33020, Hollywood, Florida Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 33020, Hollywood, Florida is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Asthma Care Near Hollywood, FL (ZIP Code 33020)

Finding the right healthcare for asthma can be a life-or-death matter. This review focuses on hospitals near Hollywood, Florida (ZIP Code 33020), offering a fact-rich assessment to help you navigate your options. We'll delve into key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized asthma centers, and telehealth availability, providing a comprehensive "Asthma Score" snapshot.

**Understanding the Landscape: Proximity and Key Players**

The 33020 ZIP code encompasses a significant portion of Hollywood, Florida. Proximity to major hospitals is a crucial factor in asthma management, particularly during acute exacerbations. Several prominent hospitals serve this area, each with its strengths and weaknesses when it comes to asthma care.

**Memorial Regional Hospital: The Flagship and Its Challenges**

Memorial Regional Hospital, located at 3501 Johnson Street, Hollywood, FL 33021, is a major player in the region. It's a large, Level I trauma center and a flagship facility within the Memorial Healthcare System. As of late 2023, Memorial Regional Hospital holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). While this rating reflects overall hospital performance, it's important to note that CMS ratings don't specifically focus on asthma care.

ER wait times at Memorial Regional can be a concern. According to recent data, the average ER wait time can fluctuate, but it's often above the national average. This is a critical factor for asthma patients, as rapid access to treatment during an attack is paramount. Patients should be prepared for potential delays and consider alternative options if the situation warrants.

Memorial Regional Hospital has a dedicated pediatric emergency department, which is a significant advantage for children with asthma. The hospital also offers specialized respiratory therapy services and access to pulmonologists. However, specific asthma-focused programs and centers may be limited.

**Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital: Pediatric Expertise**

Adjacent to Memorial Regional Hospital is Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, a dedicated pediatric facility. Joe DiMaggio is a strong choice for children with asthma. While it shares the same CMS rating as its parent hospital, its focus on pediatric care provides a specialized environment.

Joe DiMaggio boasts a dedicated pediatric pulmonary department with specialists experienced in managing childhood asthma. They offer comprehensive services, including diagnostic testing, medication management, and asthma education for patients and families. ER wait times at Joe DiMaggio, while still subject to fluctuations, are often shorter than those at the adult ER.

**Other Hospitals to Consider: Assessing the Competition**

Several other hospitals are within a reasonable driving distance of the 33020 ZIP code. These include:

* **Memorial Hospital West (Pembroke Pines):** Located at 703 N Flamingo Rd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028, Memorial Hospital West is another facility within the Memorial Healthcare System. It typically has shorter ER wait times than Memorial Regional. While it does not have a dedicated pediatric ER, it has a dedicated pediatric unit. Its CMS rating is similar to Memorial Regional.
* **Broward Health Medical Center (Fort Lauderdale):** Located at 1600 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, Broward Health Medical Center is a large hospital with a wide range of services. Its CMS rating and ER wait times are similar to Memorial Regional.
* **University Hospital and Medical Center (Tamarac):** Located at 7201 N University Dr, Tamarac, FL 33321, University Hospital and Medical Center is another option, though further from the 33020 ZIP code. It has a dedicated pulmonary department and may be a good option for patients seeking specific specialists.

**Specialty Centers and Asthma-Specific Programs: Digging Deeper**

Beyond general hospital services, the availability of specialized asthma centers and programs is crucial. Unfortunately, specific, dedicated asthma centers are not readily apparent within the immediate vicinity of the 33020 ZIP code. However, the pulmonology departments at Memorial Regional, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, and other hospitals offer specialized care.

Patients should inquire about the availability of:

* **Asthma education programs:** These programs teach patients about their condition, triggers, medication management, and how to handle asthma attacks.
* **Pulmonary function testing:** This helps assess lung function and diagnose asthma.
* **Allergy testing:** Identifying and managing allergies is crucial for asthma control.
* **Access to asthma specialists:** Board-certified pulmonologists with expertise in asthma management are essential.

**Telehealth and Asthma Management: A Growing Trend**

Telehealth is increasingly important in asthma care, offering convenient access to healthcare professionals. The Memorial Healthcare System has expanded its telehealth capabilities in recent years, including virtual visits with specialists.

Patients should inquire about the availability of:

* **Virtual asthma consultations:** These allow patients to discuss their condition with a doctor remotely.
* **Medication refills via telehealth:** This can save time and effort.
* **Remote monitoring devices:** Some hospitals offer devices that track lung function and provide alerts to doctors.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Metric**

ER wait times are a critical factor for asthma patients. Prolonged wait times can lead to worsening symptoms and increased risk of complications. Patients should be aware of typical wait times at each hospital and consider this when choosing where to seek care. Websites like ERwait times.com can provide real-time or near-real-time estimates of ER wait times.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Limited Indicator**

While CMS star ratings provide a general overview of hospital quality, they are not a perfect indicator of asthma care. These ratings focus on overall performance, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. They do not specifically evaluate asthma-related services.

**The "Asthma Score" Summary and Recommendations**

Based on the available information, here's a summary of the "Asthma Score" for hospitals near the 33020 ZIP code:

* **Memorial Regional Hospital:** A large, comprehensive hospital with access to specialists, but with potentially longer ER wait times and a 3-star CMS rating. Good for adults.
* **Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital:** Excellent choice for children with asthma, with a dedicated pediatric pulmonary department and often shorter ER wait times. Same CMS rating as its parent hospital.
* **Memorial Hospital West:** Shorter ER wait times than Memorial Regional, with a similar CMS rating.
* **Broward Health Medical Center:** A large hospital with a range of services, but similar challenges to Memorial Regional.
* **University Hospital and Medical Center:** A further option, with a dedicated pulmonary department.

**Recommendations:**

1. **For children:** Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital is the preferred choice.
2. **For adults:** Memorial Regional Hospital is a solid option, but be prepared for potential ER wait times. Memorial Hospital West may be a good alternative.
3. **Prioritize proximity:** During an asthma attack, proximity to a hospital is crucial.
4. **Inquire about specific programs:** Ask about asthma education, pulmonary function testing, and access to specialists.
5. **Utilize telehealth:** Explore telehealth options for convenient consultations and medication refills.
6. **Monitor ER wait times:** Use online resources to check ER wait times before heading to the hospital.
7. **Consult with your primary care physician:** Discuss your asthma management plan and get recommendations for specialists.

This review provides a starting point for navigating asthma care near Hollywood, FL. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your individual needs. The information provided is subject to change, so always verify details with the hospitals directly.