality of care. While CMS star ratings incorporate patient experience data, it's also helpful to review patient reviews and testimonials online. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals provide patient ratings and reviews, offering insights into the experiences of other patients.

**Cost of Care:** The cost of healthcare is a significant concern. Patients should inquire about the cost of services and the hospital's billing practices. Understanding insurance coverage and potential out-of-pocket expenses is essential.

**Preventive Care:** Access to preventive care, such as vaccinations, screenings, and wellness programs, is vital for maintaining good health. Consider the availability of primary care physicians and preventive services at each hospital.

**Community Health Needs Assessments:** Hospitals often conduct community health needs assessments to identify the health needs of the local population. These assessments can provide valuable insights into the health challenges and priorities of the community.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing a hospital is a personal decision. For residents near 26372, United Hospital Center offers the most comprehensive services and the best overall score. St. Joseph's provides a good community-based option. Camden Clark, while further away, is a viable option, especially for specialized care, but its lower CMS rating is a factor. The best choice depends on individual needs, preferences, and the specific medical condition requiring treatment. Patients should carefully consider the factors discussed in this review, conduct their own research, and consult with their primary care physician to make the most informed decision. Remember that this review is a snapshot in time, and hospital performance can change. It is always best to verify the most up-to-date information directly with the hospitals.