24224, Castlewood, Virginia COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 24224, Castlewood, Virginia is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## COPD Care in Southwest Virginia: A Hospital Landscape Near ZIP Code 24224

The picturesque landscapes of Southwest Virginia, encompassing ZIP code 24224 (Coeburn, VA), are home to a population that, like many rural communities, faces a higher prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This review delves into the available hospital resources near this area, focusing on their capacity to diagnose, treat, and manage COPD, considering factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities. The goal is to provide a fact-rich overview for individuals seeking the best possible care for this debilitating respiratory illness.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The immediate vicinity of Coeburn, VA, is characterized by a relative scarcity of large, tertiary care hospitals. Residents often rely on a network of smaller community hospitals and regional medical centers. Access to specialized pulmonology services and advanced treatments may necessitate travel to larger facilities further afield. Proximity to the University of Virginia (UVA) Health System in Charlottesville, while distant, offers a potential avenue for complex cases.

**Key Hospitals and Their COPD Care Profiles:**

**1. Norton Community Hospital (Norton, VA):**

Norton Community Hospital, located approximately 20 miles from Coeburn, is a critical access hospital serving the immediate region. It is a vital healthcare provider for the local population. While it does not have a CMS star rating due to its critical access designation, it provides essential services, including emergency care and inpatient care for various conditions.

* **COPD Focus:** Norton Community Hospital offers diagnostic services, including pulmonary function testing (PFTs) to assess lung function. They provide acute care for COPD exacerbations, including oxygen therapy and medication management. They also offer respiratory therapy services.
* **Emergency Department:** ER wait times are variable and depend on the time of day and patient volume. It is crucial to call ahead or use online tools to check current wait times, especially during peak hours.
* **Specialty Centers:** Norton Community Hospital focuses on primary care, emergency medicine, and a range of general medical and surgical services. It may not have a dedicated pulmonary specialty center, but it provides access to pulmonologists through consultations and referrals.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth capabilities are available for certain specialties, including pulmonary care, to provide remote consultations and follow-up appointments.

**2. Dickenson County Medical Center (Clintwood, VA):**

Dickenson County Medical Center is another critical access hospital in the area, located in Clintwood, VA. It offers a range of services to the residents of Dickenson County.

* **COPD Focus:** Similar to Norton Community Hospital, Dickenson County Medical Center provides diagnostic testing and acute care for COPD patients. They offer respiratory therapy and medication management for exacerbations.
* **Emergency Department:** ER wait times are variable and depend on the time of day and patient volume. It is crucial to call ahead or use online tools to check current wait times, especially during peak hours.
* **Specialty Centers:** Dickenson County Medical Center offers general medical services and emergency care. They do not have a dedicated pulmonary specialty center, but they provide access to pulmonologists through consultations and referrals.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth capabilities are available for certain specialties, including pulmonary care, to provide remote consultations and follow-up appointments.

**3. Johnston Memorial Hospital (Abingdon, VA):**

Johnston Memorial Hospital, part of Ballad Health, is located in Abingdon, VA, and is a larger regional hospital than the critical access hospitals closer to Coeburn.

* **COPD Focus:** Johnston Memorial Hospital has a more comprehensive approach to COPD care. They offer advanced diagnostic testing, including CT scans and bronchoscopy, and they provide specialized pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Johnston Memorial Hospital has a CMS star rating, which reflects the hospital's overall quality of care.
* **Emergency Department:** ER wait times are variable and depend on the time of day and patient volume. It is crucial to call ahead or use online tools to check current wait times, especially during peak hours.
* **Specialty Centers:** Johnston Memorial Hospital has a dedicated pulmonary department with pulmonologists and respiratory therapists. They also have a pulmonary rehabilitation program to help patients manage their COPD symptoms.
* **Telehealth:** Johnston Memorial Hospital offers telehealth services for pulmonary care, including remote consultations and monitoring.

**4. Holston Valley Medical Center (Kingsport, TN):**

Holston Valley Medical Center, also part of Ballad Health, is located in Kingsport, TN, and is a larger regional hospital than the critical access hospitals closer to Coeburn. It is a significant healthcare provider for the region.

