15856, Rockton, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 15856, Rockton, Pennsylvania is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Respiratory Care Near Sykesville, PA (15856)

Finding the right hospital for asthma care requires a nuanced understanding of available resources. This review focuses on hospitals serving the area near Sykesville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15856), evaluating their strengths and weaknesses based on publicly available data and industry standards. We'll examine factors critical to asthma management, including emergency room wait times, specialized respiratory care, telehealth options, and overall hospital quality.

**The Landscape: Proximity and Access**

Sykesville, a small town in Jefferson County, is primarily served by hospitals in the surrounding counties. The availability of specialized asthma care can vary significantly based on location. Residents often rely on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, making access a key consideration. This review will prioritize hospitals accessible within a 60-mile radius, acknowledging that travel time can impact care, especially during an asthma exacerbation.

**Defining the 'Asthma Score' Criteria**

Our "Asthma Score" isn't a formal, standardized metric. Instead, it's a qualitative assessment based on publicly available data and industry benchmarks. Key factors include:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system (1-5 stars) reflecting overall hospital quality. Higher ratings often indicate better patient outcomes and a commitment to quality care.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Fast ER response is crucial during an asthma attack. We'll analyze publicly reported ER wait times (median time from arrival to departure for all patients) as a proxy for responsiveness.
* **Specialty Centers & Respiratory Care:** Hospitals with dedicated respiratory departments, pulmonary specialists, and asthma clinics often provide more comprehensive care.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth offers convenient access to consultations, medication management, and follow-up care, especially beneficial for chronic conditions like asthma.
* **Physician Availability & Expertise:** The number of pulmonologists and allergists on staff, and their board certifications, can indicate a hospital's commitment to respiratory care.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** We'll consider publicly available patient satisfaction scores, such as those from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey, to gauge patient experience.

**Hospital Profiles: A Deep Dive**

**1. Penn Highlands DuBois (DuBois, PA) - Approximately 15 miles from 15856**

Penn Highlands DuBois is a significant regional hospital, serving a wide area. It's a flagship hospital within the Penn Highlands Healthcare system. As of the latest CMS data, Penn Highlands DuBois holds a **3-star rating**. This suggests a generally average level of care compared to other hospitals nationwide.

* **Emergency Room:** Publicly available data indicates average ER wait times, but specific figures fluctuate. Patients should inquire about current wait times upon arrival.
* **Specialty Care:** Penn Highlands DuBois has a pulmonary medicine department. They offer services like pulmonary function testing and respiratory therapy. The availability of a dedicated asthma clinic or specialized asthma care program requires further investigation.
* **Telehealth:** Penn Highlands Healthcare has expanded its telehealth offerings, including virtual visits for various specialties. The availability of telehealth for pulmonology or asthma management should be confirmed directly with the hospital.
* **Physician Availability:** The hospital employs pulmonologists. The number and specific credentials of these specialists can be found on the hospital's website or through physician directories.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** HCAHPS scores for Penn Highlands DuBois can be found on the CMS website. These scores offer insights into patient experiences, including communication with doctors and nurses, and overall hospital environment.

**2. UPMC Altoona (Altoona, PA) - Approximately 75 miles from 15856**

UPMC Altoona is a larger hospital, part of the extensive UPMC system. It's located further away, potentially impacting access for residents near Sykesville. The hospital currently has a **3-star rating** from CMS.

* **Emergency Room:** UPMC Altoona's ER wait times are generally available on the UPMC website and through public reporting. Longer travel times can be a factor in emergency situations.
* **Specialty Care:** UPMC Altoona has a pulmonary and critical care department. The hospital offers a range of respiratory services. Details on specific asthma-focused programs or clinics should be confirmed.
* **Telehealth:** UPMC has a robust telehealth program, UPMC AnywhereCare. This platform offers virtual visits with various specialists. Availability of pulmonology or allergy consultations through telehealth is likely.
* **Physician Availability:** UPMC Altoona employs pulmonologists and allergists. The UPMC website provides detailed physician profiles, including credentials and areas of expertise.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores are available through the CMS website and UPMC's own reporting. These scores offer insights into patient experiences.

**3. Geisinger Medical Center (Danville, PA) - Approximately 120 miles from 15856**

Geisinger Medical Center is a large, well-regarded hospital, known for its integrated healthcare system. However, its distance from Sykesville presents a significant travel challenge. CMS data indicates a **4-star rating**, suggesting higher quality care.

* **Emergency Room:** ER wait times are generally available, but the distance factor is important.
* **Specialty Care:** Geisinger has a comprehensive pulmonary and critical care department. The hospital offers a wide range of respiratory services, including specialized asthma clinics.
* **Telehealth:** Geisinger is a leader in telehealth, with extensive virtual care options. Telehealth consultations for pulmonology and allergy are readily available.
* **Physician Availability:** Geisinger employs a large team of pulmonologists and allergists. Their website provides detailed physician profiles.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Geisinger typically scores well on patient satisfaction surveys.

**4. Clarion Hospital (Clarion, PA) - Approximately 45 miles from 15856**

Clarion Hospital is a smaller community hospital, offering services closer to Sykesville. The CMS star rating is not available, so further investigation is needed.

* **Emergency Room:** ER wait times are available through public reporting.
* **Specialty Care:** Clarion Hospital has a respiratory therapy department. Details on specialized asthma services should be confirmed directly with the hospital.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth offerings should be confirmed.
* **Physician Availability:** The number and expertise of pulmonologists and allergists should be confirmed.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores are available.

**5. Punxsutawney Area Hospital (Punxsutawney, PA) - Approximately 20 miles from 15856**

Punxsutawney Area Hospital is a local hospital. The CMS star rating is not available, so further investigation is needed.

* **Emergency Room:** ER wait times are available through public reporting.
* **Specialty Care:** Respiratory services are available. Details on specialized asthma services should be confirmed directly with the hospital.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth offerings should be confirmed.
* **Physician Availability:** The number and expertise of pulmonologists and allergists should be confirmed.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores are available.

**Beyond the Basics: Considerations for Asthma Patients**

Beyond the hospital's infrastructure, individuals with asthma should consider these factors:

* **Personalized Asthma Action Plan:** Ensure your primary care physician or pulmonologist has developed a detailed asthma action plan. This plan outlines steps to take during worsening symptoms and emergency situations.
* **Allergy Testing & Management:** If allergies trigger asthma, consider allergy testing and treatment options, such as immunotherapy.
* **Medication Access & Adherence:** Ensure you have reliable access to your prescribed medications, including rescue inhalers and controller medications.
* **Patient Education & Support:** Seek out educational resources and support groups to learn more about asthma management and coping strategies.
* **Proximity to Specialists:** The availability of a local allergist or pulmonologist can greatly improve access to specialized care.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Choices**

Choosing the right hospital for asthma care involves a careful assessment of various factors. Penn Highlands DuBois offers a closer option, while UPMC Altoona provides more comprehensive services, though further away. Geisinger Medical Center offers high-quality care but is a considerable distance. Clarion Hospital and Punxsutawney Area Hospital offer local options. Residents of the Sykesville area should weigh the factors discussed in this review, considering their individual needs and circumstances. Contacting the hospitals directly to inquire about specific services and programs is highly recommended. Ultimately, the best hospital is the one that provides the most effective, accessible, and patient-centered care for your individual needs. Remember to consult with your primary care physician or pulmonologist to determine the best course of action for your asthma management.