24938, Frankford, West Virginia COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 24938, Frankford, West Virginia is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## COPD Score: Evaluating Hospitals Near ZIP Code 24938

The diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) necessitates access to high-quality, readily available healthcare. For residents near ZIP code 24938 (primarily encompassing the town of Marlinton, West Virginia, and surrounding areas), the availability of specialized pulmonary care, emergency services, and comprehensive support becomes critical. This review assesses the hospitals closest to this region, focusing on factors crucial for COPD patients, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty center offerings, and telehealth capabilities.

**Regional Overview and Challenges:**

The healthcare landscape in rural West Virginia presents unique challenges. Limited population density often translates to fewer healthcare facilities and specialists. Geographic barriers, such as mountainous terrain, can also impact access to care, especially during emergencies. COPD patients, who frequently require regular monitoring and intervention, are particularly vulnerable in such settings.

**Key Hospitals and Their COPD-Related Services:**

The primary hospitals serving the 24938 ZIP code are located in surrounding counties and offer varying levels of care. It is important to note that direct, real-time data on specific COPD metrics is often unavailable publicly for individual hospitals. This review relies on publicly available information, including CMS data, hospital websites, and other reputable sources.

**1. Pocahontas Memorial Hospital (PMH), Buckeye, WV (Approx. 10 miles from Marlinton):**

Pocahontas Memorial Hospital is the closest hospital to Marlinton, WV. As a critical access hospital, PMH focuses on providing essential services to the local community. While PMH does not have a specific pulmonology department or a designated COPD center, it offers emergency services, including respiratory therapy. PMH’s CMS star rating is not publicly available. ER wait times are generally shorter than larger hospitals, but can fluctuate depending on patient volume and time of day. Telehealth options may be available through partnerships with larger healthcare systems for specialized consultations.

**2. Greenbrier Valley Medical Center (GVMC), Ronceverte, WV (Approx. 50 miles from Marlinton):**

Greenbrier Valley Medical Center is a larger facility located in Ronceverte, WV, offering a more comprehensive range of services. GVMC is part of the Mountain Health Network. GVMC has a 3-star CMS rating. The hospital has a respiratory therapy department and offers pulmonary function testing. GVMC is likely to have more specialized equipment and resources for COPD management than PMH. ER wait times are typically longer than at PMH. Telehealth services may be available for follow-up appointments and specialist consultations, though specific COPD-related telehealth statistics are not publicly available.

**3. Mon Health Medical Center, Morgantown, WV (Approx. 170 miles from Marlinton):**

Mon Health Medical Center is a flagship hospital in Morgantown, WV, and is affiliated with the Mon Health System. It is located at a significant distance from Marlinton. Mon Health Medical Center has a 3-star CMS rating. The hospital has a well-established pulmonology department, including specialized physicians, respiratory therapists, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Mon Health offers comprehensive COPD care, including advanced diagnostic testing, medication management, and education. ER wait times are typically longer than at PMH or GVMC. Mon Health actively utilizes telehealth for various specialties, including pulmonology, offering remote consultations, monitoring, and education.

**4. CAMC General Hospital, Charleston, WV (Approx. 170 miles from Marlinton):**

CAMC General Hospital, part of the Charleston Area Medical Center system, is a large regional referral center located in Charleston, WV. CAMC General Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. CAMC offers a comprehensive pulmonology department, including specialists in COPD management, pulmonary rehabilitation, and advanced respiratory therapies. The hospital has specialized equipment for diagnostic testing and treatment. ER wait times are generally longer than at PMH or GVMC. CAMC has a robust telehealth program, including options for COPD patients to receive remote consultations, medication management, and education.

**5. WVU Medicine, Morgantown, WV (Approx. 170 miles from Marlinton):**

WVU Medicine is a large healthcare system with multiple hospitals and clinics, including the flagship WVU Medicine Ruby Memorial Hospital. This is a major academic medical center. WVU Medicine Ruby Memorial Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. The hospital has a dedicated pulmonology department with specialists in COPD management, research, and advanced therapies. WVU Medicine offers comprehensive COPD care, including pulmonary rehabilitation, advanced diagnostic testing, and access to clinical trials. ER wait times can be significant. WVU Medicine has a robust telehealth program, offering remote consultations, monitoring, and educational resources for COPD patients.

**Evaluating Key Metrics for COPD Patients:**

**CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings provide a general overview of hospital quality, based on various factors including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While these ratings are not specific to COPD care, they offer a valuable indicator of overall hospital performance. Hospitals with higher star ratings generally demonstrate better quality of care.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:** For COPD patients experiencing exacerbations, timely access to emergency care is crucial. Shorter ER wait times can significantly improve patient outcomes. Hospitals closer to Marlinton, such as PMH, may offer quicker access to emergency services. However, the availability of specialized respiratory care might be more limited.

**Specialty Centers and Pulmonary Rehabilitation:** Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are essential for COPD patients, helping them improve lung function, manage symptoms, and enhance their quality of life. Hospitals with dedicated pulmonary rehabilitation centers offer a significant advantage. Larger hospitals, such as GVMC, Mon Health, CAMC, and WVU Medicine, are more likely to have these specialized programs.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth provides remote access to healthcare services, which is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas. Telehealth can facilitate regular follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education, reducing the need for frequent travel to the hospital. Hospitals with established telehealth programs are better equipped to support COPD patients.

**Specific Considerations for COPD Patients:**

Beyond the general metrics, COPD patients should consider the following when choosing a hospital:

* **Pulmonary Specialists:** Access to pulmonologists with expertise in COPD management is critical.
* **Respiratory Therapy:** Availability of skilled respiratory therapists for acute care and pulmonary rehabilitation.
* **Pulmonary Function Testing:** Access to advanced diagnostic testing, such as spirometry and lung volume measurements.
* **Medication Management:** Expertise in prescribing and managing COPD medications, including inhalers and other therapies.
* **Patient Education:** Programs that educate patients about COPD, self-management techniques, and lifestyle modifications.
* **Support Groups:** Access to support groups for COPD patients and their families.

**Recommendations and Conclusion:**

For residents near ZIP code 24938, the choice of hospital depends on the severity of the COPD and the individual patient's needs.

* **For Routine Care and Mild Exacerbations:** Pocahontas Memorial Hospital offers the closest access to emergency services and basic respiratory care.
* **For More Comprehensive Care and Pulmonary Rehabilitation:** Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, Mon Health Medical Center, CAMC General Hospital, and WVU Medicine offer more specialized services, including pulmonary rehabilitation and access to pulmonologists.
* **For Complex Cases and Advanced Therapies:** WVU Medicine and CAMC General Hospital, being larger referral centers, are likely to have the most advanced resources and specialists.

Given the distance and challenges of rural healthcare, telehealth services are particularly important. Patients should inquire about telehealth options for follow-up appointments, medication management, and education. Patients should also discuss their specific needs and preferences with their primary care physician to determine the best hospital for their individual circumstances. It is also crucial to verify the most up-to-date information on ER wait times, specialist availability, and telehealth services directly with each hospital.