28377, Red Springs, North Carolina Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 28377, Red Springs, North Carolina is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Respiratory Care Near Raeford, NC (ZIP Code 28377)

Raeford, North Carolina, nestled in the Sandhills region, presents unique challenges for asthma sufferers. Seasonal allergies, pollen counts, and varying air quality can exacerbate respiratory conditions. Access to quality healthcare, particularly for managing asthma, is therefore paramount. This review provides a fact-rich assessment of hospitals and healthcare options within a reasonable radius of ZIP code 28377, focusing on key metrics relevant to asthma care.

**Understanding the Scope:**

The primary focus will be on hospitals and healthcare facilities readily accessible to residents of Raeford. This includes facilities within a roughly 50-mile radius, encompassing Fayetteville, Southern Pines, and surrounding areas. Data sources include the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and publicly available health statistics.

**Flagship Hospital: Cape Fear Valley Medical Center (Fayetteville)**

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, located in Fayetteville, is a major healthcare provider for the region. It's a large, multi-specialty hospital and a crucial resource for asthma sufferers. As of the most recent CMS data, Cape Fear Valley holds a **3-star rating**. This rating reflects overall quality, including patient experience, safety, and efficiency. While not the highest possible rating, it's important to remember that CMS ratings are just one data point in a complex assessment of hospital performance.

Cape Fear Valley offers a dedicated Emergency Department (ED), a critical factor for asthma patients experiencing acute exacerbations. The ED sees a high volume of patients, and **average wait times can fluctuate**, a common challenge in busy emergency rooms. It's advisable to check current wait times online or by phone before arriving, especially during peak hours.

**Specialty Centers and Asthma Care at Cape Fear Valley:**

Cape Fear Valley boasts a Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine department, which is crucial for asthma management. This department provides diagnostic services, including pulmonary function testing (PFTs) and allergy testing, essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. They also offer specialized treatments for severe asthma cases.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

Telehealth services are increasingly important for chronic disease management, including asthma. Cape Fear Valley offers telehealth options, allowing patients to connect with their pulmonologists and other healthcare providers remotely. This can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and education about asthma triggers and management strategies. Specific telehealth statistics, such as the number of virtual asthma consultations, are not always publicly available, but it's worth inquiring about these services directly with the hospital.

**Other Hospitals in the Area:**

While Cape Fear Valley is the primary regional hospital, other facilities offer potential access to asthma care.

**Womack Army Medical Center (Fort Liberty)**

Womack Army Medical Center, located on Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), provides healthcare services to military personnel, their families, and eligible veterans. Access to care at Womack is dependent on eligibility and availability. They have a robust respiratory care department and often have advanced diagnostic and treatment options. However, civilian access is generally restricted.

**FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital (Pinehurst)**

FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, located in Pinehurst, is another significant healthcare provider in the region. It has a **4-star CMS rating**, reflecting a higher overall quality score than Cape Fear Valley. This hospital offers a comprehensive range of services, including a pulmonary department and an ED. The ED wait times are generally comparable to those at Cape Fear Valley, so it's wise to check current wait times before going.

**Specialty Centers and Asthma Care at Moore Regional:**

Moore Regional's pulmonary department provides a range of services, including asthma management, COPD care, and other respiratory treatments. They also offer pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which can be beneficial for patients with chronic respiratory conditions.

**Telehealth at Moore Regional:**

Like Cape Fear Valley, FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital offers telehealth services. This allows patients to access care remotely, which can be particularly helpful for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and education about asthma management.

**Smaller Facilities and Urgent Care Clinics:**

Numerous urgent care clinics and smaller medical facilities are located throughout the region. These facilities can be helpful for managing less severe asthma exacerbations and providing initial treatment. However, they may not have the same level of specialized expertise or resources as the larger hospitals.

**ER Wait Times: A Crucial Factor:**

Emergency room wait times are a critical consideration for asthma patients. When experiencing a severe asthma attack, timely access to medical care is essential. Both Cape Fear Valley and Moore Regional have EDs, but wait times can vary. Checking online or calling ahead to assess current wait times is always recommended. Consider the severity of your symptoms when deciding where to seek care.

**Air Quality and Environmental Factors:**

The Sandhills region is known for its natural beauty, but it also experiences periods of poor air quality, particularly during the summer months due to ozone and particulate matter. Pollen counts can also be high, especially during spring and fall. Asthma sufferers should monitor local air quality reports and pollen forecasts and take appropriate precautions, such as using air purifiers, avoiding outdoor activities during peak allergy seasons, and keeping rescue inhalers readily available.

**Medication and Treatment Availability:**

Both Cape Fear Valley and Moore Regional have pharmacies on-site, ensuring patients can quickly obtain prescribed medications. Access to a wide range of asthma medications, including rescue inhalers, long-acting bronchodilators, and inhaled corticosteroids, is generally readily available in the area.

**Patient Education and Support:**

Patient education is crucial for effective asthma management. Both hospitals and many local healthcare providers offer educational programs and resources to help patients understand their condition, identify triggers, and develop effective management strategies. Asthma support groups may also be available in the area.

**Insurance Coverage:**

Insurance coverage is a significant factor in accessing healthcare. Both Cape Fear Valley and Moore Regional accept a wide range of insurance plans. However, it's essential to verify your insurance coverage and understand your out-of-pocket costs before seeking treatment.

**Physician Availability:**

Access to a pulmonologist or allergist is essential for asthma management. The availability of specialists can vary. Both Cape Fear Valley and Moore Regional have pulmonary specialists on staff. However, appointment availability may vary. It's advisable to check with your insurance provider and primary care physician for referrals to qualified specialists.

**Conclusion:**

Residents of Raeford (ZIP code 28377) have access to several healthcare options for asthma management. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center is a major regional hospital, while FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital offers a higher CMS rating. Both hospitals have EDs, pulmonary departments, and telehealth services. ER wait times should be considered, and patients should monitor air quality and pollen counts. Access to specialists, medication, and patient education is generally available. Choosing the right healthcare provider depends on individual needs, insurance coverage, and the severity of the asthma. Proactive management, including regular checkups, medication adherence, and trigger avoidance, is crucial for controlling asthma and improving quality of life.