12989, Vermontville, New York COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 12989, Vermontville, New York is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## COPD Care in the Adirondacks: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 12989

The Adirondack region of New York, encompassing ZIP code 12989 (Tupper Lake), presents unique challenges for residents managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Factors like cold winters, rural geography, and potential exposure to environmental irritants can exacerbate respiratory conditions. Access to high-quality, specialized care is therefore crucial. This review examines the hospitals closest to Tupper Lake, focusing on their capabilities in COPD management, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth options.

**Adirondack Medical Center, Saranac Lake (Approx. 30 miles from 12989)**

Adirondack Medical Center (AMC), a flagship facility of Adirondack Health, is the closest major hospital to Tupper Lake. AMC is a critical access hospital, which means it serves a rural population and receives special funding. As of October 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded AMC a **3-star rating**. This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While not the highest possible rating, it indicates a generally acceptable level of care.

AMC's emergency room (ER) wait times are a key consideration for COPD patients, who may require immediate medical attention during exacerbations. Data on current ER wait times can fluctuate significantly. Patients can access real-time wait time information on the Adirondack Health website or through third-party platforms that track ER wait times. It's advisable to check these sources before heading to the ER.

AMC has a pulmonary medicine department that specializes in respiratory illnesses, including COPD. The hospital offers pulmonary function testing, which is essential for diagnosing and monitoring COPD. They also provide respiratory therapy services, including nebulizer treatments, oxygen therapy, and airway clearance techniques. While specific details about a dedicated COPD clinic are not publicly available, patients can seek referrals to pulmonologists through their primary care physicians at AMC.

Telehealth is increasingly important in rural healthcare. Adirondack Health has expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations with specialists. COPD patients may benefit from telehealth for follow-up appointments, medication management, and education. The availability of telehealth services can reduce the need for frequent travel, which can be difficult for individuals with breathing difficulties. Specific telehealth statistics, such as the number of virtual visits for pulmonary patients, are not readily available but can be inquired about directly with the hospital.

**Elizabethtown Community Hospital, Elizabethtown (Approx. 50 miles from 12989)**

Elizabethtown Community Hospital, another critical access hospital, is located further from Tupper Lake but still within a reasonable driving distance. As of October 2024, Elizabethtown Community Hospital has a **4-star rating** from CMS. This higher rating suggests a stronger performance across various quality metrics compared to AMC.

ER wait times at Elizabethtown Community Hospital are subject to the same fluctuations as at AMC. Patients should consult the hospital's website or other online resources for the most up-to-date information. The hospital’s ER is equipped to handle respiratory emergencies.

Elizabethtown Community Hospital has a pulmonary medicine department and provides respiratory therapy services. Details on specific COPD-focused programs or clinics are not readily available, but patients can consult with their primary care physicians for referrals to pulmonologists.

Telehealth services are available at Elizabethtown Community Hospital. Patients can inquire about virtual appointments with pulmonologists and other specialists. The hospital's telehealth program is designed to improve access to care for residents in the surrounding rural communities.

**Alice Hyde Medical Center, Malone (Approx. 60 miles from 12989)**

Alice Hyde Medical Center, located in Malone, offers another option for residents of the Tupper Lake area. As of October 2024, Alice Hyde Medical Center has a **3-star rating** from CMS.

ER wait times at Alice Hyde Medical Center can be found on the hospital's website or through online platforms that track such data.

Alice Hyde Medical Center has a pulmonary medicine department and offers respiratory therapy services. The hospital provides pulmonary function testing and other diagnostic tools. Information on specific COPD programs should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

Telehealth services are available at Alice Hyde Medical Center, allowing patients to access virtual consultations with specialists. The hospital's telehealth program aims to improve access to care for patients in the region.

**Other Considerations: Plattsburgh and Beyond**

While not directly within the immediate vicinity, the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) in Plattsburgh (approx. 80 miles from 12989) is another option. CVPH is a larger hospital with a more extensive range of services. However, the longer travel distance may be a significant factor for COPD patients. CMS rating for CVPH is **3 stars** as of October 2024.

CVPH has a dedicated pulmonary medicine department with specialized expertise in COPD management. The hospital offers comprehensive pulmonary function testing, advanced imaging, and a range of respiratory therapy services. CVPH is likely to have more specialized resources than the smaller critical access hospitals, including access to pulmonologists with specific expertise in COPD.

ER wait times at CVPH can be found on the hospital's website or through online resources.

CVPH has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations with specialists, including pulmonologists. This can be a valuable resource for COPD patients, providing access to expert care without the need for frequent travel.

**Factors to Consider in Hospital Choice**

When choosing a hospital for COPD care, several factors should be considered. Proximity is crucial, especially during exacerbations. ER wait times are a critical factor, as prompt treatment can significantly impact outcomes. The availability of a dedicated pulmonary medicine department and respiratory therapy services is essential. Telehealth capabilities can improve access to care and reduce the burden of travel.

Patients should also consider the hospital's CMS star rating, which provides a general indication of quality of care. However, the rating should be considered alongside other factors, such as the specific needs of the individual patient and the availability of specialized services.

**Conclusion**

Residents of the Tupper Lake area (ZIP code 12989) have several hospital options for COPD care, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Adirondack Medical Center and Elizabethtown Community Hospital are the closest options, offering convenient access to care. Alice Hyde Medical Center provides another alternative. CVPH in Plattsburgh, while further away, offers a broader range of specialized services. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs, including the severity of their COPD, their mobility, and their access to transportation, when making their choice. It is highly recommended to consult with a primary care physician to determine the best course of action and to obtain referrals to specialists as needed. Regular communication with healthcare providers and proactive management of COPD are essential for maintaining quality of life in this beautiful but challenging region.