26175, Sistersville, West Virginia COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 26175, Sistersville, West Virginia is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## COPD Score: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 26175

Navigating the complexities of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) requires access to quality healthcare. This review assesses hospitals near ZIP code 26175 (Parkersburg, West Virginia), focusing on factors crucial for COPD patients: pulmonary specialty care, emergency room wait times, telehealth availability, and overall hospital quality, including CMS star ratings. This information is vital for individuals seeking the best possible care in the region.

**The Landscape of Healthcare in Parkersburg**

Parkersburg, West Virginia, is served primarily by two major hospital systems: WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center and Memorial Health System. Both offer a range of services relevant to COPD patients. However, the specific quality of care and resource availability can vary significantly. This review aims to provide a clear picture to aid in informed decision-making.

**WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center**

WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center is a prominent healthcare provider in the region. It's a teaching hospital, which often indicates a commitment to advanced medical practices and research. As of the latest available data, Camden Clark holds a **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. This rating reflects a hospital's overall quality, encompassing factors like patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it is essential to consider specific departmental strengths.

Camden Clark's pulmonary department is a crucial area of focus for COPD patients. The hospital offers a range of diagnostic and treatment services, including pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy, and respiratory therapy. Information regarding the precise number of board-certified pulmonologists is not readily available, but the hospital's website indicates a dedicated team of specialists.

**Emergency Room Performance at Camden Clark**

Emergency room wait times are a significant concern for COPD patients, as exacerbations can require immediate intervention. Camden Clark's ER wait times fluctuate. Publicly available data, such as that provided by the CMS Hospital Compare website, can provide an average wait time, but it's essential to remember that these are averages and individual experiences may vary. Patients should inquire about current wait times upon arrival.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Camden Clark offers telehealth options, allowing patients to connect with physicians remotely for consultations, follow-up appointments, and medication management. The availability of specific telehealth services for COPD patients, such as remote monitoring of vital signs, should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Memorial Health System (Marietta, OH)**

While located across the Ohio River, Memorial Health System in Marietta, Ohio, is a significant healthcare provider within a reasonable distance of Parkersburg. It's worth noting that the system offers another option for COPD patients in the region.

Memorial Health System has a **4-star rating from CMS**, which indicates a higher overall quality compared to Camden Clark. This higher rating may be a factor for some patients.

**Pulmonary Services at Memorial Health System**

Memorial Health System has a dedicated pulmonary department that provides a comprehensive range of services. The hospital offers pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which are crucial for improving lung function and quality of life for COPD patients. The system also offers a sleep disorders center, which can be relevant as sleep apnea often co-exists with COPD. The hospital's website should be consulted for details on the pulmonologists on staff.

**Emergency Room Performance at Memorial Health System**

ER wait times are a critical factor. Publicly available data, such as that provided by the CMS Hospital Compare website, provides average wait times. Patients should inquire about current wait times upon arrival.

**Telehealth at Memorial Health System**

Memorial Health System offers telehealth services. Patients should inquire about specific telehealth options for COPD management, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring.

**Specialty Centers and Programs**

Both Camden Clark and Memorial Health System have specialized programs and centers that can be beneficial for COPD patients. These include pulmonary rehabilitation programs, smoking cessation programs, and respiratory therapy services. Patients should investigate the specific offerings of each hospital to determine which best suits their needs.

**Other Considerations**

Beyond CMS star ratings and wait times, several other factors are crucial when choosing a hospital for COPD care.

* **Physician Expertise:** The experience and expertise of the pulmonologists and respiratory therapists are paramount. Patients should research the credentials and experience of the specialists at each hospital.
* **Hospital Staffing:** Adequate staffing levels, including nurses and respiratory therapists, are essential for providing high-quality care.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction surveys and reviews can provide valuable insights into the overall patient experience at each hospital.
* **Accessibility:** Consider the ease of access to the hospital, including parking and public transportation options.

**Comparing the Options**

Choosing the right hospital for COPD care requires careful consideration of several factors. Memorial Health System's higher CMS star rating may be appealing to some patients. However, Camden Clark's proximity to Parkersburg may be a deciding factor for others. Both hospitals offer pulmonary services and telehealth options, although the specific services and availability should be confirmed.

**Specific Data Points (Where Available)**

This review aims to provide a general overview. Specific data points, such as the exact number of board-certified pulmonologists, the average wait times for specific procedures, and the detailed availability of telehealth services, are not always readily available in public databases. Patients are strongly encouraged to contact each hospital directly to obtain the most up-to-date information.

**Conclusion**

Choosing a hospital for COPD care is a personal decision. Patients near ZIP code 26175 have access to two primary hospital systems: WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center and Memorial Health System. Both offer pulmonary services and telehealth options, but their quality, wait times, and specific program offerings vary. Patients should carefully weigh the factors discussed in this review, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, telehealth availability, and physician expertise, to make an informed decision that best meets their individual needs. Thorough research, including direct communication with each hospital, is crucial for ensuring access to the best possible care for COPD management.