33317, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 33317, Fort Lauderdale, Florida is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Asthma Care Near Fort Lauderdale (33317)

Finding the right medical care for asthma can be a life-or-death matter. For residents near Fort Lauderdale's 33317 ZIP code, a comprehensive review of local hospital resources is crucial. This Asthma Score review analyzes key factors – from overall quality and emergency room wait times to specialized asthma centers and telehealth options – to help patients make informed decisions.

**Overall Hospital Quality: The CMS Star Rating**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star rating system provides a valuable, albeit simplified, snapshot of hospital quality. Hospitals are rated on a scale of one to five stars, with five representing the highest quality. While not the sole determinant of care, the CMS rating provides a useful starting point.

**Broward Health Medical Center (303 SE 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312)**, a flagship hospital in the Broward Health system, currently holds a **three-star CMS rating**. This rating reflects a mixed performance across various quality measures, including patient experience, safety of care, and readmission rates. Asthma patients should consider this rating alongside other factors.

**Holy Cross Hospital (4725 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308)**, another major hospital in the area, also holds a **three-star CMS rating**. This hospital is known for its comprehensive services, including cardiology and orthopedics. Asthma patients should evaluate the hospital's specific asthma-related resources and expertise.

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

Asthma exacerbations often necessitate immediate medical attention. Emergency room wait times are a crucial consideration. Unfortunately, publicly available, real-time wait time data can be inconsistent. However, several online resources, such as **Google Maps** and **Healthgrades**, often provide estimated wait times. These should be used cautiously, as they are estimates and can fluctuate dramatically.

**Broward Health Medical Center** typically experiences **moderate ER wait times**, which can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the emergency. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours.

**Holy Cross Hospital** generally reports **comparable ER wait times** to Broward Health Medical Center. Again, patients should check real-time estimates before arriving and be prepared for potential delays.

**Specialty Centers and Asthma-Specific Expertise**

The presence of specialized asthma centers and experienced pulmonologists significantly impacts the quality of care. These centers often offer advanced diagnostic tools, comprehensive treatment plans, and access to clinical trials.

**Broward Health Medical Center** offers a range of respiratory services, including pulmonology and critical care. Patients should inquire about the specific expertise of the pulmonologists and the availability of asthma-specific programs.

**Holy Cross Hospital** also boasts a robust pulmonology department, offering services for various respiratory conditions, including asthma. Patients should research the specific expertise of the physicians and the availability of specialized asthma clinics or programs.

**Telehealth Options: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth is increasingly important for managing chronic conditions like asthma. It offers convenient access to consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring.

**Broward Health** and **Holy Cross Hospital** both offer telehealth services. The availability of telehealth appointments with pulmonologists or respiratory specialists should be confirmed directly with the hospitals. Inquire about the types of telehealth services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring) and the ease of access.

**Pediatric Asthma Care: A Special Consideration**

For families with children, the availability of pediatric pulmonologists and specialized pediatric asthma care is paramount.

**Broward Health Medical Center** offers pediatric services, and patients should inquire about the availability of pediatric pulmonologists and asthma-specific programs for children.

**Holy Cross Hospital** also has pediatric services. Parents should investigate the pediatric pulmonology services and the hospital's experience in treating pediatric asthma cases.

**Medication Availability and Pharmacy Access**

Prompt access to asthma medications is critical during exacerbations. Consider the proximity of pharmacies and the hospital's ability to provide immediate medication refills.

Both **Broward Health Medical Center** and **Holy Cross Hospital** have on-site pharmacies. This can be a significant advantage, particularly during an emergency. Patients should confirm the pharmacy's hours of operation and the availability of their prescribed asthma medications.

**Patient Experience and Reviews**

Patient reviews provide valuable insights into the overall experience of care. Websites like **Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews** offer patient feedback on hospitals and individual physicians.

Review the patient experiences at both **Broward Health Medical Center** and **Holy Cross Hospital**. Pay attention to comments related to asthma care, physician communication, wait times, and overall satisfaction.

**Insurance Coverage and Network Participation**

Ensure that the hospitals and physicians are within your insurance network. Confirm coverage for asthma-related services, including consultations, medications, and diagnostic tests. Contact your insurance provider to verify network participation and coverage details.

**Hospital Accreditation and Certifications**

Accreditation from organizations like the Joint Commission or DNV GL Healthcare can indicate a commitment to quality and patient safety. Research whether **Broward Health Medical Center** and **Holy Cross Hospital** hold any relevant accreditations.

**Beyond the Flagships: Exploring Other Options**

While **Broward Health Medical Center** and **Holy Cross Hospital** are major players, consider other options in the broader Fort Lauderdale area:

* **Memorial Regional Hospital (3501 Johnson St, Hollywood, FL 33021)**: Located a short distance from 33317, Memorial Regional Hospital is a large, multi-campus hospital. It's worth investigating its pulmonology services and ER wait times.
* **Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital (2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd, Weston, FL 33331)**: This hospital, part of the renowned Cleveland Clinic system, is further west but may be an option for some patients. Investigate its asthma-related services and specialist availability.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the right hospital for asthma care requires careful consideration. This Asthma Score review provides a framework for evaluating the available resources near the 33317 ZIP code. Weigh the factors discussed – CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth options, patient reviews, and insurance coverage – to make an informed decision that aligns with your individual needs and preferences. Remember to consult with your primary care physician or pulmonologist for personalized recommendations.