28382, Roseboro, North Carolina COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 28382, Roseboro, North Carolina is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## COPD Score: Navigating Respiratory Care Near ZIP Code 28382

Finding the right hospital for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) care is crucial, especially during a flare-up. This review assesses hospitals near ZIP code 28382 (Southern Pines, NC), focusing on factors vital for COPD patients: quality of care, emergency room efficiency, specialized services, and telehealth options. We'll consider flagship hospitals, CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth statistics to provide a comprehensive COPD score assessment.

**Understanding the Score:** This review doesn't assign a numerical "score." Instead, it provides a detailed analysis of each hospital's strengths and weaknesses, allowing patients and their families to make informed decisions based on their individual needs and preferences. The focus is on readily available, verifiable data.

**Proximity and Major Players:** ZIP code 28382 is situated in Moore County, North Carolina. The primary hospitals serving this area are FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst and Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg). Both are within a reasonable driving distance, offering distinct advantages and disadvantages for COPD patients.

**FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital:** This is the civilian flagship hospital for the region. It's a large, well-equipped facility that's often the first point of contact for acute respiratory issues. CMS star ratings are a key indicator of overall hospital quality. As of the latest available data, FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital has a CMS star rating. This rating reflects performance across several categories, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While the specific star rating can fluctuate, it provides a general benchmark for comparison.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor:** For COPD patients experiencing a breathing crisis, timely access to emergency care is paramount. ER wait times are a crucial consideration. Data on ER wait times can vary depending on the source and time of day, but several online resources provide real-time or near-real-time estimates. Patients should check these resources before heading to the ER. The average wait time at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital can fluctuate, so checking current estimates is essential. Shorter wait times are generally preferable for COPD patients.

**Specialty Centers and Pulmonary Care:** FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital houses a pulmonary department, which is critical for COPD management. This department likely offers a range of services, including diagnostic testing (spirometry, chest X-rays), pulmonary rehabilitation, and access to respiratory therapists. The availability of a dedicated pulmonary rehabilitation program is particularly important. These programs help patients improve lung function, manage symptoms, and enhance their quality of life. Patients should inquire about the specific services offered, the qualifications of the staff, and the program's success rates.

**Womack Army Medical Center:** Located at Fort Liberty, Womack Army Medical Center serves military personnel, their families, and eligible veterans. Access to care may be limited to those eligible for military healthcare. It is a large, comprehensive hospital with a wide range of services. The hospital's CMS star rating is something to consider.

**ER Wait Times at Womack:** ER wait times are a key factor in assessing a hospital's ability to provide timely care, particularly for a condition like COPD. Patients should check online resources for current wait times.

**Pulmonary Services at Womack:** Womack Army Medical Center likely offers a pulmonary department equipped to manage COPD. The scope of services and the availability of specialized programs like pulmonary rehabilitation should be investigated. Access to respiratory therapists and advanced diagnostic capabilities are crucial for effective COPD care.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance:** Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like COPD. It allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Both FirstHealth and Womack are likely to offer some telehealth services.

**Telehealth at FirstHealth:** FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital likely offers telehealth options for pulmonary care. This may include virtual consultations with pulmonologists, remote monitoring of vital signs, and educational programs. Patients should inquire about the specific telehealth services available, the technology used, and the cost (if any).

**Telehealth at Womack:** Womack Army Medical Center is likely to offer telehealth services, particularly for its patient population. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for military personnel who may have difficulty accessing in-person care due to deployments or geographic limitations.

**Other Considerations:** Beyond the major hospitals, several other factors influence COPD care quality.

**Physician Expertise:** The experience and expertise of pulmonologists and respiratory therapists are critical. Patients should research the qualifications and credentials of the healthcare providers they will be seeing. Board certification in pulmonary medicine is a strong indicator of expertise.

**Hospital Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like The Joint Commission indicates that a hospital meets certain quality standards. Check the accreditation status of any hospital under consideration.

**Patient Reviews and Experiences:** Online reviews and patient testimonials can provide valuable insights into a hospital's patient experience. However, it's important to consider these reviews in context and to look for patterns and trends.

**Cost and Insurance Coverage:** The cost of care and insurance coverage are significant factors. Patients should check with their insurance providers to determine which hospitals are in-network and what their out-of-pocket costs will be.

**Specific COPD Programs:** Inquire about any specialized COPD programs offered by the hospitals, such as smoking cessation programs, education classes, and support groups.

**Comparing the Options:**

* **FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital:** Offers a comprehensive range of services, including a pulmonary department, likely pulmonary rehabilitation, and telehealth options. CMS star ratings provide a general indication of quality. ER wait times should be monitored.
* **Womack Army Medical Center:** Serves a specific population. Has a wide range of services, including a pulmonary department and telehealth options. Access is limited to eligible patients.

**Making the Right Choice:** The "best" hospital for a COPD patient depends on individual needs and circumstances. Consider the following when making a decision:

* **Severity of COPD:** Patients with more severe COPD may need a hospital with a higher level of care and specialized services.
* **Access to Care:** Consider the distance to the hospital, ER wait times, and the availability of appointments.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital is in your insurance network.
* **Personal Preferences:** Consider factors like patient reviews, the hospital's reputation, and your comfort level with the healthcare providers.

**Ongoing Management:** Remember that hospital care is only one aspect of COPD management. Regular follow-up with a pulmonologist, adherence to prescribed medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lifestyle modifications (such as quitting smoking) are essential for managing the disease and improving quality of life.

**Disclaimer:** This review is based on publicly available information and is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their care. Hospital data can change, so it's essential to verify information directly with the hospitals.