21658, Queenstown, Maryland Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 21658, Queenstown, Maryland is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Asthma Care Near ZIP Code 21658

Living with asthma demands consistent, informed care. Finding the right hospital, one equipped to handle exacerbations and provide long-term management, is crucial. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 21658 (Easton, Maryland), evaluating their capabilities in asthma treatment, from emergency room access to specialized pulmonary services. We'll examine key metrics, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and telehealth offerings, providing a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment.

**Proximity and Primary Options**

Easton, Maryland, is a relatively rural area, so the immediate hospital options are limited. The primary facility serving the region is **University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton (UM Shore Medical Center at Easton)**, located directly within the ZIP code. Other options require travel, with the closest major medical centers being in Annapolis and Baltimore.

**UM Shore Medical Center at Easton: A Deep Dive**

UM Shore Medical Center at Easton, a part of the University of Maryland Medical System, is the most readily accessible option. Its CMS star rating is a critical indicator of overall quality. As of the most recent data, it holds a [**Insert Current CMS Star Rating Here - This requires real-time data retrieval**]. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. A higher star rating generally indicates better overall quality of care.

Regarding emergency care, the ER wait times are a critical factor for asthma patients. [**Insert Recent Average ER Wait Time for UM Shore Medical Center at Easton - This requires real-time data retrieval. Specify if this is the "door-to-doctor" or "door-to-discharge" time, and the source of the data (e.g., CMS, hospital website, etc.)**]. Prompt treatment in an asthma emergency can be life-saving. Shorter wait times are highly desirable.

UM Shore Medical Center at Easton has a dedicated pulmonary department. [**Describe the specific services offered by the pulmonary department at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton. Examples: Do they have a dedicated asthma clinic? Do they offer pulmonary function testing (PFTs)? Do they have access to specialized treatments like biologics for severe asthma? Do they have a respiratory therapy department? This information requires real-time research of the hospital's website or a direct call.**]. The availability of specialized services is essential for managing complex asthma cases.

Telehealth is increasingly important for managing chronic conditions. [**Detail the telehealth capabilities of UM Shore Medical Center at Easton. Do they offer virtual appointments with pulmonologists or respiratory therapists? Do they provide remote monitoring of asthma symptoms? Do they have a patient portal with educational resources? This information requires real-time research of the hospital's website or a direct call.**]. Telehealth can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas.

**Considering Regional Options: Annapolis and Baltimore**

While UM Shore Medical Center at Easton is the local hub, patients may need to consider hospitals further afield for more specialized care or if specific needs are not met locally.

**Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) in Annapolis:**

Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC), now part of Luminis Health, is approximately a 45-minute drive from Easton. AAMC's CMS star rating is [**Insert Current CMS Star Rating for AAMC - This requires real-time data retrieval**]. AAMC often has a more extensive range of specialty services than smaller community hospitals.

[**Describe the pulmonary services offered at AAMC. Do they have a dedicated asthma center? Do they participate in clinical trials? Do they have a multidisciplinary team, including allergists and immunologists? This information requires real-time research of the hospital's website or a direct call.**]. A multidisciplinary approach can be beneficial for complex asthma cases.

ER wait times at AAMC are a critical consideration. [**Insert Recent Average ER Wait Time for AAMC - This requires real-time data retrieval. Specify if this is the "door-to-doctor" or "door-to-discharge" time, and the source of the data (e.g., CMS, hospital website, etc.)**].

**Flagship Hospitals in Baltimore: Accessing Advanced Care**

For highly specialized care, Baltimore offers several flagship hospitals, though they are a significant drive from Easton (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours). These hospitals often have cutting-edge treatments and research programs.

**Johns Hopkins Hospital:**

Johns Hopkins Hospital, consistently ranked among the nation's best, is a premier option. Its CMS star rating is [**Insert Current CMS Star Rating for Johns Hopkins Hospital - This requires real-time data retrieval**].

Johns Hopkins has a renowned pulmonary department. [**Describe the pulmonary services offered at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Do they have a dedicated asthma clinic? Do they offer access to clinical trials for novel asthma therapies? Do they have specialists in severe asthma and related conditions? This information requires real-time research of the hospital's website or a direct call.**]. Their expertise in complex cases is a major draw.

ER wait times at Johns Hopkins can be variable, given the hospital's high volume. [**Insert Recent Average ER Wait Time for Johns Hopkins Hospital - This requires real-time data retrieval. Specify if this is the "door-to-doctor" or "door-to-discharge" time, and the source of the data (e.g., CMS, hospital website, etc.)**].

**University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) in Baltimore:**

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) is another major Baltimore hospital. Its CMS star rating is [**Insert Current CMS Star Rating for UMMC - This requires real-time data retrieval**].

UMMC's pulmonary department offers a wide range of services. [**Describe the pulmonary services offered at UMMC. Do they have specialized programs for asthma management? Do they collaborate with other departments, such as allergy and immunology? This information requires real-time research of the hospital's website or a direct call.**].

ER wait times at UMMC are also a factor. [**Insert Recent Average ER Wait Time for UMMC - This requires real-time data retrieval. Specify if this is the "door-to-doctor" or "door-to-discharge" time, and the source of the data (e.g., CMS, hospital website, etc.)**].

**Telehealth Considerations for Baltimore Hospitals:**

Even if a patient receives care at a Baltimore hospital, telehealth can play a crucial role in follow-up appointments and symptom management. [**Detail the telehealth capabilities of Johns Hopkins Hospital and UMMC. Do they offer virtual follow-up appointments? Do they have patient portals for communication and education? This information requires real-time research of the hospital's website or a direct call.**].

**Asthma Score Summary and Recommendations**

Creating a definitive "Asthma Score" requires real-time data, including the most current CMS star ratings and ER wait times. However, based on the general framework, here's a preliminary assessment:

* **UM Shore Medical Center at Easton:** Serves as the primary point of care, offering local access. [**Based on the research, provide a brief summary of the hospital's strengths and weaknesses. For example: "Strengths: Convenient location, access to basic pulmonary services. Weaknesses: Potentially limited access to specialized treatments or clinical trials."**]
* **Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC):** A good option for those willing to travel for potentially more specialized care. [**Based on the research, provide a brief summary of the hospital's strengths and weaknesses. For example: "Strengths: May offer a broader range of services than UM Shore Medical Center at Easton. Weaknesses: Longer travel time."**]
* **Johns Hopkins Hospital and UMMC:** Offer the most advanced care but require significant travel. [**Based on the research, provide a brief summary of the hospital's strengths and weaknesses. For example: "Strengths: Access to cutting-edge treatments and specialists. Weaknesses: Longest travel times, potentially longer ER wait times."**]

**Recommendations:**

* **For routine asthma management:** Patients should start with UM Shore Medical Center at Easton.
* **For complex or severe asthma:** Consider referral to AAMC or a Baltimore hospital.
* **Always check ER wait times:** Before heading to the ER, especially during peak hours.
* **Explore telehealth options:** To improve access to care and follow-up appointments.
* **Consult with your primary care physician:** To determine the best course of action and specialist referrals.

This review provides a framework for understanding the asthma care landscape near ZIP code 21658. Patients should always conduct their own research, consult with their healthcare providers, and make informed decisions based on their individual needs and circumstances. This is a living document; the information provided is only as accurate as the data available at the time of research and is subject to change.