36313, Bellwood, Alabama Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 36313, Bellwood, Alabama is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Asthma Score Review: Best Hospitals Near ZIP Code 36313**

Navigating asthma care can be daunting. This review provides a fact-based assessment of hospitals near Enterprise, Alabama (ZIP code 36313), focusing on factors crucial for asthma patients: quality of care, accessibility, and specialized services. We'll examine CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, and telehealth options to help you make informed decisions.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The closest major medical centers to Enterprise are in Dothan, Alabama, approximately 30 miles away. These facilities serve as regional hubs and often offer a broader range of specialized services.

**Southeast Health Medical Center (Dothan, AL):** Southeast Health is a prominent healthcare provider in the area. While CMS star ratings are dynamic and subject to change, it's crucial to check the latest information on the CMS website (Medicare.gov) for the most up-to-date assessment. These ratings reflect a hospital's overall performance, considering factors like patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. Southeast Health typically provides a comprehensive range of services, including pulmonary care, which is critical for asthma management.

**Flowers Hospital (Dothan, AL):** Flowers Hospital is another major hospital in Dothan. Similar to Southeast Health, its CMS star rating should be verified on Medicare.gov. Flowers Hospital's respiratory care department is a key area to investigate for asthma patients. They may offer specialized asthma clinics, pulmonary function testing, and respiratory therapy services.

**Emergency Room Wait Times and Accessibility**

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor for asthma patients, especially during acute exacerbations. Shorter wait times can significantly impact patient outcomes.

**Southeast Health ER:** Tracking ER wait times is essential. Information can be found on the hospital's website or through resources like Google. Shorter wait times for respiratory distress are a positive indicator. Patients should always call 911 or go to the nearest ER if they are experiencing a severe asthma attack.

**Flowers Hospital ER:** Similar to Southeast Health, check Flowers Hospital's website or online resources for ER wait time information. Consider the potential for longer wait times during peak hours or periods of high patient volume.

**Specialty Centers and Pulmonary Care**

Specialized pulmonary care is paramount for effective asthma management. Look for hospitals with dedicated respiratory departments and pulmonologists.

**Southeast Health Pulmonary Services:** Investigate Southeast Health's pulmonary services. Do they have a dedicated asthma clinic? Are there pulmonologists specializing in asthma care? What is the availability of pulmonary function testing (PFT)? PFTs are essential for diagnosing and monitoring asthma.

**Flowers Hospital Pulmonary Services:** Research Flowers Hospital's pulmonary offerings. Do they have a pulmonary rehabilitation program, which can be beneficial for patients with chronic respiratory conditions? Are there resources for asthma education and self-management?

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth is increasingly important for asthma management, providing convenient access to care and remote monitoring capabilities.

**Southeast Health Telehealth:** Does Southeast Health offer telehealth consultations with pulmonologists or respiratory therapists? Telehealth can be particularly useful for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and asthma education. Inquire about remote monitoring programs, such as devices that track peak flow or symptoms.

**Flowers Hospital Telehealth:** Explore Flowers Hospital's telehealth options. Do they provide virtual asthma education classes or remote monitoring programs? Telehealth can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas.

**Additional Considerations**

Beyond the core metrics, consider these factors:

* **Asthma Education:** Does the hospital provide asthma education classes for patients and their families? Proper education is crucial for self-management and preventing exacerbations.
* **Respiratory Therapists:** The availability of skilled respiratory therapists is essential for providing acute care and ongoing support.
* **Pediatric Asthma Care:** If you have a child with asthma, assess the hospital's pediatric asthma services, including pediatric pulmonologists and specialized respiratory care for children.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital accepts your insurance plan.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read patient reviews online to get insights into the hospital's reputation and patient experience.

**Specific Details to Seek Out**

When researching each hospital, look for these specific details:

* **Number of pulmonologists on staff:** This indicates the depth of expertise available.
* **Availability of pulmonary function testing (PFT) equipment:** Essential for diagnosis and monitoring.
* **Asthma clinic hours and availability:** Consider the convenience of scheduling appointments.
* **Telehealth consultation options:** Are virtual appointments readily available?
* **Remote monitoring program details:** What devices or systems are used?
* **Asthma education program content and frequency:** Is it comprehensive and accessible?
* **Emergency room capacity and staffing:** This impacts wait times.
* **Collaboration with primary care physicians:** How does the hospital coordinate care?

**Making Your Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for asthma care involves careful consideration of all the factors discussed. Prioritize hospitals with high CMS star ratings, shorter ER wait times, specialized pulmonary services, and robust telehealth options.

**Important Note:** This review is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your physician or healthcare provider for personalized recommendations and treatment plans. Verify all information, especially CMS star ratings and ER wait times, directly with the hospitals or on the Medicare.gov website. Healthcare information changes rapidly, so it's essential to have the latest data.