26717, Elk Garden, West Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 26717, Elk Garden, West Virginia is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 26717

Finding the best healthcare in the vicinity of ZIP code 26717, which encompasses the city of Keyser, West Virginia, requires a nuanced understanding of available facilities. This review analyzes key hospitals, focusing on factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities to provide an overall health score assessment. The analysis considers both the immediate area and nearby regional hubs, acknowledging that residents may travel for specialized care.

**Core Considerations: Proximity and Access**

Keyser, West Virginia, is a relatively rural area. This geographical reality significantly impacts healthcare access. Residents often rely on a smaller network of local hospitals and clinics, with more specialized services requiring travel to larger regional centers. The availability of transportation, particularly for those with mobility limitations or chronic conditions, is a crucial consideration.

**Key Hospital: Potomac Valley Hospital**

Potomac Valley Hospital (PVH) in Keyser is the primary healthcare provider within the 26717 ZIP code. As a critical access hospital, PVH plays a vital role in the community, offering essential services. However, it's important to note that critical access hospitals are evaluated differently by CMS compared to larger, more comprehensive facilities. They are designed to provide a safety net of essential services in rural communities.

Unfortunately, specific CMS star ratings for PVH are not consistently available. This can be due to several factors, including the hospital's size and the data collection requirements for CMS ratings. It's important to consult the CMS website directly for the most up-to-date information.

ER wait times at PVH are a crucial metric for local residents. Data on ER wait times can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and seasonal factors. While precise, real-time wait times can be difficult to obtain publicly, residents can often find this information through hospital websites or local news outlets. PVH's ability to manage ER volume and minimize wait times is a significant factor in its overall health score.

PVH provides a range of core services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, and diagnostic imaging. The hospital also offers various specialty clinics, such as cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery. The availability of these services locally reduces the need for travel for common medical needs.

Telehealth capabilities at PVH are an increasingly important aspect of healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth can improve access to specialists and provide remote monitoring for chronic conditions. Assessing the extent of PVH's telehealth offerings, including the types of services available and the ease of access, is crucial for residents.

**Regional Hubs: Expanding Healthcare Options**

Residents near 26717 often seek care in regional hubs, expanding their healthcare options. These hubs typically offer a wider range of specialties and advanced medical technologies.

**WVU Medicine – Berkeley Medical Center (Martinsburg, WV)**

Approximately an hour's drive from Keyser, WVU Medicine – Berkeley Medical Center in Martinsburg, West Virginia, is a major regional healthcare provider. This hospital is part of the West Virginia University Health System and offers a comprehensive range of services.

Berkeley Medical Center has a CMS star rating, which provides a standardized measure of quality. It's essential to check the CMS website for the current star rating, as these scores are updated periodically. A higher star rating generally indicates better performance across various quality metrics.

Berkeley Medical Center boasts a more extensive ER, which can handle a higher volume of patients. ER wait times are a critical factor, and the hospital's performance in this area is crucial. Publicly available data on ER wait times is often available on hospital websites or through third-party sources.

The hospital provides a broad spectrum of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and advanced surgical procedures. The availability of these services reduces the need for travel to more distant medical centers.

Telehealth is increasingly integrated into Berkeley Medical Center's operations. The hospital likely offers telehealth consultations, remote monitoring programs, and access to specialists through virtual platforms. The extent of these services contributes to the overall accessibility of care.

**WVU Medicine – J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital (Morgantown, WV)**

Further afield, approximately a two-hour drive, is WVU Medicine – J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia. This is the flagship hospital of the WVU Health System and a major tertiary care center.

Ruby Memorial Hospital typically has a CMS star rating, reflecting its performance across various quality measures. The CMS website should be consulted for the most current rating. Given its status as a tertiary care center, Ruby Memorial Hospital is expected to perform well in terms of quality and patient outcomes.

ER wait times at Ruby Memorial Hospital are a critical consideration, given the hospital's high volume of patients. The hospital's ability to manage ER volume and minimize wait times is a key indicator of its efficiency. Publicly available data on ER wait times is often accessible.

Ruby Memorial Hospital offers a vast array of specialty services, including advanced cancer treatment, complex surgical procedures, and specialized care for various medical conditions. It serves as a referral center for patients from a wide geographic area.

Telehealth is a significant component of Ruby Memorial Hospital's operations. The hospital likely offers a comprehensive telehealth program, including remote consultations, virtual monitoring, and access to specialists through virtual platforms. The extent of its telehealth offerings is a significant factor in its overall health score.

**Other Considerations: Specialized Services and Community Health**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, the availability of specialized services in the region is crucial. This includes access to cancer centers, cardiac care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and mental health services. Residents may need to travel to access these specialized resources.

Community health initiatives and programs also play a vital role in overall health. This includes public health campaigns, preventative care programs, and access to social services. The availability of these resources can significantly impact the health and well-being of the community.

**Overall Health Score Assessment: Near 26717**

The overall health score for residents near ZIP code 26717 is a complex calculation. The primary healthcare provider, Potomac Valley Hospital, offers essential services but is limited by its size and resources. The availability of a local hospital is a significant advantage for residents.

The regional hubs, particularly Berkeley Medical Center and J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, provide access to a wider range of specialized services and advanced medical technologies. However, these hospitals require travel, which can be a barrier for some residents.

The overall health score is also influenced by factors such as:

* **Access to primary care physicians:** The availability of primary care providers is crucial for preventative care and managing chronic conditions.
* **Availability of specialists:** The proximity of specialists, such as cardiologists, oncologists, and neurologists, is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment.
* **ER wait times:** Efficient ER management is critical for providing prompt care in emergency situations.
* **Telehealth capabilities:** The availability of telehealth services can improve access to care, especially for residents in rural areas.
* **Community health initiatives:** Public health programs and community support services contribute to overall well-being.

**Recommendations**

Residents of the 26717 area should consider the following when evaluating their healthcare options:

* **Prioritize preventative care:** Regular check-ups and screenings are crucial for maintaining good health.
* **Research hospital quality:** Check CMS star ratings and other quality metrics to assess hospital performance.
* **Understand ER wait times:** Be aware of ER wait times at local hospitals and regional centers.
* **Explore telehealth options:** Utilize telehealth services to access specialists and manage chronic conditions.
* **Consider travel time:** Factor in travel time when seeking specialized care at regional hospitals.
* **Stay informed:** Keep abreast of community health initiatives and programs.

The overall health score for residents near 26717 is a mixed bag. While the local hospital provides essential services, access to specialized care requires travel. Residents should proactively manage their health, research available options, and utilize the resources available to them.