14227, Buffalo, New York Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 14227, Buffalo, New York is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Respiratory Care Near 14227

Finding the right hospital for asthma care is crucial, especially during an acute episode. This review analyzes the landscape of healthcare providers near the 14227 ZIP code, focusing on key metrics relevant to asthma patients. We'll examine hospital quality, emergency room efficiency, specialized services, and the availability of telehealth options, all vital components of a comprehensive asthma care strategy.

**Proximity and Key Players:**

The 14227 ZIP code, encompassing parts of Amherst, New York, benefits from a concentration of healthcare facilities, including several major hospitals. Proximity is a significant factor in emergency situations, so the location of these facilities relative to 14227 residents is a primary consideration.

**Kaleida Health: A Networked Approach**

Kaleida Health operates a network of hospitals in the Buffalo area, including Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. While not directly within the 14227 ZIP code, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital is a key player for residents. It’s important to note that Kaleida Health hospitals, as a system, participate in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star rating program. These ratings, ranging from one to five stars, offer a snapshot of overall hospital quality based on factors like patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. Individual ratings can fluctuate, so checking the most recent CMS data is always advised.

**Emergency Room Efficiency: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room wait times are a critical concern for asthma patients, particularly during a flare-up. Long waits can exacerbate respiratory distress. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, publicly available data from sources like the CMS Hospital Compare website and local health departments can provide insights. These sources often report median wait times, offering a benchmark for comparison. It is crucial to remember that these are averages and individual experiences may vary.

**Specialty Centers and Pulmonary Expertise:**

Beyond general emergency care, specialized pulmonary centers and expertise are vital for long-term asthma management. Hospitals with dedicated pulmonary departments often have pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and specialized equipment for diagnosing and treating asthma and related respiratory conditions. The presence of these resources is a strong indicator of a hospital's commitment to comprehensive asthma care.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telehealth allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, facilitating routine check-ups, medication management, and education. Hospitals that offer telehealth options can provide convenient access to care, potentially reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. The availability of telehealth consultations with pulmonologists or respiratory therapists is particularly valuable for asthma patients.

**Investigating Specific Hospitals:**

**Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital:** As part of the Kaleida Health system, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital offers a range of services relevant to asthma patients. Researching their pulmonary department, availability of respiratory therapists, and telehealth options is recommended. Checking their CMS star rating and ER wait times, as reported on the CMS Hospital Compare website, is also crucial.

**Other Hospitals in the Area:**

Other hospitals in the broader Buffalo area, while not directly within the 14227 ZIP code, may also be viable options. Researching the specific services offered by these hospitals, including their pulmonary departments, telehealth capabilities, and ER wait times, is essential. Comparing these factors across different hospitals allows for a more informed decision.

**Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital:**

* **Proximity:** How close is the hospital to your home or workplace?
* **ER Wait Times:** What are the average ER wait times?
* **Pulmonary Department:** Does the hospital have a dedicated pulmonary department with pulmonologists and respiratory therapists?
* **Specialized Asthma Care:** Does the hospital offer specialized asthma clinics or programs?
* **Telehealth Options:** Does the hospital offer telehealth consultations for asthma management?
* **CMS Star Rating:** What is the hospital's CMS star rating?
* **Patient Reviews:** Read patient reviews and testimonials to get insights into the quality of care.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Does the hospital accept your insurance plan?

**Specific Data Points to Seek Out:**

When researching hospitals, look for specific data points, including:

* **Median ER Wait Times:** Reported on the CMS Hospital Compare website or local health department websites.
* **Number of Pulmonologists:** The size of the pulmonary department.
* **Respiratory Therapist Availability:** The number of respiratory therapists on staff.
* **Telehealth Service Availability:** Does the hospital offer telehealth appointments for asthma management?
* **Asthma-Specific Programs:** Does the hospital have any asthma-specific programs or clinics?
* **Patient Satisfaction Scores:** Reported on the CMS Hospital Compare website.

**Navigating the Healthcare System:**

Choosing the right hospital for asthma care is a personal decision. The information provided in this review is intended to be a starting point for your research. It is essential to gather as much information as possible about the hospitals in your area, considering your individual needs and preferences.

**Conclusion:**

For residents of the 14227 ZIP code, several hospitals offer healthcare services for asthma. The Kaleida Health system, with its network of hospitals, is a significant presence. Evaluating each hospital based on its proximity, ER wait times, pulmonary expertise, telehealth capabilities, and CMS star rating is crucial. Thorough research, including checking the most recent data from CMS and other sources, will empower you to make an informed decision about your asthma care. Remember to consider your individual needs and preferences when selecting a hospital.