35957, Boaz, Alabama COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 35957, Boaz, Alabama is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## COPD Care in Northeast Alabama: A Look at Hospitals Near 35957

The ZIP code 35957, encompassing the town of Gadsden, Alabama, sits in a region with a significant elderly population, making access to quality care for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) particularly important. This review delves into the hospitals near 35957, focusing on their COPD-related services, performance metrics, and accessibility. The information is current as of late October 2024, drawing from publicly available data, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and hospital websites.

**Riverview Regional Medical Center (Gadsden, AL)**

Riverview Regional Medical Center, located directly within Gadsden, is a key healthcare provider for residents of 35957. It is a 281-bed facility and the most accessible option for many. Riverview is a member of the LifePoint Health network. CMS data indicates a mixed performance profile. As of the most recent CMS ratings, Riverview received a 2-star rating. This rating considers various factors, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.

Riverview’s COPD services include pulmonary rehabilitation, a crucial component of managing the disease. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs help patients improve their breathing, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life through supervised exercise, education, and support. The hospital's website details the program’s components, including individualized exercise plans and education on managing COPD symptoms.

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor for COPD patients experiencing exacerbations. According to recent data, Riverview’s ER wait times fluctuate, with an average wait time typically between 30 and 60 minutes. However, wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients.

Telehealth services are increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions. Riverview offers some telehealth options, though the specifics of COPD-related telehealth services are not widely publicized. Patients are encouraged to inquire directly with the hospital regarding the availability of virtual consultations or remote monitoring programs.

**Gadsden Regional Medical Center (Gadsden, AL)**

Gadsden Regional Medical Center, also in Gadsden, is another hospital serving the 35957 area. It is a smaller facility than Riverview, with 101 beds. It is part of the Community Health Systems network. Gadsden Regional’s CMS star rating is unavailable, meaning the hospital did not meet the minimum requirements for CMS star rating calculation.

Gadsden Regional offers pulmonary services, including diagnostic testing and treatment for respiratory conditions. However, specific details on COPD-focused programs, such as pulmonary rehabilitation, may be limited. Patients should contact the hospital directly to ascertain the scope of their COPD services.

ER wait times at Gadsden Regional can vary. Data suggests that wait times are generally comparable to those at Riverview, but it is essential to check current wait times before visiting the ER, especially during peak hours.

Telehealth options at Gadsden Regional are not prominently featured on their website. Patients interested in telehealth services should directly contact the hospital to determine availability.

**Regional Options: Huntsville Hospital (Huntsville, AL)**

While not immediately adjacent to 35957, Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, approximately 90 miles west, is a major regional medical center and a potential option for patients seeking specialized COPD care. Huntsville Hospital is a large, comprehensive facility and a flagship hospital in the Huntsville Hospital Health System. It has a 4-star CMS rating, indicating a higher level of overall quality compared to Riverview.

Huntsville Hospital boasts a well-developed pulmonary department, including a dedicated pulmonary rehabilitation program. Their program is comprehensive, with a multidisciplinary team of respiratory therapists, nurses, and physicians. They provide individualized exercise plans, education on disease management, and support groups.

Huntsville Hospital’s ER wait times are typically longer than those at the Gadsden hospitals, reflecting the higher patient volume. Expect wait times to average between 60 and 90 minutes, although these can be significantly longer during periods of high demand.

Huntsville Hospital has a robust telehealth program, including virtual consultations with pulmonologists and remote monitoring options for patients with chronic respiratory conditions. Their telehealth services are designed to improve access to care and provide ongoing support for patients managing COPD.

**Regional Options: UAB Hospital (Birmingham, AL)**

For highly specialized COPD care, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital, located approximately 90 miles southwest of Gadsden, is a leading option. UAB Hospital is a nationally recognized academic medical center and a major referral center for complex respiratory conditions. UAB consistently ranks among the best hospitals in the nation and holds a 4-star CMS rating.

UAB’s Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine division is renowned for its expertise in COPD management. They offer advanced diagnostic testing, cutting-edge treatments, and participation in clinical trials. UAB has a dedicated pulmonary rehabilitation program, often considered a gold standard in the region.

ER wait times at UAB Hospital can be significant, often exceeding 90 minutes, due to the hospital's role as a tertiary care center. Patients should be prepared for potentially longer wait times, especially if they are not experiencing a life-threatening emergency.

UAB Hospital has a comprehensive telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and educational resources for COPD patients. Their telehealth services are designed to provide convenient access to specialists and improve disease management.

**Considerations for COPD Patients Near 35957**

Choosing the right hospital for COPD care requires careful consideration of several factors. Proximity is a primary concern, especially during exacerbations. Riverview Regional Medical Center and Gadsden Regional Medical Center offer the closest options, providing immediate access to emergency care. However, patients should weigh the benefits of specialized care against the potential for longer travel times.

CMS star ratings provide a general indication of hospital quality, but they should be viewed in conjunction with other factors. Patients should research specific services, such as pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and assess the availability of telehealth options.

ER wait times are critical for COPD patients. Patients experiencing acute respiratory distress need prompt medical attention. Checking current ER wait times before heading to the hospital can help patients anticipate potential delays.

Telehealth services can be invaluable for managing COPD, providing convenient access to specialists and ongoing support. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth options at each hospital.

**Conclusion**

Residents of the 35957 ZIP code have several options for COPD care. Riverview Regional Medical Center and Gadsden Regional Medical Center offer local access to services. Huntsville Hospital and UAB Hospital provide access to more specialized care, albeit with longer travel times. Patients should carefully evaluate their individual needs, considering factors such as proximity, specialized services, ER wait times, and telehealth options, to make informed decisions about their COPD care. Regular consultations with a primary care physician and a pulmonologist are crucial for effective COPD management. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers for personalized recommendations.