* **COPD Focus:** Holston Valley Medical Center offers comprehensive COPD care, including advanced diagnostic testing, pulmonary rehabilitation, and access to specialized treatments. They have a dedicated pulmonary department with pulmonologists and respiratory therapists.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Holston Valley Medical Center has a CMS star rating, which reflects the hospital's overall quality of care.
* **Emergency Department:** ER wait times are variable and depend on the time of day and patient volume. It is crucial to call ahead or use online tools to check current wait times, especially during peak hours.
* **Specialty Centers:** Holston Valley Medical Center has a dedicated pulmonary department with pulmonologists and respiratory therapists. They also have a pulmonary rehabilitation program to help patients manage their COPD symptoms.
* **Telehealth:** Holston Valley Medical Center offers telehealth services for pulmonary care, including remote consultations and monitoring.

**5. Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center (Bristol, TN):**

Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center, part of Ballad Health, is located in Bristol, TN, and is a larger regional hospital than the critical access hospitals closer to Coeburn.

* **COPD Focus:** Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center offers comprehensive COPD care, including advanced diagnostic testing, pulmonary rehabilitation, and access to specialized treatments. They have a dedicated pulmonary department with pulmonologists and respiratory therapists.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center has a CMS star rating, which reflects the hospital's overall quality of care.
* **Emergency Department:** ER wait times are variable and depend on the time of day and patient volume. It is crucial to call ahead or use online tools to check current wait times, especially during peak hours.
* **Specialty Centers:** Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center has a dedicated pulmonary department with pulmonologists and respiratory therapists. They also have a pulmonary rehabilitation program to help patients manage their COPD symptoms.
* **Telehealth:** Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center offers telehealth services for pulmonary care, including remote consultations and monitoring.

**6. University of Virginia Health System (Charlottesville, VA):**

While a considerable distance from Coeburn, the University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville represents a potential resource for complex COPD cases.

* **COPD Focus:** UVA Health System is a major academic medical center with a highly specialized pulmonary and critical care division. They offer cutting-edge diagnostic techniques, advanced treatments, and access to clinical trials.
* **CMS Star Rating:** UVA Health System has a CMS star rating, which reflects the hospital's overall quality of care.
* **Emergency Department:** ER wait times are variable and depend on the time of day and patient volume. It is crucial to call ahead or use online tools to check current wait times, especially during peak hours.
* **Specialty Centers:** UVA Health System has a dedicated pulmonary department with pulmonologists and respiratory therapists. They also have a pulmonary rehabilitation program to help patients manage their COPD symptoms.
* **Telehealth:** UVA Health System offers telehealth services for pulmonary care, including remote consultations and monitoring.

**Telehealth Considerations:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in managing chronic conditions like COPD, particularly in rural areas. Hospitals near Coeburn are expanding their telehealth offerings, providing remote consultations, medication management, and pulmonary rehabilitation support. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth services to improve access to care and reduce travel burdens.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital:**

* **Proximity:** Consider the distance and travel time to the hospital, especially during an exacerbation.
* **Pulmonary Services:** Assess the hospital's diagnostic capabilities, treatment options, and access to specialized pulmonologists and respiratory therapists.
* **Emergency Department Wait Times:** Check current wait times online or by phone before going to the ER.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Inquire about telehealth options for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring.
* **CMS Star Rating:** While not the only indicator of quality, the CMS star rating can provide a general overview of the hospital's performance.
* **Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs:** Look for hospitals with pulmonary rehabilitation programs to help manage COPD symptoms.

**Conclusion:**

Residents near ZIP code 24224 have access to a network of hospitals with varying levels of COPD care. While Norton Community Hospital and Dickenson County Medical Center provide essential services, Johnston Memorial Hospital, Holston Valley Medical Center, and Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center offer more comprehensive pulmonary care, including specialized programs and access to pulmonologists. For complex cases, the University of Virginia Health System provides advanced treatment options, although it requires significant travel. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs, assess the available resources, and consult with their primary care physicians to determine the most appropriate healthcare provider for their COPD management. Proactive engagement with healthcare providers, including seeking pulmonary rehabilitation and utilizing telehealth options, can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals living with COPD in Southwest Virginia.