14470, Holley, New York Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 14470, Holley, New York is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Asthma Care Near Canandaigua, NY (ZIP Code 14470)

Navigating asthma care can be complex, requiring access to skilled specialists, efficient emergency services, and comprehensive support. This review analyzes the healthcare landscape near Canandaigua, NY (ZIP Code 14470), providing an "Asthma Score" assessment of local hospitals and healthcare providers based on key factors relevant to asthma management. The goal is to equip patients and their families with the information needed to make informed decisions about their care.

**The Landscape: Proximity and Access**

The primary population center near 14470 is Canandaigua, a city in the Finger Lakes region. Access to specialized medical care is a crucial factor, and the review considers proximity to hospitals, specialists, and ancillary services like pharmacies and respiratory therapists. The availability of public transportation and the ease of driving are also considered, as these factors can impact access to care, especially during an asthma exacerbation.

**Flagship Hospitals: A Deep Dive**

The region's healthcare ecosystem is largely dominated by the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) network. URMC's Strong Memorial Hospital, located in Rochester (approximately 30 miles from Canandaigua), is the flagship institution. Strong Memorial is a major referral center and offers a comprehensive range of services, including specialized asthma care.

* **Strong Memorial Hospital:** Strong Memorial Hospital is a large, tertiary care center. As of the latest available data, Strong Memorial Hospital has a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS star ratings are based on factors like patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While not a perfect measure, a 4-star rating indicates a generally good level of care. The hospital's emergency room is a critical resource for asthma patients experiencing acute attacks. Emergency room wait times are a key metric to consider. Publicly available data indicates that ER wait times at Strong Memorial can fluctuate. Patients should be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours. The hospital’s pediatric emergency department is equipped to handle pediatric asthma cases, a crucial consideration for families. Strong Memorial Hospital has a dedicated pulmonary medicine department, staffed by pulmonologists specializing in asthma management. The hospital also offers respiratory therapy services, crucial for managing asthma exacerbations.

* **Highland Hospital (URMC):** Also part of the URMC network, Highland Hospital is located in Rochester, closer to Canandaigua than Strong Memorial Hospital. Highland Hospital is a community hospital, with a focus on primary care and specialty services. Highland Hospital does not have a CMS star rating. Highland Hospital offers an emergency room, providing a potential alternative for asthma patients. However, the hospital is not as well-equipped as Strong Memorial Hospital for complex asthma cases. Highland Hospital offers pulmonology services.

**Specialty Centers and Asthma-Specific Care**

Beyond general hospital services, specialized asthma care is critical. The availability of pulmonologists, allergists, and respiratory therapists significantly impacts the quality of asthma management.

* **URMC Pulmonary Division:** The URMC Pulmonary Division, located at Strong Memorial Hospital, is a major resource for asthma patients. The division boasts a team of pulmonologists with expertise in diagnosing and treating asthma. They offer comprehensive services, including diagnostic testing, medication management, and patient education. The division also participates in clinical trials, providing access to cutting-edge treatments.

* **Allergy and Immunology Services:** Access to allergists is crucial for identifying and managing asthma triggers. The URMC network has a number of allergists available. These specialists can perform allergy testing, develop personalized treatment plans, and provide guidance on allergen avoidance.

* **Respiratory Therapy:** Respiratory therapists play a vital role in managing asthma exacerbations. They provide breathing treatments, monitor patients' respiratory status, and educate patients on proper inhaler technique. Both Strong Memorial and Highland Hospitals have respiratory therapy departments.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important in asthma management, offering convenient access to care and remote monitoring capabilities.

* **URMC Telehealth:** URMC offers a range of telehealth services, including virtual consultations with pulmonologists and other specialists. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for asthma patients, allowing for remote monitoring of symptoms, medication adjustments, and patient education. The availability of telehealth services can improve access to care, especially for patients living in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The hospital system has been expanding its telehealth capabilities, offering more virtual appointments and remote monitoring programs.

**Emergency Room Considerations**

Emergency room access is paramount during an asthma exacerbation.

* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times are a critical factor in assessing asthma care. Long wait times can be dangerous for patients experiencing breathing difficulties. While specific wait times can fluctuate, it is important to be aware of the potential for delays, especially at larger hospitals like Strong Memorial. Patients should be prepared to communicate their symptoms clearly to triage staff and advocate for prompt treatment.

* **Pediatric Emergency Care:** For children with asthma, access to a pediatric emergency department is essential. Strong Memorial Hospital has a dedicated pediatric emergency department.

**Outpatient Clinics and Primary Care**

The role of primary care physicians (PCPs) and outpatient clinics in asthma management should not be overlooked.

* **Primary Care Physician:** PCPs play a crucial role in the ongoing management of asthma. They can provide routine checkups, prescribe medications, and refer patients to specialists when necessary. Patients should work closely with their PCPs to develop a comprehensive asthma action plan.

* **Outpatient Clinics:** Several outpatient clinics in the Canandaigua area offer asthma care services. These clinics provide convenient access to specialists, diagnostic testing, and patient education.

**Medication Access and Pharmacy Services**

Access to medications is critical for asthma management.

* **Pharmacies:** Numerous pharmacies are located in and around Canandaigua, providing easy access to asthma medications. Patients should ensure they have a reliable pharmacy and understand their insurance coverage for asthma medications.

**Asthma Score Summary and Recommendations**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Asthma Score" for the area around Canandaigua, NY (14470) is generally positive, with some caveats.

* **Strengths:** The proximity to the URMC network, particularly Strong Memorial Hospital, provides access to a comprehensive range of asthma care services, including specialized pulmonology, allergy and immunology, respiratory therapy, and telehealth options. The presence of a pediatric emergency department at Strong Memorial is a significant advantage for families. The availability of numerous pharmacies in the area ensures easy access to medications.

* **Weaknesses:** ER wait times at Strong Memorial Hospital can be a concern. While Highland Hospital offers an alternative, it is not as well-equipped for complex asthma cases. Access to specialists may require travel to Rochester.

* **Recommendations:**

* **Establish a relationship with a pulmonologist or allergist:** For patients with moderate to severe asthma, establishing a relationship with a pulmonologist or allergist within the URMC network is highly recommended.
* **Develop an asthma action plan:** Work with your PCP or specialist to create a detailed asthma action plan that outlines your symptoms, medications, and steps to take during an exacerbation.
* **Familiarize yourself with ER options:** Be aware of the ER wait times at Strong Memorial Hospital and consider Highland Hospital as an alternative.
* **Utilize telehealth services:** Take advantage of the telehealth options offered by URMC to improve access to care and remote monitoring.
* **Ensure medication access:** Have a reliable pharmacy and understand your insurance coverage for asthma medications.
* **Educate yourself:** Stay informed about asthma management and advocate for your own care.

This "Asthma Score" review provides a starting point for evaluating asthma care options near Canandaigua, NY (14470). Patients should consult with their healthcare providers to develop a personalized asthma management plan that meets their individual needs. The healthcare landscape is dynamic, so patients should stay informed about changes in services and resources.