24347, Hiwassee, Virginia COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 24347, Hiwassee, Virginia is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## COPD Score: Navigating Respiratory Care Near ZIP Code 24347

Finding the right hospital for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) treatment requires careful consideration. Near ZIP Code 24347, which encompasses the Galax, Virginia area, access to specialized respiratory care is a crucial factor. This review analyzes available hospitals, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth offerings, providing a COPD Score assessment to guide informed healthcare decisions.

**Understanding the COPD Score Framework**

Our COPD Score considers several critical elements. CMS star ratings, reflecting overall hospital quality, are a primary indicator. Shorter ER wait times are essential for COPD patients experiencing exacerbations. The presence of dedicated pulmonary centers, respiratory therapy programs, and access to pulmonologists specializing in COPD treatment are highly valued. Finally, telehealth capabilities are increasingly important for ongoing management and remote monitoring.

**Hospital Analysis: Exploring the Options**

The immediate vicinity of 24347 presents a limited, yet vital, selection of hospitals. We will evaluate the key players, recognizing the importance of regional access to care.

**1. Galax Hospital (Galax, VA)**

Galax Hospital, the closest hospital to ZIP Code 24347, is a critical access hospital. Its CMS star rating is not publicly available. This hospital provides a vital service to the community, offering emergency care and general medical services. However, its capacity for specialized COPD care is likely limited compared to larger facilities.

**Emergency Room:** ER wait times at Galax Hospital are not readily available on public platforms like Medicare.gov. Patients should inquire directly for current wait times.

**Pulmonary Services:** The scope of pulmonary services at Galax Hospital requires further investigation. It is essential to determine the availability of respiratory therapists, pulmonologists, and specialized COPD programs.

**Telehealth:** Information regarding telehealth offerings at Galax Hospital is necessary. Access to remote consultations and monitoring could significantly benefit COPD patients.

**2. Johnston Memorial Hospital (Abingdon, VA)**

Johnston Memorial Hospital, located approximately 40 miles from Galax, is a larger facility. It holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating indicates an average level of quality compared to other hospitals nationally.

**Emergency Room:** ER wait times at Johnston Memorial Hospital can vary. Patients can check the hospital's website or utilize online platforms to get an estimate.

**Pulmonary Services:** Johnston Memorial Hospital may offer a broader range of pulmonary services than Galax Hospital. It is important to inquire about the presence of a dedicated pulmonary department, respiratory therapists, and pulmonologists specializing in COPD.

**Telehealth:** The hospital's telehealth capabilities should be assessed. Telehealth can be a valuable tool for managing COPD, providing remote consultations, and monitoring patient health.

**3. Bristol Regional Medical Center (Bristol, TN)**

Bristol Regional Medical Center, situated in Bristol, Tennessee, is approximately 50 miles from Galax. It is part of Ballad Health. Bristol Regional Medical Center has a 2-star rating from CMS.

**Emergency Room:** ER wait times at Bristol Regional Medical Center are a critical factor. Patients should check online platforms or call the hospital for current wait times.

**Pulmonary Services:** Bristol Regional Medical Center's pulmonary services should be investigated. This includes the availability of respiratory therapists, pulmonologists, and specialized COPD programs.

**Telehealth:** Bristol Regional Medical Center's telehealth offerings should be evaluated. Remote monitoring and virtual consultations are vital for COPD management.

**4. LewisGale Hospital Pulaski (Pulaski, VA)**

LewisGale Hospital Pulaski is located about 45 miles from Galax. It has a 3-star rating from CMS.

**Emergency Room:** ER wait times at LewisGale Hospital Pulaski can vary. Patients can check the hospital's website or utilize online platforms to get an estimate.

**Pulmonary Services:** LewisGale Hospital Pulaski may offer a broader range of pulmonary services than Galax Hospital. It is important to inquire about the presence of a dedicated pulmonary department, respiratory therapists, and pulmonologists specializing in COPD.

**Telehealth:** The hospital's telehealth capabilities should be assessed. Telehealth can be a valuable tool for managing COPD, providing remote consultations, and monitoring patient health.

**5. Carilion New River Valley Medical Center (Christiansburg, VA)**

Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, located about 60 miles from Galax, is a larger facility. It holds a 3-star rating from CMS.

**Emergency Room:** ER wait times at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center can vary. Patients can check the hospital's website or utilize online platforms to get an estimate.

**Pulmonary Services:** Carilion New River Valley Medical Center may offer a broader range of pulmonary services than Galax Hospital. It is important to inquire about the presence of a dedicated pulmonary department, respiratory therapists, and pulmonologists specializing in COPD.

**Telehealth:** The hospital's telehealth capabilities should be assessed. Telehealth can be a valuable tool for managing COPD, providing remote consultations, and monitoring patient health.

**Detailed Considerations for COPD Patients**

Beyond the general hospital assessments, several factors are crucial for COPD patients.

**Pulmonary Specialists:** The presence of board-certified pulmonologists is paramount. These specialists have specific expertise in diagnosing, treating, and managing COPD. Patients should inquire about the number of pulmonologists on staff and their specific areas of expertise.

**Respiratory Therapy:** Respiratory therapists play a vital role in COPD care. They provide breathing treatments, educate patients on proper inhaler techniques, and assist with pulmonary rehabilitation. The availability of respiratory therapists and the scope of their services should be investigated.

**Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs:** Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to improve lung function, increase exercise capacity, and enhance the overall quality of life for COPD patients. Patients should inquire about the availability of such programs and their components.

**Emergency Department Preparedness:** COPD patients are frequently admitted to the emergency room during exacerbations. Hospitals should have protocols in place to rapidly assess and treat COPD patients. This includes access to oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, and other necessary medications.

**Telehealth Integration:** Telehealth offers significant advantages for COPD patients. Remote monitoring of vital signs, virtual consultations with pulmonologists, and educational resources can help patients manage their condition effectively. Hospitals should be assessed for their telehealth capabilities and their integration into COPD care.

**Specific Questions to Ask Hospitals**

When contacting hospitals, patients should ask specific questions:

* "How many board-certified pulmonologists are on staff?"
* "Do you have a dedicated pulmonary department?"
* "What respiratory therapy services are available?"
* "Do you offer a pulmonary rehabilitation program?"
* "What is the average ER wait time?"
* "What telehealth services are available for COPD patients?"
* "What is your hospital's CMS star rating?"

**Conclusion: Navigating the Landscape**

The availability of specialized COPD care near ZIP Code 24347 is limited. Galax Hospital provides immediate care, but patients may need to consider hospitals further afield, like Johnston Memorial Hospital, Bristol Regional Medical Center, LewisGale Hospital Pulaski, and Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, for more comprehensive services. Careful research, including direct inquiries to the hospitals, is essential to determine the best fit for individual needs. Patients should prioritize hospitals with board-certified pulmonologists, robust respiratory therapy programs, and telehealth capabilities. The COPD Score, based on CMS ratings, ER wait times, and specialized services, will vary for each hospital, requiring patients to assess their priorities and make informed decisions about their respiratory health.