26524, Bretz, West Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 26524, Bretz, West Virginia is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 26524

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals in proximity to ZIP code 26524 (Morgantown, West Virginia), focusing on key metrics like quality of care, accessibility, and patient experience. The goal is to offer a comprehensive overview to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Understanding the Score:**

The "Overall Health Score" is a composite evaluation, drawing on publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Healthgrades, and hospital websites. It considers factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, the availability of specialized services, telehealth capabilities, and patient satisfaction scores. The higher the score, the better the overall assessment.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance:**

The primary healthcare provider in the 26524 area is **WVU Medicine Ruby Memorial Hospital**. This facility serves as a regional referral center and is a cornerstone of healthcare in the region.

* **WVU Medicine Ruby Memorial Hospital:** Ruby Memorial holds a four-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects a good performance in areas like patient safety, effectiveness of care, and timely care. The hospital boasts several Centers of Excellence, including a comprehensive cancer center, a heart and vascular institute, and a Level I Trauma Center. ER wait times at Ruby Memorial fluctuate but generally average around 30-60 minutes, according to recent data. The hospital has significantly expanded its telehealth services in recent years, offering virtual consultations across a range of specialties, including cardiology, neurology, and behavioral health. Patient satisfaction scores are generally positive, with patients often praising the expertise of the medical staff.

**Other Hospitals in the Area:**

While Ruby Memorial is the primary hub, several other healthcare facilities serve the 26524 area.

* **Mon Health Medical Center:** Located in Morgantown, Mon Health Medical Center is another important option. Mon Health is a smaller facility compared to Ruby Memorial, but it provides a range of services, including primary care, surgical services, and a women's health center. The hospital is not rated by CMS. ER wait times at Mon Health are generally shorter than at Ruby Memorial, often averaging under 30 minutes. Telehealth services are available, though the scope is less extensive than at Ruby Memorial. Patient satisfaction scores are mixed, with some patients reporting positive experiences and others expressing concerns about wait times and communication.

* **Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center (Clarksburg):** Located a short distance from Morgantown, the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg serves veterans in the region. The VA system operates independently, with its own performance metrics and patient care standards. While the VA system is not directly comparable to civilian hospitals in terms of CMS ratings, it offers a comprehensive range of services, including primary care, specialized clinics, and mental health services. ER wait times at the VA Medical Center vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the patient's condition. The VA system has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring services. Patient satisfaction within the VA system is often tied to individual experiences with specific providers and the availability of resources.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Beyond general hospital services, the area offers access to specialized care.

* **Cancer Care:** Ruby Memorial Hospital houses the WVU Cancer Institute, a comprehensive cancer center offering advanced treatments, clinical trials, and supportive care services. Mon Health Medical Center also provides cancer care services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

* **Heart and Vascular Care:** The WVU Heart and Vascular Institute at Ruby Memorial provides a full spectrum of cardiac and vascular services, including interventional cardiology, cardiac surgery, and vascular surgery.

* **Women's Health:** Both Ruby Memorial and Mon Health Medical Center offer comprehensive women's health services, including obstetrics and gynecology, mammography, and specialized clinics.

* **Behavioral Health:** Both hospitals provide behavioral health services, including inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care, counseling, and addiction treatment.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a critical factor in assessing accessibility. While these times can fluctuate, here’s a general overview:

* **Ruby Memorial:** Generally, ER wait times average between 30-60 minutes, but can be longer during peak hours or with high patient volumes.
* **Mon Health Medical Center:** Typically, ER wait times are shorter, often under 30 minutes.
* **VA Medical Center (Clarksburg):** Wait times vary, but the VA system prioritizes veterans' needs.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for rural areas.

* **Ruby Memorial:** Offers extensive telehealth services across many specialties, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and remote patient education.
* **Mon Health Medical Center:** Provides telehealth services, though the scope is less extensive than at Ruby Memorial.
* **VA Medical Center (Clarksburg):** Has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring services.

**Patient Satisfaction:**

Patient satisfaction is a key indicator of quality of care.

* **Ruby Memorial:** Patient satisfaction scores are generally positive, with patients often praising the expertise of the medical staff.
* **Mon Health Medical Center:** Patient satisfaction scores are mixed, with some patients reporting positive experiences and others expressing concerns about wait times and communication.
* **VA Medical Center (Clarksburg):** Patient satisfaction within the VA system is often tied to individual experiences with specific providers and the availability of resources.

**Accessibility and Location:**

The hospitals in the 26524 area are generally accessible, with Ruby Memorial being centrally located and Mon Health Medical Center easily accessible. The VA Medical Center in Clarksburg is a short drive away. Public transportation options are available, though they may be limited.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

Based on the available data, **WVU Medicine Ruby Memorial Hospital** receives the highest overall score. Its four-star CMS rating, comprehensive specialty services, and extensive telehealth capabilities make it a strong choice. While ER wait times can be longer, the hospital's overall quality of care and access to specialized services are significant advantages.

**Mon Health Medical Center** offers a viable alternative, particularly for those seeking shorter ER wait times. However, its lack of a CMS rating and more limited specialty services may be a consideration.

The **Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center** in Clarksburg is a crucial resource for veterans, providing a comprehensive range of services within the VA system.

**Important Considerations:**

* **Individual Needs:** The best hospital for an individual depends on their specific healthcare needs and preferences.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Insurance coverage can significantly impact access to care.
* **Personal Research:** This review is a starting point. Patients should conduct their own research, consult with their primary care physicians, and consider their personal experiences when making healthcare decisions.
* **Data Limitations:** Publicly available data has limitations. It may not capture all aspects of quality of care or patient experience.
* **Constant Change:** The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Services, ratings, and wait times can change.

This review provides a snapshot of the healthcare options near ZIP code 26524. Residents are encouraged to utilize this information as a guide and to conduct further research to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.