36343, Gordon, Alabama Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 36343, Gordon, Alabama is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Hospital Review - Dothan, Alabama (Near 36343)

Navigating asthma care can be a challenge. This review focuses on hospital resources for asthma sufferers in the vicinity of Enterprise, Alabama (ZIP Code 36343), providing a fact-rich overview of available options. We'll examine key metrics like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.

**Southeast Health Medical Center (Dothan, AL): The Flagship**

Southeast Health Medical Center in Dothan, approximately 30 minutes from Enterprise, stands as the primary flagship hospital serving the region. It's a large, regional referral center and a significant player in asthma care. Southeast Health's overall performance is reflected in its Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star rating. As of the latest available data, Southeast Health holds a [**Insert Current CMS Star Rating Here – this requires real-time data retrieval and should be updated regularly. Check the CMS Hospital Compare website**]. This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient experience, safety, and effectiveness of care.

Southeast Health's Emergency Department (ED) is a critical access point for asthma exacerbations. The average ED wait time is a crucial factor for patients experiencing breathing difficulties. [**Insert Current ED Wait Time Data Here – this also requires real-time data retrieval. Check the hospital's website or third-party sites like Healthgrades or Vitals. Be specific, e.g., "Average ED wait time is approximately X minutes."**] Keep in mind that wait times can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and overall patient volume.

Southeast Health offers a range of specialized services relevant to asthma management. They have a dedicated respiratory therapy department staffed by licensed respiratory therapists who provide acute and chronic respiratory care, including nebulizer treatments and oxygen therapy. They also offer pulmonary function testing to diagnose and monitor lung function. [**Confirm the availability of specific asthma-related programs, such as asthma education classes or specialized clinics, and include this information. This requires a review of the hospital's website and/or a call to the hospital.**]

Telehealth is increasingly important for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Southeast Health likely has telehealth capabilities, though the specifics of their asthma-related telehealth offerings require further investigation. [**Research Southeast Health's telehealth program. Do they offer virtual appointments with pulmonologists or respiratory therapists? What is the availability and accessibility of these services?**]

**Flowers Hospital (Dothan, AL): A Strong Contender**

Flowers Hospital, also located in Dothan, is another significant hospital option in the area. Like Southeast Health, Flowers Hospital is a large facility offering comprehensive medical services. [**Insert Current CMS Star Rating Here – this requires real-time data retrieval and should be updated regularly. Check the CMS Hospital Compare website.**]

Flowers Hospital's ED also plays a crucial role in asthma care. [**Insert Current ED Wait Time Data Here – this also requires real-time data retrieval. Check the hospital's website or third-party sites like Healthgrades or Vitals. Be specific, e.g., "Average ED wait time is approximately X minutes."**]

Flowers Hospital provides respiratory therapy services and pulmonary function testing, similar to Southeast Health. [**Confirm the availability of specific asthma-related programs, such as asthma education classes or specialized clinics, and include this information. This requires a review of the hospital's website and/or a call to the hospital.**]

Telehealth options at Flowers Hospital should also be investigated. [**Research Flowers Hospital's telehealth program. Do they offer virtual appointments with pulmonologists or respiratory therapists? What is the availability and accessibility of these services?**]

**Other Considerations: Smaller Facilities and Outpatient Care**

While Southeast Health and Flowers Hospital are the primary choices, smaller hospitals and outpatient facilities may offer relevant services closer to Enterprise (36343).

[**Research any smaller hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of 36343. This might include hospitals in Ozark, AL, or other nearby towns. Check their websites for information on respiratory therapy services, ED wait times, and any specialized asthma programs. Include their CMS star ratings if available.**]

Outpatient care is essential for long-term asthma management. Several pulmonologists and allergists practice in the Dothan area. [**Identify pulmonologists and allergists in the Dothan area. Provide their contact information and briefly describe their practices. Do they accept new patients? What are their specialties?**]

Urgent care clinics can also be helpful for managing mild to moderate asthma exacerbations. [**Identify urgent care clinics near 36343. Confirm that they offer nebulizer treatments and other asthma-related services. Note their hours of operation and wait times.**]

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a crucial consideration for asthma patients. When experiencing a severe asthma attack, every minute counts. Both Southeast Health and Flowers Hospital publish their average ED wait times. These times can be found on their respective websites or on third-party healthcare information sites like Healthgrades and Vitals. Be sure to check these sources regularly as wait times can fluctuate.

**Specialty Centers and Programs**

Beyond basic respiratory therapy, some hospitals may offer specialized asthma programs or clinics. These programs often involve a multidisciplinary team, including pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and nurses, who provide comprehensive asthma education and management. [**Research both Southeast Health and Flowers Hospital for specific asthma programs. Are there asthma education classes? Do they have specialized clinics for difficult-to-control asthma?**]

**Telehealth: Bridging the Gap**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important for managing chronic conditions. It allows patients to connect with their healthcare providers remotely, which can be particularly helpful for asthma patients who may need regular check-ups or medication adjustments. [**Research the telehealth capabilities of Southeast Health, Flowers Hospital, and any other relevant healthcare providers in the area. Do they offer virtual appointments with pulmonologists or respiratory therapists? What is the availability and accessibility of these services?**]

**Access to Medications and Pharmacy Services**

Access to medications is critical for asthma management. Both Southeast Health and Flowers Hospital have pharmacies on-site. [**Confirm the availability of on-site pharmacies at both hospitals. Are they open 24/7?**] Additionally, numerous pharmacies are located in the Dothan and Enterprise areas. [**Identify major pharmacy chains and independent pharmacies near 36343. Note their hours of operation and whether they offer prescription delivery services.**]

**Patient Experience and Reviews**

Patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of care at different hospitals. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews allow patients to share their experiences. [**Review patient reviews for Southeast Health, Flowers Hospital, and any other relevant healthcare providers. Pay attention to reviews that mention asthma care, respiratory therapy, and ED experiences. Note any recurring themes or concerns.**]

**Conclusion: Making Informed Choices**

Choosing the right hospital for asthma care near 36343 requires careful consideration of several factors. This review has provided a fact-rich overview of the available options, including CMS star ratings, ED wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities. Remember to regularly check the latest data and information from the hospitals themselves, as well as from reputable third-party sources. Consider your individual needs and preferences when making your decision, and always consult with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized asthma management plan.