26707, Bayard, West Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 26707, Bayard, West Virginia is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Keyser, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26707)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" for hospitals serving the Keyser, West Virginia (26707) area, considering factors like quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth offerings. This analysis aims to empower residents with information to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**The Landscape: Limited Options, Regional Reach**

The immediate vicinity of Keyser, West Virginia, presents a limited selection of hospitals. Residents often rely on facilities within a broader geographic radius, including those in neighboring states. This review will focus on the most relevant options, considering their accessibility and service offerings for the 26707 ZIP code. The healthcare ecosystem in this region is characterized by a blend of community hospitals and larger regional medical centers.

**Key Hospitals and Their Performance**

**1. Potomac Valley Hospital (Keyser, WV):** Located directly in Keyser, Potomac Valley Hospital is a critical access hospital, meaning it serves a rural population with limited resources. It is an important local resource. Potomac Valley Hospital is part of WVU Medicine. This affiliation provides access to a broader network of specialists and resources.

**CMS Star Rating:** Critical access hospitals are not rated using the standard CMS star system. However, Potomac Valley Hospital participates in the Hospital Compare program, which provides data on quality measures.

**Emergency Room:** ER wait times at Potomac Valley Hospital can vary. Local data sources suggest that wait times are generally moderate, but can fluctuate depending on patient volume and the severity of cases.

**Specialty Centers:** Potomac Valley Hospital offers a range of services, including general surgery, cardiology, and a labor and delivery unit. It also has a comprehensive imaging department.

**Telehealth:** Potomac Valley Hospital has been expanding its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This is particularly important for a rural community where access to specialists can be challenging.

**2. WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center (Martinsburg, WV):** Located approximately 90 miles from Keyser, Berkeley Medical Center is a larger regional hospital within the WVU Medicine system. It offers a broader range of specialized services and is often a referral destination for patients in the Keyser area.

**CMS Star Rating:** Berkeley Medical Center has a CMS star rating. This rating reflects the hospital's performance on a variety of quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience.

**Emergency Room:** ER wait times at Berkeley Medical Center can be longer than at smaller hospitals, given its larger patient volume. Data from various sources should be consulted for the most up-to-date information.

**Specialty Centers:** Berkeley Medical Center boasts several specialty centers, including a comprehensive cancer center, a heart and vascular institute, and a dedicated stroke center. It also offers advanced surgical capabilities.

**Telehealth:** Berkeley Medical Center has a robust telehealth program, providing virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and access to specialists through video conferencing. This is a significant advantage for patients in the Keyser area, who may need to consult with specialists located at a distance.

**3. UPMC Western Maryland (Cumberland, MD):** Located approximately 30 miles from Keyser, UPMC Western Maryland is a major regional medical center serving the tri-state area. It offers a wide array of services and advanced medical technologies.

**CMS Star Rating:** UPMC Western Maryland has a CMS star rating, reflecting its performance on quality metrics. This rating provides a valuable benchmark for comparing the hospital's performance against national standards.

**Emergency Room:** ER wait times at UPMC Western Maryland can vary. It is advisable to check current wait times through online resources or by contacting the hospital directly.

**Specialty Centers:** UPMC Western Maryland offers a comprehensive range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and a Level II Trauma Center. It has advanced imaging and surgical capabilities.

**Telehealth:** UPMC Western Maryland has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and access to specialists through video conferencing. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas.

**4. Garrett Regional Medical Center (Oakland, MD):** Located approximately 60 miles from Keyser, Garrett Regional Medical Center is a smaller community hospital that may be an option for some residents.

**CMS Star Rating:** Garrett Regional Medical Center is rated by CMS.

**Emergency Room:** ER wait times at Garrett Regional Medical Center are generally moderate.

**Specialty Centers:** Garrett Regional Medical Center offers a range of services, including general surgery, cardiology, and a labor and delivery unit.

**Telehealth:** Garrett Regional Medical Center offers telehealth services.

**Factors Influencing the Overall Health Score**

The "Overall Health Score" for each hospital is influenced by several key factors:

* **Quality Ratings:** CMS star ratings and other quality metrics provide a standardized measure of a hospital's performance.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Shorter wait times indicate better efficiency and potentially faster access to care.
* **Specialty Services:** The availability of specialized services, such as cardiology, oncology, and advanced surgery, is crucial for comprehensive care.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction scores and feedback are important indicators of the quality of care.
* **Accessibility:** Geographic proximity and ease of access are important considerations for residents.

**Comparative Analysis and Considerations**

When evaluating hospitals near Keyser, WV, residents should consider their individual healthcare needs. For routine care and less complex medical issues, Potomac Valley Hospital may be a convenient option. However, for specialized care and advanced treatments, Berkeley Medical Center and UPMC Western Maryland offer a broader range of services.

**ER Wait Times:** While ER wait times are a significant factor, it's important to remember that they can fluctuate. Checking real-time wait times through online resources or by contacting the hospital directly is recommended.

**Telehealth:** The increasing availability of telehealth services is a significant advantage, particularly for patients in rural areas. Telehealth can improve access to specialists and reduce the need for travel.

**Specialty Care:** The availability of specialty centers and advanced surgical capabilities is a critical factor in determining the overall quality of care. Patients with complex medical needs should consider hospitals with comprehensive specialty services.

**Overall Health Score Summary (Based on Available Information)**

Given the limited options and the need to consider regional resources, an estimated "Overall Health Score" for the hospitals near Keyser, WV, would be:

* **Potomac Valley Hospital:** A solid local resource with expanding telehealth.
* **WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center:** A strong regional option with a wide range of specialty services and a robust telehealth program.
* **UPMC Western Maryland:** A strong regional option with a wide range of specialty services and a robust telehealth program.
* **Garrett Regional Medical Center:** A solid community hospital with telehealth.

**Recommendations for 26707 Residents**

* **Research and Compare:** Residents should research each hospital's services, quality ratings, and patient reviews.
* **Consider Specialty Needs:** Patients with specific medical needs should prioritize hospitals with relevant specialty centers.
* **Utilize Telehealth:** Explore telehealth options for convenient access to care.
* **Check ER Wait Times:** Before visiting the ER, check current wait times through online resources.
* **Consult with Primary Care Physicians:** Seek guidance from primary care physicians for referrals and recommendations.
* **Stay Informed:** Healthcare information changes frequently. Keep up-to-date on hospital services and developments.

This review provides a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape near Keyser, WV. Residents should conduct their own research and consult with healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about their health.