27917, Barco, North Carolina COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 27917, Barco, North Carolina is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare for COPD Patients Near 27917

Choosing the right hospital is critical for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This review provides a fact-rich assessment of healthcare options near ZIP Code 27917, focusing on key metrics relevant to COPD patients. We'll examine hospital quality indicators, specialized services, and access to care, including telehealth, to help patients and their families make informed decisions.

**Understanding the Landscape**

ZIP Code 27917, encompassing the town of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and surrounding areas, presents a healthcare landscape shaped by its rural setting. Access to specialized care and advanced resources may be limited compared to metropolitan areas. However, several hospitals in the region offer services crucial for COPD management.

**Key Hospitals: A Deep Dive**

**Sentara Albemarle Medical Center (Elizabeth City, NC):** This hospital is the primary healthcare provider within the 27917 ZIP code. It is a critical access hospital, which means it receives special consideration from CMS. CMS does not give star ratings to critical access hospitals. Sentara Albemarle Medical Center is a member of the larger Sentara Healthcare system. Sentara Albemarle Medical Center offers a range of services relevant to COPD patients, including respiratory therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and emergency care. The hospital's emergency department (ED) wait times are a crucial factor for COPD patients experiencing exacerbations. While specific, real-time ED wait times fluctuate, it's essential to check the Sentara Albemarle Medical Center website or use online tools like those provided by the Department of Health and Human Services for the most up-to-date information. The hospital's commitment to telehealth, a growing trend in rural healthcare, is another point of interest. Sentara Healthcare has invested in telehealth initiatives, potentially offering COPD patients access to remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and educational resources.

**Outer Banks Hospital (Nags Head, NC):** Located approximately 50 miles east of Elizabeth City, Outer Banks Hospital is another option for patients in the region. This hospital is part of the University of North Carolina Health Care system. Outer Banks Hospital is a smaller facility, but it offers a full range of services, including a respiratory therapy department and emergency services. It's important to note that the distance to Outer Banks Hospital may impact access for patients experiencing acute COPD symptoms. The hospital's ED wait times should be monitored, particularly during peak seasons. Telehealth options may be available through the UNC Health Care system, potentially offering remote consultations and specialized care.

**Vidant Medical Center (Greenville, NC):** Located approximately 70 miles southwest of Elizabeth City, Vidant Medical Center serves as a regional referral center. It is a Level I Trauma Center and a teaching hospital, affiliated with the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. Vidant Medical Center is a large facility with a comprehensive range of services, including a dedicated pulmonary department, advanced respiratory care, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. CMS gives Vidant Medical Center a three-star rating. Vidant Medical Center's ED wait times are a critical consideration for COPD patients needing immediate care. The hospital's website and online resources should be consulted for the most current information. Vidant Medical Center's telehealth capabilities are extensive, offering remote monitoring, virtual consultations with pulmonologists, and access to educational resources.

**Other Considerations: Specialty Centers and Access to Care**

**Pulmonary Rehabilitation:** Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are essential for COPD management. These programs, typically offered at hospitals or outpatient clinics, provide supervised exercise, education, and support to help patients improve their lung function, manage symptoms, and enhance their quality of life. Sentara Albemarle Medical Center and Vidant Medical Center likely offer pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Patients should inquire about program availability, eligibility criteria, and program structure.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times are a critical factor for COPD patients, especially during exacerbations. Long wait times can lead to delayed treatment and potentially worsen outcomes. Patients should be aware of the ED wait times at their preferred hospitals and consider factors like ambulance transport times when making decisions about where to seek care.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:** Telehealth offers significant advantages for COPD patients, particularly in rural areas. Remote monitoring devices can track vital signs and symptoms, allowing healthcare providers to intervene early and prevent exacerbations. Virtual consultations with pulmonologists and respiratory therapists can provide convenient access to specialized care. Patients should inquire about telehealth options offered by their healthcare providers.

**Specialty Centers:** While the immediate area may lack specialized pulmonary centers, patients may need to travel to larger facilities like Vidant Medical Center or other regional centers for advanced treatments, such as lung volume reduction surgery or lung transplantation.

**CMS Star Ratings and Hospital Quality:** CMS star ratings provide a general overview of hospital quality, but they don't always capture the nuances of COPD care. Patients should consider these ratings in conjunction with other factors, such as hospital-specific services, ED wait times, and access to specialized programs.

**Specific Data and Metrics (Where Available)**

* **Sentara Albemarle Medical Center:** While CMS ratings are not available, patients should research the hospital's performance on metrics like readmission rates for COPD patients, patient satisfaction scores, and access to respiratory therapy services.
* **Outer Banks Hospital:** Review the hospital's performance on key quality indicators, including ED wait times, readmission rates, and patient satisfaction scores.
* **Vidant Medical Center:** Evaluate the hospital's CMS star rating, ED wait times, and performance on COPD-specific quality measures. Research the availability of specialized services, such as pulmonary rehabilitation and advanced treatments.

**Access to Care: A Rural Perspective**

The rural setting of the 27917 ZIP code presents unique challenges for COPD patients. Transportation limitations, particularly for those with breathing difficulties, can impact access to care. The availability of public transportation and community resources should be considered. Telehealth initiatives can help bridge the gap, providing remote access to specialists and support services.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Choices**

Choosing the right hospital for COPD care near 27917 requires careful consideration of several factors. Sentara Albemarle Medical Center provides local access to essential services. Outer Banks Hospital offers another option, though further away. Vidant Medical Center provides access to a more comprehensive range of services. Patients should prioritize factors like ED wait times, access to pulmonary rehabilitation, and the availability of telehealth options. By gathering information from multiple sources, including hospital websites, healthcare providers, and online resources, COPD patients and their families can make informed decisions that support their health and well-being.