21830, Hebron, Maryland COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 21830, Hebron, Maryland is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**COPD Score: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 21830**

Finding the right hospital for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) care is crucial, especially when living with a chronic condition. This review examines hospitals near ZIP code 21830 (Salisbury, Maryland) focusing on factors relevant to COPD patients, including quality ratings, specialized services, and accessibility.

**Understanding the COPD Score**

This review uses a "COPD Score" framework, a composite assessment considering several key factors. These include: CMS star ratings (overall hospital quality), ER wait times (a proxy for access and potential for rapid intervention), availability of pulmonology specialists and dedicated respiratory care, access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs, telehealth capabilities, and patient reviews focusing on COPD-specific care. The higher the score, the better the hospital likely is for COPD patients.

**TidalHealth Peninsula Regional (Salisbury, MD)**

TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, located directly within the 21830 ZIP code, is the flagship hospital in the area. It holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). While this rating is average, it is the highest rating available in the immediate area. This indicates a baseline level of quality across various measures, including patient safety and care outcomes.

The hospital's Emergency Room wait times are a critical factor for COPD patients, who may experience acute exacerbations requiring immediate attention. Unfortunately, publicly available data on ER wait times can fluctuate. Patients should check the hospital's website or call directly for the most up-to-date information.

TidalHealth Peninsula Regional has a dedicated Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine department. This is a crucial element for COPD care. The presence of pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and specialized equipment is essential for diagnosis, treatment, and management of the disease. The hospital offers pulmonary rehabilitation programs. These programs are vital for improving lung function, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life for COPD patients.

Telehealth services are increasingly important for managing chronic conditions. TidalHealth Peninsula Regional offers telehealth options, including virtual visits with specialists. This can provide convenient access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. Check the hospital website or call for specifics on available telehealth services for COPD.

Patient reviews are a valuable source of information. While individual experiences vary, a pattern of positive reviews regarding pulmonology services, respiratory therapy, and the overall responsiveness of the staff to COPD-related needs is a positive sign. Conversely, negative reviews highlighting communication issues or delays in care should raise concerns.

**Other Hospitals to Consider**

While TidalHealth Peninsula Regional is the primary hospital in the area, patients may consider hospitals outside the immediate ZIP code for specialized care or specific services. Proximity, travel time, and personal preferences should be considered when making this decision.

**University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton (Easton, MD)**

Located approximately an hour's drive from Salisbury, the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton is a potential option. It is part of the University of Maryland Medical System, which often indicates a commitment to quality and research. CMS star ratings and ER wait times should be researched.

The hospital has a pulmonology department, offering specialized care for COPD patients. It also offers pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The availability of these services is a positive indicator. Telehealth options should be confirmed.

**ChristianaCare (Newark, DE)**

ChristianaCare, located in Newark, Delaware, is a larger, more comprehensive healthcare system, approximately a two-hour drive from Salisbury. This hospital system is often recognized for its quality of care. ChristianaCare has a high CMS star rating, indicating superior overall performance.

ChristianaCare has a well-established pulmonology department, offering a wide range of services, including advanced diagnostic testing, interventional pulmonology procedures, and comprehensive COPD management. The hospital also provides pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

ChristianaCare has a robust telehealth program, including virtual visits with pulmonologists and other specialists. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who find it difficult to travel long distances for appointments.

**Important Considerations for COPD Patients**

Several factors are particularly important for COPD patients when choosing a hospital:

* **Pulmonology Expertise:** The presence of board-certified pulmonologists is essential.
* **Respiratory Therapy:** A skilled respiratory therapy team is critical for managing acute exacerbations and providing ongoing support.
* **Pulmonary Rehabilitation:** Access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs is crucial for improving lung function and quality of life.
* **Emergency Room Access:** Rapid access to the ER is vital during acute exacerbations.
* **Telehealth Options:** Telehealth can provide convenient access to care and monitoring.
* **Patient Reviews:** Reading patient reviews can provide insights into the quality of care and patient experience.

**Researching Hospital Data**

When researching hospitals, patients should utilize multiple sources of information:

* **CMS Hospital Compare:** This website provides CMS star ratings, data on quality measures, and patient satisfaction scores.
* **Hospital Websites:** Hospital websites provide information on services, specialists, and telehealth options.
* **Patient Reviews:** Websites such as Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews offer patient feedback.
* **Physician Referrals:** Consult with your primary care physician or pulmonologist for recommendations.

**Conclusion**

Choosing the right hospital for COPD care is a critical decision. TidalHealth Peninsula Regional is the primary hospital in the 21830 area. However, patients should research the other hospitals mentioned in this review, comparing factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, the availability of pulmonology services, and telehealth options. By carefully considering these factors and utilizing available resources, COPD patients can make informed decisions and find the best possible care. Remember to contact each hospital directly for the most current information on wait times, services, and telehealth availability.