26719, Fort Ashby, West Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 26719, Fort Ashby, West Virginia is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 26719

This review assesses the healthcare landscape surrounding the 26719 ZIP code, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services. We will evaluate the performance of key institutions, considering factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare options.

**Regional Overview & Key Players**

The 26719 ZIP code, encompassing the town of Keyser, West Virginia, and its surrounding areas, is primarily served by hospitals within a reasonable driving distance. The most prominent facilities include Potomac Valley Hospital (PVH) in Keyser and facilities in Cumberland, Maryland. Access to larger, more specialized hospitals in Morgantown, West Virginia, and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is also possible, but typically involves longer travel times.

**Potomac Valley Hospital (PVH): A Local Hub**

Potomac Valley Hospital, located directly within the 26719 ZIP code, serves as a crucial healthcare provider for the community. PVH is a 76-bed facility. As of the latest available data, PVH does not have a CMS star rating. This rating system, administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, provides a snapshot of a hospital's overall quality based on various metrics, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. The absence of a star rating does not necessarily indicate poor quality, but it does limit the ability to directly compare PVH with other hospitals that have been rated.

**Emergency Department Performance at PVH**

Emergency room wait times are a critical indicator of hospital accessibility and efficiency. While specific, publicly available data on PVH's ER wait times is often limited, residents should consider the average wait times at the facility.

**Specialty Services at PVH**

PVH offers a range of services, including general surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, and obstetrics/gynecology. The availability of these core services within the community is a significant advantage for residents, reducing the need for travel to more distant facilities for common healthcare needs. PVH also has a laboratory and imaging services.

**Telehealth Capabilities at PVH**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. PVH has a telehealth program. The extent of its telehealth offerings, including the specialties covered and the ease of access for patients, is an important factor to consider. Telehealth can improve access to specialists, reduce travel burdens, and enhance overall patient care.

**Cumberland, Maryland: Expanding Healthcare Options**

The city of Cumberland, Maryland, located a short drive from Keyser, provides additional healthcare options for residents of the 26719 ZIP code.

**UPMC Western Maryland**

UPMC Western Maryland is a major healthcare provider in the Cumberland area. UPMC Western Maryland has a 3-star CMS rating. This rating indicates that the hospital performs at an average level compared to other hospitals across the country.

**Emergency Department Performance at UPMC Western Maryland**

UPMC Western Maryland's ER wait times are a key consideration for patients seeking immediate care. Publicly available data on average wait times and the percentage of patients seen within a certain timeframe should be reviewed to assess the efficiency of the ER.

**Specialty Services at UPMC Western Maryland**

UPMC Western Maryland offers a broader range of specialty services than PVH, including advanced cardiology, oncology, and surgical services. This expanded scope provides residents with access to more specialized care options closer to home.

**Telehealth Capabilities at UPMC Western Maryland**

UPMC Western Maryland has a well-developed telehealth program. The availability of telehealth services, including the specialties covered and the ease of access for patients, is an important factor to consider.

**Regional Considerations: Travel and Access**

While PVH and UPMC Western Maryland provide the closest healthcare options, residents may need to travel to larger hospitals for specialized care.

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

WVU Medicine – Ruby Memorial Hospital, located in Morgantown, West Virginia, is a major referral center for the region. Ruby Memorial has a 4-star CMS rating. This indicates a higher level of quality compared to the national average.

**Emergency Department Performance at Ruby Memorial Hospital**

Ruby Memorial's ER serves a large patient population, and wait times can be longer than at smaller, local facilities. Patients should be aware of potential wait times and consider the severity of their condition when deciding where to seek care.

**Specialty Services at Ruby Memorial Hospital**

Ruby Memorial offers a comprehensive range of specialty services, including advanced cancer treatment, transplant services, and specialized pediatric care. Its status as a major academic medical center means it often has access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials.

**Telehealth Capabilities at Ruby Memorial Hospital**

Ruby Memorial has a robust telehealth program, offering remote consultations and monitoring services across a wide range of specialties. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas who may have difficulty traveling to Morgantown for appointments.

**Hospitals in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area**

Hospitals in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, while further away, provide access to some of the most specialized and advanced medical care in the country.

**Inova Fairfax Hospital (Falls Church, VA)**

Inova Fairfax Hospital, located in Falls Church, Virginia, is a highly regarded hospital with a 4-star CMS rating. It is a major trauma center and offers a wide array of specialty services.

**Emergency Department Performance at Inova Fairfax Hospital**

As a major trauma center, Inova Fairfax Hospital's ER sees a high volume of patients. Wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the cases.

**Specialty Services at Inova Fairfax Hospital**

Inova Fairfax Hospital offers a comprehensive range of specialty services, including advanced cancer treatment, cardiology, and neurosurgery. Its status as a major teaching hospital means it often has access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials.

**Telehealth Capabilities at Inova Fairfax Hospital**

Inova Fairfax Hospital has a growing telehealth program, offering remote consultations and monitoring services.

**Other Considerations: Cost and Insurance**

The cost of healthcare is a significant factor for all patients. Residents of the 26719 ZIP code should consider the cost of care at different facilities, including the cost of services, co-pays, and deductibles. Insurance coverage is also a critical factor. Patients should ensure that their insurance plan covers the services they need and that the hospitals they choose are in-network.

**Overall Health Score Summary and Recommendations**

The "Overall Health Score" for residents of the 26719 ZIP code is influenced by a combination of factors.

* **Local Access:** PVH provides essential services and is conveniently located. However, its lack of a CMS star rating and limited specialty services suggest that residents may need to seek care elsewhere for more complex needs.
* **Regional Options:** UPMC Western Maryland offers a broader range of services and has a 3-star CMS rating, making it a good option for many residents.
* **Specialized Care:** Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown and hospitals in the Washington, D.C. area provide access to advanced specialty care, but require longer travel times.
* **Telehealth:** The availability of telehealth services at several hospitals is a significant advantage, particularly for residents in rural areas.

**Recommendations:**

* **For routine care:** PVH is a convenient option for primary care and basic services.
* **For more specialized care:** UPMC Western Maryland provides a good balance of services and accessibility.
* **For complex or advanced care:** Ruby Memorial Hospital or hospitals in the Washington, D.C. area should be considered.
* **Utilize telehealth:** Take advantage of telehealth options to improve access to specialists and reduce travel burdens.
* **Consider cost and insurance:** Research the costs of care at different facilities and ensure that your insurance plan covers the services you need.
* **Check ER wait times:** Before going to the ER, consider checking average wait times at different facilities.

The best healthcare choice for residents of the 26719 ZIP code will depend on individual needs and preferences. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare and access the care they need. The "Overall Health Score" is a dynamic assessment, and residents should stay informed about changes in hospital ratings, services, and wait times to ensure they are receiving the best possible care.