27883, Stantonsburg, North Carolina Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 27883, Stantonsburg, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Asthma Care Near Tarboro, NC (ZIP Code 27883)

Finding the right medical care for asthma, especially in a rural area like Tarboro, North Carolina (ZIP code 27883), requires careful consideration. This review provides a fact-rich assessment of hospitals and healthcare options within a reasonable radius, focusing on asthma-specific services, overall quality, and accessibility. The information is designed to empower patients and their families to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

**Proximity and Primary Options:**

The immediate vicinity of Tarboro is primarily served by Vidant Edgecombe Hospital, located directly in Tarboro. Beyond this, patients often look towards Greenville, NC, approximately 30 miles east, which offers a wider range of specialized services. Raleigh, NC, a larger metropolitan area, is about 80 miles west, providing access to major medical centers.

**Vidant Edgecombe Hospital (Tarboro, NC):**

Vidant Edgecombe Hospital is the local community hospital. It is a critical access hospital, meaning it receives enhanced Medicare reimbursement due to its rural location and limited resources. While it serves as a crucial access point for emergency care and general medical needs, its specific asthma-related resources require careful evaluation.

Vidant Edgecombe Hospital's website does not explicitly highlight a dedicated asthma center or specialized pulmonary services. Patients with complex asthma cases may need to seek referrals to specialists in Greenville or Raleigh. Emergency room wait times are generally reported on the hospital's website or through third-party sites like ER Wait Times. These times can fluctuate significantly depending on the day and time of day, and it's crucial to check current wait times before seeking emergency care.

**Vidant Medical Center (Greenville, NC):**

Vidant Medical Center, located in Greenville, is the flagship hospital for the Vidant Health system and a significantly larger facility than Vidant Edgecombe. It offers a broader spectrum of specialized services, including pulmonary care.

Vidant Medical Center has a dedicated Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine division. This division likely handles asthma management, including diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. The hospital's website should provide detailed information on the services offered, including physician profiles, treatment protocols, and patient education resources.

Vidant Medical Center has a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's overall quality of care, including factors like patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. While not the highest possible rating, it provides a benchmark for comparison.

Emergency room wait times at Vidant Medical Center are generally longer than at Vidant Edgecombe due to the higher patient volume. Checking current wait times is essential, especially for acute asthma exacerbations.

**Telehealth at Vidant:**

Vidant Health has invested in telehealth services, which can be particularly beneficial for asthma patients in rural areas. Telehealth allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, potentially reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. The availability of telehealth services for asthma management, including medication refills, symptom monitoring, and education, should be confirmed directly with Vidant Medical Center.

**Duke University Health System (Durham, NC):**

While located approximately 100 miles west of Tarboro, Duke University Health System in Durham offers a highly regarded pulmonary program and is a potential option for patients seeking specialized asthma care.

Duke University Hospital, the flagship hospital of the Duke Health System, consistently receives high ratings and recognition for its quality of care. It is a major teaching hospital and research center, offering access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials.

Duke's Pulmonary Division provides comprehensive asthma care, including specialized clinics, advanced diagnostic testing, and access to a wide range of specialists. Patients with severe or difficult-to-control asthma may benefit from the expertise available at Duke.

Duke University Hospital has a 5-star rating from CMS, reflecting its high quality of care and patient outcomes.

Emergency room wait times at Duke University Hospital can be variable, especially during peak hours. Checking current wait times is recommended.

**UNC Health Care (Chapel Hill, NC):**

The University of North Carolina (UNC) Health Care system, located in Chapel Hill, is another major academic medical center within a reasonable driving distance of Tarboro (approximately 90 miles).

UNC Medical Center, the flagship hospital, offers a comprehensive pulmonary program and specialized asthma care. It is a major teaching hospital and research center, providing access to advanced treatments and clinical trials.

UNC's Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine division offers a range of services for asthma patients, including diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. Patients with complex asthma cases may find the expertise and resources at UNC beneficial.

UNC Medical Center has a 4-star rating from CMS.

Emergency room wait times at UNC Medical Center can vary, so checking current wait times is advisable.

**Other Considerations:**

**Specialty Centers:**

Beyond the major hospitals, patients should inquire about specialized asthma clinics or centers in the Greenville and Raleigh areas. These centers may offer specialized expertise, advanced diagnostic testing, and access to clinical trials.

**Physician Availability:**

The availability of pulmonologists and allergists in the Tarboro and surrounding areas is a crucial factor. Patients should research the qualifications and experience of physicians and consider their availability for appointments and follow-up care.

**Patient Reviews and Ratings:**

Online patient reviews and ratings can provide valuable insights into the experiences of other asthma patients. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc offer patient reviews of physicians and hospitals.

**Insurance Coverage:**

Confirming insurance coverage for asthma-related services at each hospital and clinic is essential. Patients should contact their insurance provider to verify coverage for specific treatments, medications, and specialist visits.

**Medication Access:**

Ensuring access to asthma medications is critical. Patients should identify local pharmacies that carry their prescribed medications and understand the process for refills.

**Asthma Action Plans and Education:**

Patients should work with their healthcare providers to develop personalized asthma action plans. These plans outline steps to take in response to asthma symptoms and exacerbations. Education about asthma triggers, medication use, and self-management techniques is crucial for effective asthma control.

**ER Wait Times and Urgent Care:**

For acute asthma exacerbations, knowing the current ER wait times at nearby hospitals is essential. Urgent care clinics may be an alternative for less severe asthma symptoms, but it's crucial to ensure that the clinic has the resources and expertise to manage asthma.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

Telehealth services can play a significant role in asthma management, particularly for patients in rural areas. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth appointments, remote monitoring devices, and virtual asthma education programs.

**Specific Questions to Ask:**

When contacting hospitals and clinics, patients should ask specific questions, including:

* Do you have a dedicated asthma center or specialized pulmonary services?
* What types of asthma treatments and therapies do you offer?
* What is the availability of pulmonologists and allergists?
* Do you offer telehealth services for asthma management?
* What are the current ER wait times?
* What is your process for managing asthma exacerbations?
* Do you participate in clinical trials for asthma?
* What patient education resources do you provide?
* What are your infection control protocols?

**Conclusion:**

Choosing the right healthcare provider for asthma near Tarboro, NC, requires careful research and consideration. Vidant Edgecombe Hospital provides local access to emergency care. Vidant Medical Center in Greenville offers a broader range of pulmonary services. Duke University Health System and UNC Health Care, while further away, provide access to highly specialized asthma care. Patients should prioritize hospitals and clinics with experienced pulmonologists, comprehensive asthma services, and effective telehealth options. By asking the right questions and evaluating available resources, patients can find the best possible care to manage their asthma and improve their quality of life.