24137, Penhook, Virginia COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 24137, Penhook, Virginia is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## COPD Score: Navigating Respiratory Care Near ZIP Code 24137

Finding the right hospital for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) care is crucial, especially in an area like ZIP code 24137, which encompasses the town of Rocky Mount, Virginia, and surrounding Franklin County. This review provides a fact-rich overview of the healthcare landscape, focusing on factors relevant to COPD patients, including hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services. We'll examine the major players, their strengths, and potential areas for consideration, allowing patients and their families to make informed decisions.

**Regional Overview and Key Players**

The immediate vicinity of 24137 doesn't boast a plethora of large, nationally recognized hospitals. However, several facilities within a reasonable driving distance offer varying levels of respiratory care. The primary focus will be on facilities within a 30- to 60-mile radius, considering the rural nature of the area and the potential for longer travel times for specialized care.

**Carilion Clinic: A Dominant Force**

Carilion Clinic, a major healthcare system in Southwest Virginia, significantly impacts the availability of COPD care near 24137. Several of its facilities are within reach, offering a range of services.

* **Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (Roanoke, VA):** Located approximately 40 miles north of Rocky Mount, Roanoke Memorial is the flagship hospital within the Carilion system. It is a large, tertiary care center and holds a **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. While not a top-tier rating, it still indicates a level of quality compared to other hospitals. This hospital offers a comprehensive pulmonary department, including pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options. Roanoke Memorial’s emergency room (ER) wait times are a critical factor for COPD patients. Recent data shows an average ER wait time of around 2-3 hours, which can be a significant concern during a COPD exacerbation. Carilion Roanoke Memorial has a pulmonary rehabilitation program, an essential component of COPD management. The program provides supervised exercise, education, and support to improve lung function and quality of life. Telehealth services are available, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments, which can be particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas. Specific statistics on telehealth utilization for pulmonary patients are not readily available.

* **Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital (Rocky Mount, VA):** Located directly within ZIP code 24137, Carilion Franklin Memorial is a smaller, community hospital. It serves as a vital access point for local residents. It does not have a CMS star rating. The hospital offers basic pulmonary services, including respiratory therapy and management of stable COPD cases. It may not have the same level of specialized expertise or advanced equipment as Roanoke Memorial. ER wait times at Franklin Memorial are generally shorter than at the larger Roanoke facility, often under an hour. However, during peak times, wait times can increase. Telehealth options may be limited compared to Roanoke Memorial.

* **Carilion New River Valley Medical Center (Christiansburg, VA):** Situated approximately 50 miles northwest of Rocky Mount, New River Valley Medical Center is another Carilion facility. It offers pulmonary services and a pulmonary rehabilitation program. The hospital’s CMS rating is not readily available. ER wait times are often comparable to Roanoke Memorial. Telehealth services are available, but the specific utilization for pulmonary patients is not public.

**Other Hospitals in the Region**

Beyond Carilion, other hospitals are in the vicinity, though their offerings for COPD care may be more limited.

* **LewisGale Medical Center (Salem, VA):** Located approximately 30 miles north of Rocky Mount, LewisGale Medical Center is a part of the HCA Healthcare network. It has a **3-star CMS rating**. The hospital has a pulmonary department with pulmonologists and respiratory therapists. ER wait times are generally in line with other regional hospitals. Telehealth services are available, but specific pulmonary data is not accessible.

* **Centra Southside Community Hospital (Farmville, VA):** While further afield (approximately 100 miles east), Centra Southside Community Hospital might be a consideration for some residents. It is a smaller community hospital that may have limited specialized COPD services. The hospital's CMS rating is not readily available.

**Specialty Centers and Programs**

Beyond general hospital services, specialized programs and centers can significantly impact COPD care.

* **Pulmonary Rehabilitation:** Both Carilion Roanoke Memorial and Carilion New River Valley Medical Center offer pulmonary rehabilitation programs. These programs are vital for improving lung function, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life for COPD patients. The programs typically involve supervised exercise, education about COPD management, and support groups.

* **Sleep Centers:** COPD patients often experience sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea. Hospitals with accredited sleep centers can provide comprehensive evaluations and treatments for these conditions. Information on specific sleep centers near 24137 is not readily available.

* **Smoking Cessation Programs:** Smoking is a primary cause of COPD. Hospitals and healthcare systems often offer smoking cessation programs to help patients quit smoking. Carilion and LewisGale, for instance, have smoking cessation programs.

**Accessibility and Transportation**

Accessibility is a critical factor for COPD patients, especially those in rural areas.

* **Proximity:** The distance to a hospital and the availability of transportation are crucial. Patients in Rocky Mount and surrounding areas may face challenges in accessing specialized care due to the distance to larger hospitals.

* **Ambulance Services:** Reliable ambulance services are essential for managing COPD exacerbations. Response times and the availability of specialized respiratory support during transport are important considerations.

* **Public Transportation:** Public transportation options in the area are limited, making it difficult for patients without personal vehicles to access healthcare.

**Telehealth: A Growing Solution**

Telehealth has emerged as a valuable tool for COPD management, particularly in rural areas.

* **Virtual Consultations:** Telehealth allows patients to have virtual consultations with pulmonologists and other healthcare providers, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits.

* **Remote Monitoring:** Some hospitals offer remote monitoring programs, where patients can track their symptoms and vital signs at home, allowing healthcare providers to intervene early if needed.

* **Education and Support:** Telehealth can also be used to provide education and support to COPD patients, helping them manage their condition more effectively.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital**

When selecting a hospital for COPD care near 24137, consider the following factors:

* **Pulmonary Specialists:** The availability of board-certified pulmonologists is essential.
* **Respiratory Therapists:** A strong team of respiratory therapists is crucial for providing acute and chronic care.
* **Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program:** Access to a pulmonary rehabilitation program is highly recommended.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter ER wait times are critical during a COPD exacerbation.
* **Telehealth Services:** The availability of telehealth services can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas.
* **Hospital Quality Ratings:** CMS star ratings and other quality metrics can provide insights into hospital performance.
* **Patient Reviews:** Patient reviews can offer valuable insights into the patient experience.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospital and its providers are in your insurance network.

**Conclusion**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 24137 offers a mix of options for COPD care. Carilion Clinic dominates the region, with Roanoke Memorial Hospital providing comprehensive services. Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital offers local access, while other regional hospitals, such as LewisGale Medical Center, provide additional options. Patients should carefully consider the factors discussed above, including hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services, to make informed decisions about their care. Given the rural nature of the area, exploring telehealth options and ensuring reliable transportation are also crucial for effective COPD management.