26386, Lumberport, West Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 26386, Lumberport, West Virginia is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 26386 (Weston, WV)

Navigating healthcare can feel overwhelming. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near Weston, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26386), focusing on readily available data to help residents make informed decisions. We'll examine factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. Keep in mind that healthcare landscapes are dynamic, and this review reflects information available at the time of writing. Always verify details directly with the hospitals before making healthcare choices.

**The Landscape: A Rural Perspective**

The healthcare environment in and around Weston, WV, reflects the challenges and opportunities of rural America. Access to specialized care can be limited, and travel distances to larger facilities are often a factor. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of available options is crucial. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, considering the needs of the community.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a general measure of quality. These ratings are based on a variety of factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While not the sole determinant of quality, CMS star ratings offer a valuable starting point for comparison.

**Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital (Weston, WV):** Located directly within ZIP Code 26386, Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital is a critical access hospital. Critical access hospitals are designed to serve rural communities and often have a smaller scope of services. CMS does not provide star ratings for critical access hospitals. Stonewall Jackson offers a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and various outpatient clinics. Residents should check the hospital's website or contact them directly to get the most up-to-date information on available services.

**United Hospital Center (Clarksburg, WV):** Located approximately 20 miles from Weston, in Clarksburg, WV, United Hospital Center (UHC) is a larger regional hospital. UHC is a part of WVU Medicine, a major healthcare system in West Virginia. UHC has a 3-star CMS rating. UHC offers a broader range of services than a critical access hospital, including specialized care in areas like cardiology, oncology, and surgery. The hospital's affiliation with WVU Medicine provides access to advanced technology and expertise.

**Mon Health Medical Center (Morgantown, WV):** Approximately 70 miles from Weston, Mon Health Medical Center in Morgantown is another significant regional hospital. Mon Health has a 3-star CMS rating. As a larger facility, Mon Health provides a comprehensive array of services, including specialized centers for heart and vascular care, cancer treatment, and women's health. The distance from Weston may be a factor for some residents, but the availability of specialized care can be a significant advantage.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's ability to provide timely care. Longer wait times can be indicative of overcrowding or staffing shortages. While wait times can fluctuate, understanding the average wait times at local hospitals is essential.

**Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital:** As a critical access hospital, Stonewall Jackson's ER wait times are typically shorter than those of larger facilities. However, wait times can still vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the cases. It's advisable to contact the hospital directly or check online resources for the most current wait time information.

**United Hospital Center:** UHC, being a larger hospital, often experiences longer ER wait times than Stonewall Jackson. However, as a regional referral center, UHC is equipped to handle a wider range of emergencies. Patients should be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours. Online resources and hospital websites often provide estimates.

**Mon Health Medical Center:** Due to its size and the volume of patients it serves, Mon Health's ER wait times may be longer than those at UHC or Stonewall Jackson. However, the hospital has the resources to manage complex medical emergencies. Patients should check the hospital's website or online resources for current wait time estimates.

**Specialty Centers and Advanced Care**

The availability of specialized care is a critical factor in assessing a hospital's overall health score. This includes centers for cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and other specialized areas.

**Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital:** As a critical access hospital, Stonewall Jackson offers a core set of services, including emergency care, general surgery, and basic diagnostic imaging. Specialized services are more limited. Residents needing specialized care may need to travel to larger facilities.

**United Hospital Center:** UHC provides a broader range of specialized services. It features a cardiology program, an oncology center, and orthopedic services. The hospital is also equipped to handle complex surgical procedures. UHC's affiliation with WVU Medicine enhances its ability to provide advanced care.

**Mon Health Medical Center:** Mon Health offers a comprehensive array of specialty centers, including a heart and vascular institute, a cancer center, and specialized programs for women's health and other areas. The hospital's size and resources allow it to provide advanced care and treatment options.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

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

**Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital:** Stonewall Jackson has been increasing its telehealth capabilities. The hospital offers telehealth services for various specialties, including behavioral health and chronic disease management.

**United Hospital Center:** UHC, as part of WVU Medicine, has a robust telehealth program. It offers telehealth consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of patients, and virtual visits for a variety of conditions.

**Mon Health Medical Center:** Mon Health also offers extensive telehealth services, including virtual appointments with specialists, remote patient monitoring, and access to a wide range of healthcare professionals.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction**

Patient experience is a critical component of overall health. Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the patient's perception of their experience.

**Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital:** Patient satisfaction data for Stonewall Jackson is available through the CMS website. Residents should review this data to understand patient experiences at the hospital.

**United Hospital Center:** UHC participates in patient satisfaction surveys, and the results are available through the CMS website. Patients can access this data to assess the hospital's performance in areas like communication, responsiveness, and pain management.

**Mon Health Medical Center:** Mon Health also participates in patient satisfaction surveys, and the results are available on the CMS website. Reviewing this data can help patients understand the hospital's strengths and weaknesses from a patient perspective.

**Community Health Needs Assessments**

Hospitals are required to conduct Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) to identify the health needs of their communities. These assessments provide valuable information about the health challenges and priorities in the area.

**Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital:** Stonewall Jackson's CHNA can provide insights into the specific health needs of the Weston community.

**United Hospital Center:** UHC's CHNA covers the Clarksburg area and provides information relevant to the health needs of the broader region.

**Mon Health Medical Center:** Mon Health's CHNA provides insights into the health needs of the Morgantown area and surrounding communities.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

The hospitals near ZIP Code 26386 offer a range of healthcare options. Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital provides essential services within the community. United Hospital Center offers a broader range of specialties and is part of a larger healthcare system. Mon Health Medical Center provides a comprehensive array of specialized services, although it is located further away.

**Factors to Consider:**

* **Proximity:** Stonewall Jackson is the closest option. UHC and Mon Health require travel.
* **Specialty Care:** UHC and Mon Health offer more specialized services.
* **ER Wait Times:** Expect shorter wait times at Stonewall Jackson.
* **Telehealth:** All hospitals offer telehealth options.
* **Patient Experience:** Review CMS patient satisfaction data.
* **CMS Star Ratings:** UHC and Mon Health have CMS ratings.

**Recommendations:**

* **For immediate emergencies:** Stonewall Jackson is the closest option.
* **For specialized care:** Consider UHC or Mon Health, depending on the specific need.
* **For routine care:** Stonewall Jackson is a convenient option.
* **For telehealth:** Explore the telehealth offerings of all three hospitals.
* **Research and compare:** Visit the hospital websites, review CMS data, and consult with your primary care physician to make the best healthcare decisions.