37309, Calhoun, Tennessee COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 37309, Calhoun, Tennessee is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## COPD Care in the Chattanooga Area: A Review of Hospital Options Near 37309

The 37309 ZIP code, encompassing the city of Athens, Tennessee, and its surrounding areas, presents a landscape of healthcare options for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This review delves into the hospitals closest to this area, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses in COPD care, including factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities. The information is based on publicly available data and aims to provide a comprehensive overview for patients and their families.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their COPD Care Profiles**

The primary hospital serving the Athens area is **Athens-Limestone Hospital**, a part of the Huntsville Hospital Health System. While not a flagship hospital in the traditional sense, it's the closest major medical center. Athens-Limestone Hospital is a 99-bed facility. Unfortunately, specific CMS star ratings for this hospital are not readily available. The hospital's website offers information on its services, but specific COPD-related data, such as the number of COPD patients treated or outcomes data, is not prominently displayed. Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor for COPD patients experiencing exacerbations. Publicly available data on ER wait times for Athens-Limestone Hospital can fluctuate, so it's best to check real-time data sources like wait times websites or apps before going.

**Specialty Centers and COPD-Focused Resources**

Athens-Limestone Hospital likely offers general respiratory care services, including pulmonary function testing and treatments for acute respiratory illnesses. However, it may not have a dedicated pulmonary rehabilitation center or a specialized COPD clinic. Patients requiring advanced care or specialized therapies might need to seek services at larger regional hospitals.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring Capabilities**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in managing chronic conditions like COPD. Athens-Limestone Hospital's telehealth capabilities are not extensively detailed in public information. It's advisable to contact the hospital directly to inquire about telehealth services, including remote monitoring programs, virtual consultations, and access to respiratory therapists via telehealth platforms. These services can be particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas, providing convenient access to care and reducing the need for frequent hospital visits.

**Regional Options: Expanding the Scope of Care**

Patients in the 37309 area have access to larger hospitals in the broader Chattanooga region, which may offer more comprehensive COPD care. These hospitals are further afield but can be crucial for specialized treatment.

**Erlanger Health System (Chattanooga): A Regional Powerhouse**

Erlanger Health System, with its flagship hospital, **Erlanger Baroness Hospital**, in Chattanooga, represents a significant regional healthcare provider. Erlanger Baroness Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center and a major referral center for the region. It is a 779-bed facility. Erlanger Baroness Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. This rating reflects the hospital's overall performance, including quality of care, patient safety, and patient experience.

Erlanger Health System has a dedicated pulmonary and critical care medicine department. This department likely offers a range of services for COPD patients, including diagnosis, treatment, pulmonary rehabilitation, and access to specialized therapies. The system also operates several outpatient clinics and specialty centers.

ER wait times at Erlanger Baroness Hospital can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. Real-time data on ER wait times is typically available through the hospital's website or online sources. Patients with COPD exacerbations should be prepared for potential wait times, but the hospital's status as a Level I Trauma Center means it is equipped to handle critical respiratory emergencies.

**Erlanger's COPD-Focused Services**

Erlanger likely has a pulmonary rehabilitation program, offering structured exercise, education, and support for COPD patients. This program can significantly improve patients' quality of life and reduce hospital readmissions. Erlanger's pulmonologists and respiratory therapists are likely experienced in managing complex COPD cases.

**Telehealth at Erlanger**

Erlanger Health System has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years. This includes virtual consultations with pulmonologists, remote patient monitoring programs, and access to respiratory therapists via telehealth platforms. These services can be particularly valuable for patients living in rural areas or those with mobility limitations.

**Parkridge Health System (Chattanooga): Another Major Player**

Parkridge Health System, including its flagship hospital, **Parkridge Medical Center**, is another major healthcare provider in the Chattanooga area. Parkridge Medical Center is a 338-bed facility. Parkridge Medical Center holds a 3-star CMS rating. This rating indicates the hospital's overall performance in various areas of care.

Parkridge Medical Center has a pulmonary medicine department that provides care for a variety of respiratory conditions, including COPD. The hospital offers diagnostic services, treatment options, and access to specialists.

ER wait times at Parkridge Medical Center can vary. Real-time data is generally available on the hospital's website or through online resources.

**Parkridge's COPD-Focused Services**

Parkridge Medical Center is likely to have a pulmonary rehabilitation program. This program provides a comprehensive approach to managing COPD, including exercise training, education, and support. The hospital's pulmonologists and respiratory therapists are equipped to manage a wide range of COPD cases.

**Telehealth at Parkridge**

Parkridge Health System has expanded its telehealth capabilities. This includes virtual consultations with pulmonologists and remote patient monitoring programs. These services can improve access to care for patients with COPD.

**Comparing the Options: Key Considerations**

When choosing a hospital for COPD care near the 37309 ZIP code, several factors should be considered.

* **Proximity:** Athens-Limestone Hospital is the closest, offering immediate access to emergency care. However, its specialized COPD services may be limited.
* **CMS Star Ratings:** Erlanger Baroness Hospital and Parkridge Medical Center both have 3-star CMS ratings, indicating a similar level of overall performance.
* **Specialty Services:** Erlanger and Parkridge offer more comprehensive pulmonary services, including pulmonary rehabilitation programs and access to specialized therapies.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary at all hospitals. Checking real-time data is crucial, especially during exacerbations.
* **Telehealth:** Both Erlanger and Parkridge have expanded telehealth offerings, providing convenient access to care and remote monitoring.

**Making an Informed Decision**

Patients with COPD in the 37309 area should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences when selecting a hospital. Factors such as the severity of their condition, the need for specialized services, and the availability of telehealth options should all be taken into account. Consulting with their primary care physician or pulmonologist is essential to determine the most appropriate care setting.

**Further Research and Recommendations**

Patients and their families are encouraged to conduct further research. This includes visiting the hospitals' websites, contacting their patient relations departments, and speaking with other COPD patients who have received care at these facilities.

In conclusion, the healthcare landscape near the 37309 ZIP code offers a range of options for COPD care. While Athens-Limestone Hospital provides local access, Erlanger Health System and Parkridge Health System in Chattanooga offer more comprehensive pulmonary services, including pulmonary rehabilitation and telehealth capabilities. By carefully evaluating these options and considering their individual needs, patients can make informed decisions about their COPD care.