28573, Pollocksville, North Carolina COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 28573, Pollocksville, North Carolina is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## COPD Score: Navigating Respiratory Care Near ZIP Code 28573

Finding the right hospital for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) care is crucial, especially in a region where access to specialized respiratory services can vary. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 28573 (Jacksonville, North Carolina), providing a fact-rich assessment to help patients make informed decisions. We'll delve into key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities, offering a comprehensive COPD score perspective.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

Jacksonville, NC, and the surrounding areas are served by a mix of community hospitals and larger regional medical centers. While the immediate area might not boast the same concentration of high-profile institutions as a major metropolitan hub, several facilities offer COPD-related services. The focus here will be on evaluating the available options, considering their strengths and weaknesses in providing respiratory care.

**Key Metrics for COPD Care:**

Several factors are paramount when evaluating a hospital's suitability for COPD patients. These include:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings based on a hospital's performance across various quality measures. These ratings provide a general overview of a hospital's overall quality, including patient safety and outcomes.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** For COPD patients experiencing exacerbations, prompt access to care is vital. Shorter ER wait times can significantly impact outcomes.
* **Pulmonary Specialty Centers:** Dedicated pulmonary centers often have specialized expertise, advanced diagnostic tools, and a multidisciplinary team to manage complex COPD cases.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth offers convenient access to follow-up appointments, medication management, and pulmonary rehabilitation, particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas.
* **Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs:** These programs are essential for improving lung function, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life for COPD patients.
* **Hospital Readmission Rates:** High readmission rates for COPD can indicate inadequate management of the condition.

**Hospital Profiles:**

**Onslow Memorial Hospital (Jacksonville, NC):** This is a primary community hospital serving the area. While not a flagship institution with a large national presence, Onslow Memorial provides essential healthcare services to the local population. It is important to note that CMS star ratings can fluctuate, so it's crucial to check the most current data on the CMS website. ER wait times can vary, so patients should inquire about current conditions. Onslow Memorial offers pulmonary services, including diagnostic testing and treatment for respiratory conditions. Information on the specific availability of a dedicated pulmonary specialty center should be confirmed directly with the hospital. Telehealth options may exist, so patients should ask about virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities. They likely have a pulmonary rehabilitation program, which is crucial for COPD management.

**Cape Fear Valley Medical Center (Fayetteville, NC):** Located approximately an hour and a half west of Jacksonville, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center is a larger regional hospital. This hospital may offer a broader range of specialty services and potentially higher CMS star ratings. Check the CMS website for the most up-to-date information. ER wait times can be variable. Cape Fear Valley likely has a more developed pulmonary department, potentially including a dedicated pulmonary specialty center. They may have more advanced diagnostic tools and a larger team of pulmonologists. Telehealth services are likely available, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring. They should have a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program.

**UNC Health Southeastern (Lumberton, NC):** Situated roughly an hour and a half southwest of Jacksonville, UNC Health Southeastern is another regional hospital option. Check the CMS website for their current star rating. ER wait times can fluctuate, so it's best to check current conditions. They are likely to have a pulmonary department offering diagnostic and treatment services. The presence of a dedicated pulmonary specialty center should be confirmed directly. Telehealth services are likely available. They should have a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

**Navigating the Information:**

**CMS Star Ratings:** Always consult the official CMS website ([https://www.medicare.gov/](https://www.medicare.gov/)) for the most current hospital star ratings. These ratings are updated periodically and provide a valuable, albeit general, indicator of hospital quality.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can be found on websites like [https://www.healthgrades.com/](https://www.healthgrades.com/) and [https://www.vitals.com/](https://www.vitals.com/). However, these times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the overall volume of patients. It's always advisable to call the hospital's ER directly to inquire about current wait times.

**Pulmonary Specialty Centers:** To determine if a hospital has a dedicated pulmonary specialty center, visit their website or call their main number and ask to be connected to the pulmonary department. Inquire about the availability of specialized services, such as advanced diagnostic testing, interventional pulmonology, and multidisciplinary care teams.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Contact the hospital's pulmonary department or patient services to inquire about telehealth options. Ask about virtual appointments, remote monitoring programs, and access to pulmonary rehabilitation via telehealth.

**Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs:** Inquire with the pulmonary department or patient services about pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Ask about the program's structure, duration, and the qualifications of the staff involved.

**Hospital Readmission Rates:** While not always readily available to the public, you can often find this information on the hospital's website or through the CMS website. High readmission rates for COPD can be a red flag, indicating potential issues with disease management.

**Considerations for COPD Patients:**

COPD patients often have complex needs. The following are key considerations when choosing a hospital:

* **Proximity:** Consider the distance to the hospital, especially during exacerbations.
* **Specialized Expertise:** Look for hospitals with experienced pulmonologists and respiratory therapists.
* **Pulmonary Rehabilitation:** Access to a high-quality pulmonary rehabilitation program is crucial for long-term management.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth options can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations.
* **Communication:** Choose a hospital where you feel comfortable communicating with the healthcare team.

**Making the Right Choice:**

Choosing the right hospital for COPD care is a personal decision. This review provides a framework for evaluating the options near ZIP code 28573. By considering the factors discussed, COPD patients can make informed choices that prioritize their health and well-being. Remember to always verify information directly with the hospitals and consult with your primary care physician or pulmonologist to determine the best fit for your individual needs. Continuous monitoring of the available information is important as hospital services and ratings can change.