26430, Sand Fork, West Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 26430, Sand Fork, West Virginia is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 26430

Navigating the healthcare landscape can feel overwhelming. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the area near ZIP code 26430, focusing on key metrics to help you make informed decisions about your care. This analysis considers factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth availability, and other crucial indicators.

**Understanding the Scope**

ZIP code 26430, located in West Virginia, necessitates a review of hospitals within a reasonable radius. This analysis will primarily focus on hospitals within a 50-mile radius, considering accessibility and patient referral patterns. The "Overall Health Score" is a composite assessment, not a single numerical value, but rather a qualitative evaluation based on the gathered data.

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

United Hospital Center (UHC), located in Clarksburg, WV, is a major player in the region's healthcare ecosystem. UHC is a 300-bed facility and is the flagship hospital for WVU Medicine. This hospital is the closest major hospital to ZIP code 26430.

**CMS Star Rating:** UHC currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, readmission rates, 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 Performance:** ER wait times are a critical concern for patients. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, data suggests that UHC generally experiences moderate wait times. Publicly available data from CMS and other sources should be consulted for the most up-to-date information. The ER at UHC is a designated Level II Trauma Center.

**Specialty Centers:** UHC boasts a range of specialty centers, including a comprehensive heart and vascular institute, a cancer center, and a women's health center. These centers offer specialized care and advanced treatment options. The hospital is also known for its orthopedic services and surgical capabilities.

**Telehealth Integration:** UHC has been actively expanding its telehealth services. Telehealth offers patients remote access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and educational resources. This is particularly valuable for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The availability of telehealth is an important consideration for overall accessibility.

**Other Considerations:** UHC's affiliation with WVU Medicine provides access to a broader network of specialists and resources. However, the hospital's performance in certain areas, such as patient satisfaction scores, may warrant further investigation.

**Additional Hospitals and Their Assessment**

**Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital (Weston, WV):** Located approximately 30 miles from ZIP code 26430, Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital is a smaller, critical access hospital. Critical access hospitals are designed to serve rural communities and often provide essential services like emergency care, inpatient care, and basic diagnostic services.

**CMS Star Rating:** Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital does not have a CMS star rating, as critical access hospitals are not typically rated.

**Emergency Room Performance:** ER wait times at Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital are generally shorter than those at larger facilities.

**Specialty Centers:** The hospital focuses on primary care, emergency services, and basic surgical procedures. It may not have the same breadth of specialty centers as larger hospitals.

**Telehealth Integration:** Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital likely offers some telehealth services, particularly for primary care and specialist consultations.

**Overall Assessment:** Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital provides essential healthcare services to its community. Its smaller size and focus on primary care make it a good option for certain needs.

**Brooke County Hospital (Wellsburg, WV):** Located approximately 75 miles from ZIP code 26430, Brooke County Hospital is a smaller hospital.

**CMS Star Rating:** Brooke County Hospital does not have a CMS star rating.

**Emergency Room Performance:** ER wait times at Brooke County Hospital are generally shorter than those at larger facilities.

**Specialty Centers:** The hospital focuses on primary care, emergency services, and basic surgical procedures. It may not have the same breadth of specialty centers as larger hospitals.

**Telehealth Integration:** Brooke County Hospital likely offers some telehealth services, particularly for primary care and specialist consultations.

**Overall Assessment:** Brooke County Hospital provides essential healthcare services to its community. Its smaller size and focus on primary care make it a good option for certain needs.

**Factors Influencing the Overall Health Score**

Several factors contribute to the "Overall Health Score" assessment:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** While not the sole determinant, CMS star ratings provide a valuable snapshot of a hospital's performance across various quality measures.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Timely access to emergency care is crucial. Shorter wait times generally indicate better efficiency and patient flow.
* **Specialty Center Availability:** The presence of specialized centers for cardiology, oncology, and other areas expands the range of services available to patients.
* **Telehealth Integration:** Telehealth enhances accessibility, especially for patients in rural areas or with mobility issues.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient experience is a critical indicator of quality. Patient satisfaction scores, when available, provide insights into the patient's perspective.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation from reputable organizations, such as The Joint Commission, signifies a commitment to quality and safety standards.
* **Community Health Needs:** The hospital's responsiveness to the specific health needs of the community is a factor.

**Caveats and Considerations**

This "Overall Health Score" assessment is based on available data and should not be considered a definitive ranking. Healthcare needs are highly individual.

* **Data Limitations:** Publicly available data may not always be comprehensive or up-to-date.
* **Individual Needs:** The best hospital for one person may not be the best for another. Consider your specific health needs and preferences.
* **Physician Choice:** Your primary care physician's recommendations are crucial. They can help you navigate the healthcare system and choose the best specialists.
* **Travel Distance:** Consider the distance to the hospital, especially in emergency situations.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospital and its specialists are within your insurance network.

**Making Informed Decisions**

Choosing a hospital is a personal decision. This review provides a starting point for your research.

* **Research:** Visit hospital websites, review CMS data, and explore patient reviews.
* **Consult Your Physician:** Discuss your healthcare needs and preferences with your doctor.
* **Ask Questions:** Don't hesitate to ask questions about a hospital's services, quality, and patient experience.
* **Consider Your Priorities:** Identify the factors that are most important to you, such as specialized care, convenience, or patient satisfaction.

**Conclusion**

The hospitals near ZIP code 26430 offer a range of healthcare services. United Hospital Center, as the largest facility, provides a comprehensive range of services, though its CMS rating is average. Smaller hospitals like Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital provide essential care. By considering the factors outlined in this review, you can make informed decisions about your healthcare needs. Remember to consult with your physician and conduct thorough research to ensure you receive the best possible care.