04958, North Anson, Maine COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 04958, North Anson, Maine is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**COPD Score Review: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 04958**

This review assesses the quality of care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients in the vicinity of ZIP code 04958, focusing on hospital performance metrics, specialty resources, and accessibility. The analysis incorporates data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), publicly available hospital reports, and other credible sources. Note that hospital data can change, and this review is a snapshot in time.

**Understanding the Landscape: ZIP Code 04958**

ZIP code 04958 encompasses the town of Skowhegan, Maine, and surrounding areas in Somerset County. This region is largely rural, which can influence access to specialized medical care. The review considers hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, recognizing that travel time is a crucial factor for patients with respiratory distress.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The CMS star rating system provides a general overview of hospital quality. Hospitals in this area and those within a reasonable driving distance include:

* **Redington-Fairview General Hospital (Skowhegan, ME):** This hospital is the closest to the ZIP code. CMS does not provide a star rating for Redington-Fairview General Hospital.

* **Eastern Maine Medical Center (Bangor, ME):** Located approximately 60 miles east of Skowhegan, Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) is a larger regional hospital. EMMC is a flagship hospital. CMS does not provide a star rating for Eastern Maine Medical Center.

* **Maine Medical Center (Portland, ME):** About a two-hour drive south, Maine Medical Center (MMC) in Portland is the largest hospital in the state. MMC is a flagship hospital. CMS does not provide a star rating for Maine Medical Center.

**Emergency Room Performance: A Critical Consideration**

ER wait times are particularly important for COPD patients who may experience acute exacerbations. Shorter wait times can significantly improve outcomes. Data on ER wait times can be obtained from the hospital's website or from a third-party website.

* **Redington-Fairview General Hospital:** Information on ER wait times can be found on the hospital’s website.

* **Eastern Maine Medical Center:** ER wait times are reported on the hospital’s website.

* **Maine Medical Center:** ER wait times are available on the hospital’s website.

**Specialty Centers and Pulmonary Expertise**

The presence of specialized pulmonary centers and resources is a key indicator of COPD care quality. This includes pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and access to advanced diagnostic tools.

* **Redington-Fairview General Hospital:** Information on pulmonary services can be found on the hospital’s website.

* **Eastern Maine Medical Center:** EMMC likely has a robust pulmonary department. Check the hospital’s website for details on specialized services, including a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

* **Maine Medical Center:** MMC's size suggests a comprehensive pulmonary department, potentially including specialized clinics for COPD management, access to advanced diagnostic tools (e.g., bronchoscopy), and a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: Expanding Access**

Telehealth services are increasingly important, especially in rural areas, to provide remote consultations, monitoring, and education for COPD patients.

* **Redington-Fairview General Hospital:** Check the hospital’s website for telehealth services, especially those related to pulmonary care.

* **Eastern Maine Medical Center:** EMMC may offer telehealth services, including remote monitoring for COPD patients. Check the hospital’s website.

* **Maine Medical Center:** MMC likely has a well-developed telehealth program. Check the hospital’s website.

**Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs: A Cornerstone of Care**

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are essential for improving lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life for COPD patients.

* **Redington-Fairview General Hospital:** Check the hospital’s website for pulmonary rehabilitation program.

* **Eastern Maine Medical Center:** EMMC likely offers a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

* **Maine Medical Center:** MMC likely offers a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program.

**Hospital-Acquired Conditions: A Measure of Safety**

Hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) are preventable complications that can impact COPD patients. CMS tracks HACs, including infections and adverse events. Information on HACs can be found on the CMS website.

* **Redington-Fairview General Hospital:** Information on HACs can be found on the CMS website.

* **Eastern Maine Medical Center:** Information on HACs can be found on the CMS website.

* **Maine Medical Center:** Information on HACs can be found on the CMS website.

**Patient Satisfaction and Experience**

Patient experience surveys, such as those conducted by CMS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems - HCAHPS), provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction with care.

* **Redington-Fairview General Hospital:** Check the CMS website for HCAHPS scores.

* **Eastern Maine Medical Center:** Check the CMS website for HCAHPS scores.

* **Maine Medical Center:** Check the CMS website for HCAHPS scores.

**Medication Management and COPD Protocols**

Effective COPD management requires adherence to evidence-based protocols, including appropriate medication use, inhaled therapies, and oxygen therapy. Hospitals should have protocols in place to ensure consistent and high-quality care.

* **Redington-Fairview General Hospital:** Inquire about the hospital’s COPD protocols and medication management practices.

* **Eastern Maine Medical Center:** Inquire about the hospital’s COPD protocols and medication management practices.

* **Maine Medical Center:** Inquire about the hospital’s COPD protocols and medication management practices.

**Community Resources and Support**

Access to community resources, such as support groups, home health agencies, and respiratory therapists, is crucial for ongoing COPD management.

* **Redington-Fairview General Hospital:** The hospital’s website or patient services department can provide information on local resources.

* **Eastern Maine Medical Center:** The hospital’s website or patient services department can provide information on local resources.

* **Maine Medical Center:** The hospital’s website or patient services department can provide information on local resources.

**Accessibility and Transportation**

Transportation can be a significant barrier to accessing care, especially in rural areas. Consider the availability of public transportation, patient transport services, and the hospital's proximity to the patient's home.

* **Redington-Fairview General Hospital:** Assess the accessibility of the hospital for patients in the 04958 area.

* **Eastern Maine Medical Center:** Consider the travel distance and transportation options for patients in the 04958 area.

* **Maine Medical Center:** Consider the travel distance and transportation options for patients in the 04958 area.

**Conclusion: Navigating COPD Care Near 04958**

Choosing the right hospital for COPD care requires careful consideration of various factors, including proximity, specialty resources, and quality metrics. While Redington-Fairview General Hospital is the closest, the availability of specialized services and the breadth of resources at Eastern Maine Medical Center and Maine Medical Center should also be evaluated. Patients should consult with their physicians, review hospital websites, and consider their individual needs and preferences when making a decision. This review provides a starting point for patients in the 04958 area seeking to navigate the complexities of COPD care. Patients should verify all information directly with the hospitals, as data can change.