26739, Mount Storm, West Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 26739, Mount Storm, West Virginia is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Moorefield, WV (ZIP Code 26739)

The pursuit of quality healthcare is a fundamental concern, and for residents of Moorefield, West Virginia (ZIP code 26739), understanding the options available is crucial. This review provides an “Overall Health Score” assessment of hospitals within a reasonable radius, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. Due to the rural nature of the area, the focus will be on facilities within a practical driving distance, acknowledging that residents may travel further for specialized care.

**Defining the Scope:**

The primary focus will be on hospitals within a 60-90 minute driving radius of Moorefield. This includes facilities in West Virginia, Maryland, and potentially Virginia, depending on proximity and service offerings. The assessment will prioritize readily available data, including information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and publicly available resources. It is important to note that healthcare landscapes are dynamic; information can change rapidly.

**Key Considerations for the Overall Health Score:**

The "Overall Health Score" will be a composite assessment, weighing various factors:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** The CMS star rating system provides a readily accessible, albeit simplified, measure of hospital quality based on patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. Higher star ratings (up to 5 stars) generally indicate better performance.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times are a critical indicator of access to care. Shorter wait times are preferable, reflecting efficient operations and potentially better patient outcomes. Data will be drawn from publicly available sources, including hospital websites and third-party aggregators.
* **Specialty Centers and Services:** The availability of specialized services, such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology, is a significant factor. The presence of accredited centers and specialized programs indicates a hospital's ability to handle complex medical needs.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. The availability of telehealth services can improve access to specialists, provide remote monitoring, and enhance overall patient care.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction surveys and reviews provide valuable insights into the patient experience. While subjective, these can highlight strengths and weaknesses in communication, care delivery, and overall satisfaction.
* **Accreditation and Certifications:** Accreditation from organizations like The Joint Commission or DNV GL Healthcare signifies adherence to rigorous quality standards. Specialized certifications for specific programs (e.g., stroke centers) are also important.

**Hospital Assessments:**

**1. Grant Memorial Hospital (Petersburg, WV):**

Grant Memorial Hospital (GMH) in Petersburg, WV, is the closest hospital to Moorefield. It is a critical access hospital, designed to serve rural communities. As of the latest CMS data, GMH has a 3-star rating. This rating reflects a mixed performance, with strengths and weaknesses in various areas. Information on ER wait times is readily available on their website. GMH offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and diagnostic imaging. They have a telehealth program, which is crucial for providing access to specialists in a rural setting. Patient reviews are mixed, highlighting the challenges of providing care in a resource-constrained environment.

**2. Winchester Medical Center (Winchester, VA):**

Winchester Medical Center (WMC), approximately a 1-hour drive from Moorefield, is a larger regional hospital. It is a part of Valley Health System. WMC has a 3-star rating from CMS. WMC has a busy emergency room, and wait times can vary. WMC offers a wide array of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, and a comprehensive stroke center. They have a robust telehealth program, offering virtual visits and remote monitoring options. Patient reviews are generally positive, with some concerns about wait times and communication.

**3. WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center (Martinsburg, WV):**

WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center, located in Martinsburg, WV, is another option, roughly a 1-hour drive from Moorefield. It is a part of the WVU Medicine system, which is a large and well-regarded healthcare provider in West Virginia. Berkeley Medical Center has a 3-star rating from CMS. It is a regional referral center with a busy ER, and wait times can vary. They have a comprehensive range of specialty services, including cardiology, cancer care, and surgical services. They have a strong telehealth program, offering virtual visits and remote monitoring. Patient reviews are generally mixed, with some patients citing long wait times and challenges with communication.

**4. Potomac Valley Hospital (Keyser, WV):**

Potomac Valley Hospital, located in Keyser, WV, is approximately a 45-minute drive from Moorefield. It is a smaller community hospital. As of the latest CMS data, Potomac Valley Hospital has a 3-star rating. Information on ER wait times is readily available on their website. Potomac Valley Hospital offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and diagnostic imaging. They have a telehealth program, which is crucial for providing access to specialists in a rural setting. Patient reviews are mixed, highlighting the challenges of providing care in a resource-constrained environment.

**5. Garrett Regional Medical Center (Oakland, MD):**

Garrett Regional Medical Center, located in Oakland, MD, is approximately a 1-hour and 30-minute drive from Moorefield. It is a community hospital. As of the latest CMS data, Garrett Regional Medical Center has a 3-star rating. Information on ER wait times is readily available on their website. Garrett Regional Medical Center offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and diagnostic imaging. They have a telehealth program, which is crucial for providing access to specialists in a rural setting. Patient reviews are mixed, highlighting the challenges of providing care in a resource-constrained environment.

**Telehealth in the Region:**

Telehealth is a vital component of healthcare access in the Moorefield area. All the hospitals mentioned offer telehealth services, although the scope and availability vary. These services can provide access to specialists, follow-up care, and remote monitoring, which is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas. The availability of telehealth services is a significant positive factor in the overall health score.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Metric:**

ER wait times are a key indicator of access to care. While data can fluctuate, it's important to note that ERs in the region can experience periods of high volume, leading to longer wait times. Checking real-time wait times on hospital websites or through third-party services can help patients make informed decisions.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

The availability of specialized services is another important factor. Winchester Medical Center and WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center, being larger regional hospitals, generally offer a broader range of specialty services than smaller community hospitals like Grant Memorial Hospital and Potomac Valley Hospital. Patients with complex medical needs may need to travel to access these specialized services.

**Patient Experience:**

Patient reviews and surveys provide valuable insights into the patient experience. While subjective, these reviews can highlight strengths and weaknesses in communication, care delivery, and overall satisfaction. Searching for reviews on sites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google can provide a more comprehensive picture.

**Overall Health Score Summary and Recommendations:**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near Moorefield, WV, is a mixed bag. Residents have access to local hospitals, but the overall quality and range of services vary.

* **Grant Memorial Hospital:** Provides essential services but has limited specialty offerings.
* **Winchester Medical Center:** Offers a broader range of services and is a good option for more complex medical needs, but wait times can be a concern.
* **WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center:** A large regional center with a wide range of services, but wait times and patient experience can be variable.
* **Potomac Valley Hospital:** A community hospital with essential services.
* **Garrett Regional Medical Center:** A community hospital with essential services.

**Recommendations:**

* **For routine care and emergencies:** Grant Memorial Hospital, Potomac Valley Hospital, and Garrett Regional Medical Center are viable options, considering proximity.
* **For specialized care:** Winchester Medical Center and WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center offer a wider range of specialties and should be considered.
* **Utilize Telehealth:** Embrace telehealth services to improve access to specialists and follow-up care.
* **Check ER Wait Times:** Before heading to the ER, check real-time wait times on hospital websites or through third-party services.
* **Research and Compare:** Research hospital websites, read patient reviews, and compare services before making healthcare decisions.
* **Consider Travel:** Be prepared to travel for specialized care or if local options do not meet your needs.

**Disclaimer:** This review is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Healthcare needs are individual and complex; consult with your physician for personalized medical guidance. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving; data can change. Always verify information with the hospitals directly.