24351, Lambsburg, Virginia COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 24351, Lambsburg, Virginia is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## COPD Score: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 24351

Finding the best hospital for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) care requires a careful evaluation of several factors. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 24351 (Marion, Virginia), assessing their capabilities in treating COPD based on publicly available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings. This information is crucial for patients seeking optimal care for this debilitating respiratory illness.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The immediate vicinity of 24351 presents a relatively limited selection of hospitals. The primary healthcare providers serving this area are Mountain View Regional Hospital in Norton, Virginia, and Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion, Virginia. Further afield, larger hospitals in neighboring cities, such as Bristol, Tennessee, and Roanoke, Virginia, offer more specialized services and should be considered.

**Smyth County Community Hospital (Marion, VA)**

Smyth County Community Hospital (SCCH) is the closest hospital to the 24351 ZIP code. As a critical access hospital, SCCH is designed to serve the immediate needs of the community. Its CMS star rating is unavailable, which is common for critical access hospitals. This doesn't necessarily indicate poor quality, but it does mean a direct comparison to larger, rated facilities is difficult.

SCCH's emergency room wait times are a critical consideration. While specific, regularly updated data is not publicly available, patients should anticipate potential delays, particularly during peak hours. In the absence of readily available data, patients should contact the hospital directly to inquire about current wait times.

Regarding COPD-specific care, SCCH likely offers standard respiratory therapy services, including oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, and pulmonary rehabilitation. However, it may not possess the same breadth of specialized pulmonology services or advanced diagnostic capabilities as larger regional hospitals. Telehealth services are increasingly common in rural hospitals, and it's worth investigating whether SCCH offers any pulmonary-focused telehealth consultations or follow-up appointments.

**Mountain View Regional Hospital (Norton, VA)**

Mountain View Regional Hospital is another option, though located further away. Like SCCH, Mountain View is also a critical access hospital. This means that a CMS star rating is not available.

Emergency room wait times are a key factor. Again, up-to-the-minute data is not always accessible. Calling the hospital directly for current wait times is recommended.

Mountain View Regional Hospital likely provides respiratory therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation services. However, the availability of specialized pulmonology care might be limited compared to larger facilities. Patients should inquire about the availability of pulmonologists, diagnostic testing (like advanced imaging), and the hospital’s approach to COPD management, including access to newer medications and treatment protocols. Telehealth services may be available, and it's important to determine if pulmonary specialists are accessible through this medium.

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

Bristol Regional Medical Center, located in Bristol, Tennessee, is a larger regional hospital that offers a broader range of services. This hospital is part of Ballad Health. Bristol Regional Medical Center has a CMS star rating, which can provide a general overview of its quality of care. The most recent rating should be reviewed on the CMS website.

Emergency room wait times at Bristol Regional Medical Center are likely longer than at the critical access hospitals. Patients should check the hospital's website or call the emergency department for the most current information.

Bristol Regional Medical Center likely has a dedicated pulmonary department with pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and access to advanced diagnostic equipment, such as CT scans and bronchoscopy. They are more likely to offer specialized COPD treatments, including pulmonary rehabilitation programs, access to clinical trials, and advanced therapies. Telehealth services, including pulmonary consultations, are often available at larger hospitals like this.

**Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (Roanoke, VA)**

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, located in Roanoke, Virginia, is a major regional referral center and a flagship hospital within the Carilion Clinic system. This hospital often has a higher CMS star rating, reflecting its commitment to quality and patient safety. The most current rating should be verified on the CMS website.

Emergency room wait times at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital can be significant, given its size and the volume of patients it serves. Patients should check the hospital's website or call the emergency department for the most up-to-date wait times.

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital has a well-established pulmonary department with a team of pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and specialized nurses. They offer comprehensive COPD care, including advanced diagnostic testing, interventional pulmonology procedures, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and access to clinical trials. They are more likely to have specialized centers, such as a dedicated COPD clinic or a center for lung disease. Carilion is a leader in telehealth, and it is likely that pulmonary specialists are accessible through this medium.

**Assessing Specialty Centers and Expertise**

When evaluating hospitals for COPD care, the presence of specialized centers and expertise is crucial. Look for hospitals with dedicated pulmonary departments, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and access to interventional pulmonology procedures. These specialized centers often have multidisciplinary teams, including pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, nurses, and physical therapists, who work together to provide comprehensive care.

The availability of advanced diagnostic testing, such as CT scans, bronchoscopy, and pulmonary function tests, is also essential. These tests help diagnose and monitor COPD, allowing for timely and effective treatment.

**Evaluating Telehealth Offerings**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for chronic conditions like COPD. Telehealth services can provide convenient access to pulmonary specialists, remote monitoring of symptoms, and virtual follow-up appointments. When evaluating hospitals, inquire about their telehealth offerings, including the availability of pulmonary consultations, remote monitoring programs, and educational resources.

**Emergency Room Considerations**

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor for patients with COPD, as they can experience acute exacerbations requiring immediate medical attention. Hospitals with shorter wait times and efficient emergency departments are preferred. Patients should check the hospital's website or call the emergency department for the most up-to-date wait times.

**Patient Reviews and Experiences**

Patient reviews and experiences can provide valuable insights into the quality of care at a particular hospital. Online platforms, such as Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews, can offer patient feedback on various aspects of care, including the quality of doctors, the responsiveness of staff, and the overall patient experience. However, it's important to remember that these reviews are subjective and may not always reflect the full picture.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the best hospital for COPD care near ZIP code 24351 requires careful consideration of several factors, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, telehealth offerings, and patient reviews. While the immediate area offers limited choices, patients should consider the larger regional hospitals in Bristol, Tennessee, and Roanoke, Virginia, for more specialized care. Patients should contact the hospitals directly to inquire about specific services, wait times, and the availability of telehealth options. By gathering this information, patients can make an informed decision and choose the hospital that best meets their individual needs.