13675, Plessis, New York Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 13675, Plessis, New York is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Care in the North Country: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 13675

Navigating asthma care can be complex, and choosing the right hospital is crucial. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 13675 (Massena, NY) and assesses their suitability for asthma patients, considering factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities. While direct comparisons are limited due to the rural nature of the area, this analysis provides a fact-rich overview to aid informed decision-making.

**Key Considerations for Asthma Patients**

Asthma management requires a multi-faceted approach. Access to prompt emergency care during exacerbations is paramount. Regular follow-up with pulmonologists and allergists is essential for long-term control. Availability of specialized respiratory therapies, such as pulmonary rehabilitation, can significantly improve quality of life. Telehealth options offer convenient access to care, especially for those in remote areas.

**The Landscape of Healthcare in Massena and Surrounding Areas**

The primary healthcare provider serving Massena and the surrounding areas is St. Joseph’s Hospital. While larger, more specialized facilities exist further afield, understanding the capabilities of St. Joseph’s is crucial for residents of the 13675 ZIP code.

**St. Joseph’s Hospital (Massena, NY)**

St. Joseph’s Hospital is a critical access hospital, meaning it receives specific funding to support rural healthcare needs. It is part of the Canton-Potsdam Hospital system, which is part of the larger St. Lawrence Health System. As a critical access hospital, St. Joseph’s does not receive a CMS star rating. CMS star ratings are designed for larger hospitals with more complex patient populations. However, St. Joseph’s is subject to rigorous quality standards and accreditation processes.

St. Joseph’s offers an emergency department (ED) that is vital for asthma patients experiencing acute respiratory distress. While specific ED wait times are not publicly available on a real-time basis, it is important to note that wait times in rural hospitals can fluctuate significantly depending on the volume of patients and the availability of staff. Patients should be prepared for potential delays and communicate their condition clearly to triage staff.

St. Joseph's Hospital offers a range of services relevant to asthma care. They have a respiratory therapy department that provides treatments like nebulizer treatments and oxygen therapy. While the hospital may not have a dedicated pulmonology clinic on-site, patients can be referred to specialists within the St. Lawrence Health System. This is a crucial aspect of ongoing asthma management, as it ensures access to expert consultations and personalized treatment plans.

Telehealth is increasingly important in rural healthcare. While specific telehealth statistics for St. Joseph's Hospital are not readily available, the St. Lawrence Health System, of which St. Joseph's is a part, has been actively expanding its telehealth capabilities. This can provide access to specialists, remote monitoring, and virtual consultations, which can be particularly beneficial for asthma patients. Patients should inquire about telehealth options with their primary care physicians or specialists.

**Other Hospitals within Reasonable Driving Distance**

While St. Joseph’s is the closest hospital, residents of the 13675 ZIP code may consider hospitals further afield for specialized care or in the event of a severe asthma attack.

**Canton-Potsdam Hospital (Potsdam, NY)**

As part of the same health system as St. Joseph’s, Canton-Potsdam Hospital (CPH) offers a more comprehensive range of services. CPH is a larger hospital with a more extensive network of specialists. It does not have a CMS star rating.

CPH has a more robust emergency department and likely has a more stable staffing model than St. Joseph's. While real-time wait times are not consistently available, patients should inquire about current wait times upon arrival. CPH's respiratory therapy department is also likely to be more extensive than that of St. Joseph's.

Patients with complex asthma cases may find more specialized expertise at CPH. The hospital may have a pulmonology clinic with board-certified pulmonologists who can provide advanced diagnostics and treatment options.

CPH is also actively expanding its telehealth offerings, which can be beneficial for asthma patients. They may offer virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of vital signs, and educational resources.

**Alice Hyde Medical Center (Malone, NY)**

Located approximately 50 miles from Massena, Alice Hyde Medical Center is another option for residents in the 13675 ZIP code. Alice Hyde is a smaller hospital with a more limited range of services than CPH. It does not have a CMS star rating.

Alice Hyde Medical Center has an emergency department that is available for asthma patients. ED wait times are not readily available in real time, but patients should be prepared for potential delays.

Alice Hyde offers respiratory therapy services, including nebulizer treatments and oxygen therapy. However, the availability of specialized pulmonology services may be more limited than at CPH. Patients may need to be referred to specialists in larger cities for advanced care.

Telehealth services are available at Alice Hyde Medical Center. Patients should inquire about the availability of virtual consultations with specialists and other telehealth options.

**Flagship Hospitals Further Afield (Considerations for Severe Cases)**

For severe asthma exacerbations or complex cases requiring specialized care, patients may need to travel to larger hospitals located further away. These hospitals often have more comprehensive resources and specialized expertise. However, travel time can be a significant factor in emergency situations.

**University Hospital (Syracuse, NY)**

Located approximately 120 miles from Massena, University Hospital in Syracuse, NY, is a Level 1 trauma center and a major referral center for the region. University Hospital has a CMS star rating, which can be a useful indicator of overall quality.

University Hospital has a large and well-equipped emergency department. Real-time wait times are often available online. They offer specialized pulmonary services, including a dedicated pulmonology clinic with board-certified specialists.

University Hospital is equipped to handle complex asthma cases and offers advanced diagnostic and treatment options. They also have a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

University Hospital has extensive telehealth capabilities, including virtual consultations with specialists and remote monitoring programs.

**Albany Medical Center (Albany, NY)**

Albany Medical Center is another major hospital located approximately 200 miles from Massena. Albany Medical Center has a CMS star rating.

Albany Medical Center has a large emergency department with specialized services. They have a comprehensive pulmonary department with board-certified pulmonologists.

Albany Medical Center offers a wide range of specialized services for asthma patients, including advanced diagnostic testing, treatment options, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Albany Medical Center has extensive telehealth capabilities, including virtual consultations with specialists and remote monitoring programs.

**Key Takeaways and Recommendations**

For residents of the 13675 ZIP code, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Massena is the closest and most accessible hospital for emergency care. However, patients should be aware of potential wait times and be prepared to advocate for their needs.

For more complex asthma cases or the need for specialized pulmonology care, Canton-Potsdam Hospital within the same health system may be a better option.

For patients requiring advanced care or experiencing severe asthma exacerbations, the University Hospital in Syracuse or Albany Medical Center may be necessary. However, travel time should be carefully considered in emergency situations.

Telehealth is an increasingly important resource for asthma management. Patients should inquire about telehealth options with their primary care physicians and specialists.

Ultimately, the best hospital for an asthma patient depends on the severity of their condition, their individual needs, and their access to transportation. Proactive communication with healthcare providers, understanding of available resources, and preparedness for potential emergencies are crucial for effective asthma management in the North Country. It is recommended that patients in the 13675 ZIP code consult with their primary care physicians to create a personalized asthma action plan and identify the most appropriate healthcare facilities for their specific needs.