26424, Rosemont, West Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 26424, Rosemont, West Virginia is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 26424

This review assesses the healthcare landscape surrounding ZIP code 26424, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services. The analysis incorporates data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), publicly available hospital websites, and other relevant sources to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" for the region. While no single score can perfectly encapsulate the complexities of healthcare, this review aims to offer informed insights for residents seeking medical care.

**Regional Overview:**

ZIP code 26424 is located in West Virginia, a state often facing healthcare challenges due to its rural geography and socioeconomic factors. The availability and quality of healthcare services can vary significantly within the state. Access to specialists and advanced medical technologies might be limited compared to more urban areas. Residents often rely on a network of hospitals and clinics, some of which may be located a considerable distance away.

**Flagship Hospital Analysis:**

The closest major hospitals to 26424, and therefore the most likely choices for residents, are the primary focus of this review. These institutions often serve as referral centers and offer a broader range of services than smaller, local facilities.

* **United Hospital Center (Clarksburg, WV):** Located in Clarksburg, United Hospital Center (UHC) is a significant regional provider. UHC is a 4-star rated hospital by CMS, reflecting a generally positive performance in areas like patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. This rating indicates that UHC performs better than the national average. UHC has a comprehensive range of services, including cardiology, oncology, and surgical specialties. The hospital is affiliated with WVU Medicine, providing access to additional resources and expertise.

* **Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital (Weston, WV):** Situated in Weston, Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital is another important healthcare provider within the region. CMS has not published a star rating for Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital. However, the hospital offers a variety of services, including emergency care, medical-surgical units, and outpatient clinics. As a smaller community hospital, its focus is on providing accessible care to the local population.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's ability to handle patient volume and provide timely care. Data on ER wait times can be found on hospital websites or through resources like the CMS Hospital Compare website.

* **United Hospital Center:** UHC's ER wait times should be checked on the hospital's website or through CMS data. The average wait time is a crucial factor, as longer waits can indicate potential overcrowding or staffing challenges.

* **Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital:** ER wait times at Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital should also be examined. Since it is a smaller hospital, wait times might vary depending on the time of day and the severity of patient cases.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

The availability of specialized medical services is a key factor in assessing overall healthcare quality. The presence of centers dedicated to specific conditions or treatments can greatly improve patient outcomes.

* **Cardiology:** Both UHC and Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital likely offer cardiology services. UHC, being a larger facility, probably has a more extensive cardiology program, potentially including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. The availability of these services is crucial for treating heart conditions, which are prevalent in West Virginia.

* **Oncology:** UHC's affiliation with WVU Medicine suggests it has a robust oncology program. This may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and access to clinical trials. The presence of a comprehensive cancer center is essential for providing quality cancer care.

* **Orthopedics:** Both hospitals should offer orthopedic services, treating musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. UHC may have a more advanced orthopedic program, including specialized surgeons and advanced surgical techniques.

* **Women's Health:** UHC likely has a dedicated women's health center providing obstetrics, gynecology, and other related services. The availability of these services is crucial for women's health needs.

**Telehealth and Digital Health Initiatives:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas where access to in-person care can be limited. Hospitals that embrace telehealth can expand their reach and improve patient access to care.

* **United Hospital Center:** UHC, as part of WVU Medicine, is likely to have a robust telehealth program. This might include virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and access to specialists through video conferencing. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for patients in remote areas.

* **Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital:** Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital may also offer telehealth services, although perhaps on a smaller scale. The hospital could use telehealth to connect patients with specialists or provide follow-up care.

**Hospital Safety and Patient Experience:**

Patient safety and experience are vital components of overall healthcare quality. These factors are often reflected in CMS star ratings and patient satisfaction surveys.

* **United Hospital Center:** UHC's 4-star CMS rating suggests a commitment to patient safety and a positive patient experience. The hospital's performance in areas like infection control, medication safety, and patient communication is crucial.

* **Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital:** Patient experience at Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital should be assessed through patient satisfaction surveys and online reviews. These sources can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the overall patient experience.

**Accessibility and Community Health:**

Accessibility to healthcare services is a significant concern in rural areas. Factors like transportation, insurance coverage, and the availability of primary care physicians can affect access.

* **Transportation:** Residents of 26424 may face transportation challenges in accessing healthcare. Hospitals should offer resources to help patients overcome these barriers, such as shuttle services or partnerships with community organizations.

* **Insurance Coverage:** The availability of insurance coverage is crucial for accessing healthcare. Hospitals should accept a wide range of insurance plans and offer financial assistance programs to help patients afford care.

* **Primary Care:** The availability of primary care physicians is essential for preventive care and managing chronic conditions. Residents should have access to primary care providers who can coordinate their care and refer them to specialists when needed.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near 26424 is a complex assessment. The following factors are crucial:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** These ratings provide a snapshot of overall hospital quality.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter wait times indicate better access to emergency care.
* **Specialty Services:** The availability of specialized services is essential for comprehensive care.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth can improve access to care, especially in rural areas.
* **Patient Safety and Experience:** Positive patient experiences are crucial for overall satisfaction.
* **Accessibility and Community Health:** Transportation, insurance coverage, and primary care access are vital.

**Recommendations:**

Residents of 26424 should consider the following when choosing a hospital:

* **Research Hospital Ratings:** Review CMS star ratings and other quality metrics.
* **Assess ER Wait Times:** Check current wait times before seeking emergency care.
* **Evaluate Specialty Services:** Determine if the hospital offers the specific services needed.
* **Inquire About Telehealth:** Explore telehealth options for convenient access to care.
* **Read Patient Reviews:** Gather insights from other patients' experiences.
* **Consider Accessibility:** Assess transportation, insurance coverage, and primary care access.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near 26424 presents a mixed picture. While UHC offers a strong foundation with its 4-star CMS rating and affiliation with WVU Medicine, residents should carefully evaluate all available options based on their individual needs. The availability of specialized services, ER wait times, and telehealth options should all be considered. By taking a proactive approach to healthcare decision-making, residents can make informed choices that best meet their needs and promote their overall health and well-being. The “Overall Health Score” is a dynamic assessment, and residents should regularly review updated information to make the most informed decisions.