06382, Uncasville, Connecticut COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 06382, Uncasville, Connecticut is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## COPD Score: Navigating Respiratory Care Near Stonington, CT (06382)

Finding the right hospital for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) care is crucial, especially when breathing becomes a daily struggle. This review focuses on hospitals near Stonington, CT (ZIP code 06382), assessing their capabilities and performance to help patients and their families make informed decisions. The analysis considers factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings, aiming to provide a comprehensive COPD score assessment.

**Proximity and Primary Options:**

The immediate vicinity of Stonington, CT, offers a limited number of hospitals. The primary options for acute care are concentrated in New London and Westerly, RI. This necessitates a careful evaluation of these facilities, considering travel time and the specific needs of COPD patients.

**Yale New Haven Health's Lawrence + Memorial Hospital (New London, CT):**

Lawrence + Memorial Hospital (L+M) in New London is a key player for residents of 06382. It's a member of the Yale New Haven Health system, which often indicates a higher standard of care and access to resources. L+M currently holds a **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. While not the highest possible rating, it signifies an average performance compared to other hospitals nationwide.

Regarding COPD specifically, L+M offers pulmonary services, including diagnosis, treatment, and management of respiratory conditions. The hospital has a dedicated pulmonary department, which is critical for COPD patients. The availability of pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and specialized equipment like pulmonary function testing (PFT) machines is essential for effective COPD care. Unfortunately, specific data on COPD-related outcomes, such as readmission rates or patient satisfaction scores for COPD patients, is not readily available for L+M.

Emergency room (ER) wait times are a critical factor for COPD patients who may experience sudden exacerbations. Publicly available data indicates that L+M's ER wait times can fluctuate. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours. It's advisable to check the hospital's website or call ahead for current wait times if possible. Telehealth options are increasingly important. L+M has expanded its telehealth services, which could benefit COPD patients for follow-up appointments, medication management, and remote monitoring.

**Westerly Hospital (Westerly, RI):**

Westerly Hospital, located just across the state line in Rhode Island, is another option for residents of 06382. It's a smaller community hospital, also affiliated with Yale New Haven Health. Westerly Hospital’s CMS star rating is also a **3-star rating.**

Westerly Hospital's pulmonary services are available, but the scope and depth of services may be more limited compared to L+M. It’s essential to inquire about the availability of specialized COPD care, including access to pulmonologists and respiratory therapists. Publicly available data regarding COPD outcomes and patient satisfaction is limited.

ER wait times at Westerly Hospital can vary. Patients should check the hospital's website or call ahead for current wait times, especially during peak hours. Telehealth services are offered, which can be a valuable tool for COPD patients, particularly for follow-up care and medication management.

**Specialty Centers and Expertise:**

Neither L+M nor Westerly Hospital is a designated "center of excellence" specifically for COPD. However, both hospitals offer the core services necessary for COPD management. Patients with complex cases or those requiring advanced interventions might need to consider referral to larger hospitals within the Yale New Haven Health system, such as Yale New Haven Hospital itself.

**Yale New Haven Hospital (New Haven, CT):**

Yale New Haven Hospital, a flagship facility within the Yale New Haven Health system, is a major tertiary care center located further west. It boasts a **5-star CMS rating**, reflecting its overall high performance. This hospital is a potential option for patients needing specialized care.

Yale New Haven Hospital has a renowned pulmonary department with extensive resources, including a dedicated COPD program. They offer advanced diagnostic testing, specialized treatments, and access to clinical trials. The hospital's expertise in managing complex respiratory conditions is a significant advantage.

However, the distance from Stonington (06382) can be a significant factor. Travel time and the potential for increased wait times in the ER, given the hospital's size and complexity, need to be considered. Telehealth options are available.

**Other Considerations:**

**Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times are crucial for COPD patients. Long waits can exacerbate breathing difficulties and increase the risk of complications. Patients should be aware of potential delays and advocate for prompt medical attention if experiencing a COPD exacerbation.

**Patient Satisfaction:** Assessing patient satisfaction is important. Unfortunately, specific COPD-related patient satisfaction scores are not readily available for the hospitals in the immediate vicinity of 06382. Patients can consult online reviews, ask their primary care physicians for recommendations, and speak with other COPD patients to gather insights.

**Telehealth:** Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important for COPD management. They allow for remote monitoring, follow-up appointments, and medication management, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth services at their chosen hospital.

**Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation:** Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are crucial for COPD patients. These programs provide education, exercise, and support to help patients manage their condition and improve their quality of life. Patients should inquire about the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs at the hospitals they are considering.

**Insurance Coverage:** Patients should verify their insurance coverage for COPD-related services at their chosen hospital. This includes coverage for pulmonologist visits, diagnostic tests, medications, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

**The COPD Score Summary:**

Given the limited options in the immediate vicinity of Stonington (06382), the COPD score assessment leans heavily on the Yale New Haven Health system.

* **Lawrence + Memorial Hospital (New London, CT):** A reasonable choice for basic COPD care, with a 3-star CMS rating and readily available pulmonary services. However, patients should be aware of potential ER wait times.
* **Westerly Hospital (Westerly, RI):** Offers similar services to L+M, but with potentially fewer resources. The 3-star CMS rating is a consideration.
* **Yale New Haven Hospital (New Haven, CT):** The best option for complex cases, offering advanced care and a 5-star CMS rating. However, the distance and potential for longer ER wait times are significant drawbacks.

**Recommendations:**

* Patients with stable COPD can consider Lawrence + Memorial Hospital or Westerly Hospital for routine care.
* Patients with more complex cases or those requiring specialized interventions should consider referral to Yale New Haven Hospital.
* All patients should prioritize finding a pulmonologist and establishing a care plan.
* Patients should proactively inquire about ER wait times and telehealth options.
* Patients should actively participate in their COPD management by attending pulmonary rehabilitation programs and adhering to their medication regimens.

This review provides a starting point for COPD patients in the 06382 area. It is crucial to consult with a primary care physician and a pulmonologist to make the best decisions for individual needs and circumstances.