14513, Newark, New York Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 14513, Newark, New York is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Asthma Care Near Canandaigua, NY (ZIP Code 14513)

Living with asthma requires proactive management and access to quality healthcare. This review delves into the landscape of asthma care options near Canandaigua, NY (ZIP code 14513), focusing on hospital capabilities, specialist availability, and patient experience metrics. We will assess the strengths and weaknesses of regional healthcare providers to help patients and their families make informed decisions.

**Proximity and Primary Options:**

The immediate vicinity of Canandaigua, NY, offers a limited selection of major hospitals. Residents primarily rely on facilities within a reasonable driving distance, often venturing towards Rochester, NY, for specialized care. This necessitates considering travel time and accessibility when evaluating healthcare options.

**UR Medicine Strong Memorial Hospital (Rochester, NY): The Flagship**

UR Medicine Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY, stands out as the primary flagship hospital serving the region. This large, academic medical center offers a comprehensive range of services, including a robust respiratory department. Strong Memorial is a teaching hospital, meaning it houses a wealth of specialists and cutting-edge treatment options, including those for asthma.

**CMS Star Rating:** Strong Memorial Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's overall quality of care, based on factors such as patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While not the highest possible rating, it indicates a generally satisfactory level of care.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:** ED wait times are a crucial consideration for asthma patients, especially during exacerbations. While specific ED wait times fluctuate, Strong Memorial typically experiences wait times that are in line with or slightly above the national average. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, particularly during peak hours. Real-time wait time information is often available on the hospital's website or through online tracking services.

**Specialty Centers and Asthma-Specific Services:** Strong Memorial boasts a dedicated pulmonary and critical care division, providing specialized care for asthma and other respiratory conditions. They offer a range of services, including pulmonary function testing, allergy testing, and asthma education programs. The hospital's affiliation with the University of Rochester Medical Center also provides access to clinical trials and the latest research in asthma management.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** UR Medicine has significantly expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years. This is particularly beneficial for asthma patients, allowing for virtual consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments. Telehealth can reduce the need for in-person visits, improving convenience and accessibility, especially for those living in rural areas. Specific telehealth services for asthma patients should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Other Considerations for Strong Memorial:** As a large hospital, Strong Memorial can be overwhelming. Navigating the complex system and parking can present challenges. Patients should familiarize themselves with the hospital layout and parking options before their visit.

**Other Hospitals in the Region:**

**Thompson Health (Canandaigua, NY): Local Convenience**

Located directly in Canandaigua, Thompson Health offers a more localized healthcare option. While not a major tertiary center like Strong Memorial, Thompson Health provides essential services, including an emergency department and primary care physicians.

**CMS Star Rating:** Thompson Health currently holds a 4-star rating from the CMS. This rating suggests a higher level of overall quality compared to Strong Memorial.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:** Thompson Health's ED typically experiences shorter wait times than Strong Memorial, providing a potentially quicker option for urgent asthma care. However, the ED may not have the same level of specialized resources as a larger hospital.

**Specialty Centers and Asthma-Specific Services:** Thompson Health has a network of primary care physicians who can manage asthma. They may also have access to pulmonologists who provide consultation and specialized care. The availability of specific asthma-related services should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Thompson Health also offers telehealth services, allowing for virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. The specific offerings for asthma patients should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Highland Hospital (Rochester, NY): A Community Focus**

Highland Hospital, also in Rochester, is another option, particularly for those seeking a more community-focused healthcare experience. It is part of the University of Rochester Medical Center system.

**CMS Star Rating:** Highland Hospital holds a 4-star rating from CMS.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:** Highland Hospital's ED wait times are generally comparable to Strong Memorial, but can fluctuate.

**Specialty Centers and Asthma-Specific Services:** Highland Hospital offers a range of services, including a respiratory therapy department. The availability of pulmonologists and specialized asthma care should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Highland Hospital offers telehealth services, allowing for virtual consultations and follow-up appointments.

**Assessing Specialist Availability:**

The availability of pulmonologists and allergists is crucial for effective asthma management. Both Strong Memorial and Thompson Health have networks of specialists. Patients should inquire about the specific qualifications and experience of pulmonologists and allergists, particularly their expertise in treating asthma.

**Finding a Pulmonologist:** Patients should inquire about the pulmonologist's experience in managing severe asthma, the use of advanced therapies, and participation in clinical trials.

**Finding an Allergist:** Patients should inquire about the allergist's experience in allergy testing, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots), and the management of allergic triggers.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient reviews and satisfaction scores provide valuable insights into the overall quality of care. Online platforms such as Healthgrades, Vitals, and the CMS Hospital Compare website offer patient reviews and ratings. These reviews can highlight strengths and weaknesses, such as communication with healthcare providers, wait times, and the overall hospital environment.

**Considerations for Asthma Management:**

* **Medication Access:** Ensure the hospital's pharmacy or nearby pharmacies have access to the necessary asthma medications, including rescue inhalers and controller medications.
* **Asthma Action Plan:** Patients should have a personalized asthma action plan developed in consultation with their healthcare provider. This plan outlines steps to take during asthma exacerbations.
* **Asthma Education:** Look for hospitals that offer asthma education programs to help patients understand their condition and manage their symptoms.
* **Allergy Testing and Immunotherapy:** For patients with allergic asthma, access to allergy testing and immunotherapy (allergy shots) is crucial.

**Conclusion:**

The best choice for asthma care near Canandaigua, NY (ZIP code 14513) depends on individual needs and preferences. UR Medicine Strong Memorial Hospital offers a comprehensive range of services and specialized care, but may involve longer wait times. Thompson Health provides a more local option with potentially shorter wait times. Highland Hospital offers another option within the UR Medicine system. Patients should carefully consider the factors discussed in this review, including hospital ratings, ED wait times, specialist availability, and patient experience, to make informed decisions about their asthma care. Proactive communication with healthcare providers and a well-defined asthma action plan are essential for effective asthma management.