24279, Pound, Virginia COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 24279, Pound, Virginia is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## COPD Care in the Heart of Appalachia: A Hospital Scorecard Near ZIP Code 24279

The rugged terrain and tight-knit communities of southwestern Virginia, specifically the area surrounding ZIP code 24279 (Wise, Virginia), present unique healthcare challenges. This region, nestled in the heart of Appalachia, faces higher rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to factors like smoking prevalence and exposure to coal dust. Access to quality pulmonary care is therefore crucial. This review examines the hospitals closest to 24279, assessing their capabilities in managing COPD, considering factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth availability.

**The Landscape of Healthcare in Southwest Virginia**

The primary healthcare providers serving the population near 24279 are a mix of regional and local hospitals. The nearest major medical centers are in Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, Tennessee, all within a reasonable driving distance. These facilities are often preferred due to their more extensive resources and specialized services. Smaller community hospitals in the immediate vicinity play a vital role in providing primary and urgent care, serving as crucial access points for initial assessments and stabilization.

**Bristol Regional Medical Center (Bristol, TN): A Regional Powerhouse**

Bristol Regional Medical Center (BRMC), part of Ballad Health, is a significant player in the region. While not directly in Virginia, its proximity and comprehensive services make it a key destination for patients near 24279. BRMC is a large, acute care hospital with a wide range of specialties. It holds a **3-star CMS rating** as of October 2024. This rating, based on various quality measures, indicates areas for potential improvement.

BRMC's pulmonary services include a dedicated pulmonary department with board-certified pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and specialized nurses. The hospital offers comprehensive diagnostic testing, including pulmonary function tests (PFTs), bronchoscopies, and advanced imaging. They have a COPD education program designed to empower patients with self-management skills. BRMC also provides pulmonary rehabilitation, a crucial component of COPD management, helping patients improve their lung function and quality of life.

**ER Wait Times and Telehealth at BRMC:**

Emergency room wait times at BRMC can vary, often influenced by seasonal fluctuations and patient volume. Publicly available data, though not always real-time, suggests average wait times are generally within the national average, but can sometimes exceed it. BRMC has expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations for follow-up appointments and potentially for initial consultations in some instances. Telehealth can be particularly valuable for patients in rural areas, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists.

**Holston Valley Medical Center (Kingsport, TN): Another Ballad Health Option**

Another Ballad Health facility, Holston Valley Medical Center (HVMC) in Kingsport, Tennessee, is another important option for patients near 24279. HVMC is a large regional hospital with a broad range of services, including a robust pulmonary department. As of October 2024, HVMC holds a **3-star CMS rating**, similar to BRMC, reflecting a need for improvements in certain areas.

HVMC’s pulmonary services are comparable to BRMC, with access to pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and advanced diagnostic tools. They offer pulmonary rehabilitation programs and COPD education. HVMC also has a strong focus on critical care, with dedicated intensive care units (ICUs) equipped to handle severe COPD exacerbations.

**ER Wait Times and Telehealth at HVMC:**

ER wait times at HVMC are similar to those at BRMC, fluctuating based on demand. Telehealth is also available at HVMC, offering virtual consultations and follow-up care.

**Mountain View Regional Medical Center (Norton, VA): A Local Presence**

Mountain View Regional Medical Center in Norton, Virginia, is a smaller community hospital serving the immediate area around 24279. While it may not have the same breadth of specialized services as the larger regional hospitals, it provides essential primary and urgent care. Mountain View is a critical access hospital, designed to provide care to a rural population. As of October 2024, Mountain View does not have a CMS star rating, which is common for critical access hospitals.

Mountain View offers basic pulmonary services, including respiratory therapy and diagnostic testing. They can stabilize patients experiencing COPD exacerbations and provide initial treatment before transferring them to a larger facility if necessary.

**ER Wait Times and Telehealth at Mountain View:**

ER wait times at Mountain View are generally shorter than those at the larger regional hospitals, reflecting a lower patient volume. The hospital is working to expand its telehealth capabilities.

**Dickenson County Medical Center (Clintwood, VA): A Community Focus**

Dickenson County Medical Center, located in Clintwood, VA, is another local hospital that serves the area. This hospital is a critical access hospital and provides essential primary and urgent care services to the community. As of October 2024, Dickenson County Medical Center does not have a CMS star rating.

Dickenson County Medical Center provides basic pulmonary services, including respiratory therapy and diagnostic testing. They can stabilize patients experiencing COPD exacerbations and provide initial treatment before transferring them to a larger facility if necessary.

**ER Wait Times and Telehealth at Dickenson County Medical Center:**

ER wait times at Dickenson County Medical Center are generally shorter than those at the larger regional hospitals, reflecting a lower patient volume. The hospital is working to expand its telehealth capabilities.

**Specialty Centers and Programs: Beyond the Basics**

Beyond the core pulmonary services, some hospitals offer specialized programs that can benefit COPD patients. For instance, some hospitals may have dedicated smoking cessation programs, which are crucial for patients who continue to smoke. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are vital for helping patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. These programs typically involve exercise, education, and support.

**The Role of Telehealth in Rural COPD Care**

Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in delivering healthcare to rural communities like those near 24279. Telehealth allows patients to connect with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. This is particularly beneficial for COPD patients, who may have difficulty traveling due to their condition. Telehealth can be used for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even pulmonary rehabilitation.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for COPD Care**

When selecting a hospital for COPD care, patients should consider several factors. These include:

* **The hospital's pulmonary services:** Does the hospital have a dedicated pulmonary department with board-certified pulmonologists? Does it offer comprehensive diagnostic testing and treatment options?
* **The availability of pulmonary rehabilitation:** Does the hospital have a pulmonary rehabilitation program?
* **ER wait times:** How long are patients typically waiting in the emergency room?
* **Telehealth capabilities:** Does the hospital offer telehealth services for follow-up appointments and consultations?
* **Patient reviews and satisfaction:** What are other patients saying about their experiences at the hospital?
* **CMS star ratings:** While not the only indicator of quality, CMS star ratings can provide a general overview of a hospital's performance.

**Conclusion: Navigating COPD Care in Southwest Virginia**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 24279 offers a mix of options for COPD patients. Bristol Regional Medical Center and Holston Valley Medical Center, both part of Ballad Health, offer comprehensive pulmonary services and specialized programs. Mountain View Regional Medical Center and Dickenson County Medical Center provide essential local care and access. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences when choosing a hospital, weighing factors like proximity, services offered, and patient satisfaction. The increasing availability of telehealth promises to improve access to care and support for COPD patients in this rural region. As healthcare continues to evolve, ongoing efforts to enhance pulmonary services, expand telehealth capabilities, and address the unique health challenges of Appalachia will be critical to improving the lives of COPD patients in southwest Virginia.