26814, Riverton, West Virginia Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 26814, Riverton, West Virginia is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 26814

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near the 26814 ZIP code, focusing on key performance indicators and readily available data to help you make informed decisions. This score is not a definitive ranking, but a comparative overview based on publicly accessible information.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The 26814 ZIP code primarily encompasses the town of Moorefield, West Virginia, and its surrounding areas. Healthcare access in this region is largely served by a network of hospitals and clinics that are often smaller and more rural compared to those in larger metropolitan areas. This review will prioritize hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, considering both proximity and the potential for specialized care.

**Key Metrics and Methodology**

The "Overall Health Score" is derived from a combination of factors, including:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on quality of care, patient experience, and other metrics. These ratings provide a snapshot of overall performance.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Data on ER wait times, a crucial indicator of access and efficiency, is considered.
* **Specialty Centers:** The availability of specialized services, such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics, is assessed.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** The presence and utilization of telehealth services are evaluated, particularly relevant for rural communities.
* **Patient Experience:** Data from patient surveys and reviews is factored in, although this data can be subjective.
* **Hospital Affiliations and Networks:** The hospital's affiliations with larger healthcare systems are examined, as this can influence access to resources and specialists.

**Hospital Profiles**

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

Grant Memorial Hospital is the closest hospital to the 26814 ZIP code, located in Petersburg, WV. It is a critical access hospital, designed to serve the needs of rural communities.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Grant Memorial Hospital does not have a CMS star rating. Critical access hospitals are not always included in the CMS star rating system.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary. Local data may be available through the hospital or local healthcare resources.
* **Specialty Centers:** Grant Memorial Hospital provides general medical and surgical services. Specialized services are limited due to its size and rural location.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** The hospital likely offers telehealth services, which are crucial for providing access to specialists who may not be available locally.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient feedback is available through the hospital website or patient surveys.
* **Overall Health Score:** Given its proximity and role as a critical access hospital, Grant Memorial Hospital is a vital resource for immediate medical needs. However, the lack of a CMS star rating and limited specialized services suggest that patients may need to travel for more complex care.

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

Winchester Medical Center, part of Valley Health, is a larger regional hospital located in Winchester, Virginia, approximately an hour's drive from Moorefield.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Winchester Medical Center has a CMS star rating. Check the latest rating on the CMS Hospital Compare website.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times vary, but are generally longer than smaller hospitals. Check the hospital's website for real-time data.
* **Specialty Centers:** Winchester Medical Center has a broad range of specialty centers, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and a Level II Trauma Center.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Valley Health has invested in telehealth services, providing access to specialists and remote monitoring.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient surveys and reviews are available online.
* **Overall Health Score:** Winchester Medical Center offers a significantly broader range of services and higher-level care than Grant Memorial Hospital. Its CMS star rating, if available, will be a key indicator of quality. The longer travel time is a consideration.

**3. Potomac Valley Hospital (Keyser, WV)**

Potomac Valley Hospital is a hospital in Keyser, WV, approximately a 30-40 minute drive from Moorefield.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Potomac Valley Hospital has a CMS star rating. Check the latest rating on the CMS Hospital Compare website.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary. Check the hospital's website for real-time data.
* **Specialty Centers:** Potomac Valley Hospital provides general medical and surgical services.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** The hospital likely offers telehealth services, which are crucial for providing access to specialists who may not be available locally.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient feedback is available through the hospital website or patient surveys.
* **Overall Health Score:** Potomac Valley Hospital is a good option for those in the area, offering a closer option than Winchester Medical Center. The CMS star rating is a key indicator of quality.

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

WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center is a larger hospital located in Martinsburg, WV, approximately an hour and a half drive from Moorefield.

* **CMS Star Rating:** WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center has a CMS star rating. Check the latest rating on the CMS Hospital Compare website.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary. Check the hospital's website for real-time data.
* **Specialty Centers:** WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center has a broad range of specialty centers, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and a Level II Trauma Center.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** WVU Medicine has invested in telehealth services, providing access to specialists and remote monitoring.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient surveys and reviews are available online.
* **Overall Health Score:** WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center offers a significantly broader range of services and higher-level care than Grant Memorial Hospital. Its CMS star rating, if available, will be a key indicator of quality. The longer travel time is a consideration.

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

Garrett Regional Medical Center is located in Oakland, Maryland, approximately a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Moorefield.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Garrett Regional Medical Center has a CMS star rating. Check the latest rating on the CMS Hospital Compare website.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary. Check the hospital's website for real-time data.
* **Specialty Centers:** Garrett Regional Medical Center provides general medical and surgical services.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** The hospital likely offers telehealth services, which are crucial for providing access to specialists who may not be available locally.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient feedback is available through the hospital website or patient surveys.
* **Overall Health Score:** Garrett Regional Medical Center is a good option for those in the area. The CMS star rating is a key indicator of quality.

**Telehealth: A Crucial Component**

Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like the one surrounding 26814. It allows patients to access specialists, receive remote monitoring, and manage chronic conditions without traveling long distances. When evaluating hospitals, consider their telehealth offerings, including the types of services available, the ease of use, and the technical support provided.

**Patient Experience: The Human Factor**

While objective metrics are valuable, patient experience is also crucial. Review patient surveys, read online reviews, and talk to people who have received care at these hospitals. Consider factors such as communication with doctors and nurses, the cleanliness of the facilities, and the overall level of comfort and support.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing a hospital involves weighing various factors. For immediate medical needs, Grant Memorial Hospital is the closest option. For more complex conditions or specialized care, Winchester Medical Center, Potomac Valley Hospital, WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center, and Garrett Regional Medical Center offer a wider range of services, but require longer travel times. Evaluate each hospital based on its CMS star rating (if available), ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth capabilities, and patient experience. Consider your individual needs, the urgency of the situation, and your comfort level with travel. Always consult with your primary care physician to determine the best course of action for your specific health needs.