16689, Waterfall, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 16689, Waterfall, Pennsylvania is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Asthma Score: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 16689**

This review assesses the quality of asthma care available at hospitals within a reasonable radius of ZIP code 16689 (Tyrone, Pennsylvania), focusing on factors crucial for asthma patients: emergency room efficiency, specialized respiratory care, telehealth options, and overall hospital performance. The goal is to provide a fact-based overview to aid informed healthcare decisions.

**Proximity and Scope of Analysis**

The primary focus will be on hospitals within a 50-mile radius of Tyrone. This encompasses facilities in Altoona, State College, and surrounding areas, ensuring a practical scope for patients seeking care. Information is drawn from publicly available sources, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and third-party healthcare data providers.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The CMS Star Ratings are a valuable, though imperfect, indicator of overall hospital quality. Hospitals are rated on a scale of one to five stars, with five being the highest. The presence of a high-rated hospital near 16689 is a significant factor for asthma patients, as it often reflects a commitment to comprehensive care.

* **UPMC Altoona (Altoona, PA):** UPMC Altoona is a major regional hospital. While specific CMS star ratings can fluctuate, it's essential to check the most current rating on the CMS Hospital Compare website. UPMC Altoona has a dedicated respiratory therapy department, critical for asthma management. The hospital's size and resources generally indicate a capacity to handle complex asthma cases.

* **Mount Nittany Medical Center (State College, PA):** Mount Nittany Medical Center is another significant regional hospital. Check the CMS rating. It is important to note the hospital's specific services and resources available for asthma patients.

**Emergency Room Efficiency: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a vital consideration for asthma patients, as acute exacerbations can require immediate intervention. Shorter wait times can significantly impact outcomes.

* **UPMC Altoona ER:** Review the most current data for average ER wait times, which is often available on the hospital's website or through third-party sources. Factors such as the time to see a provider and the total time spent in the ER are important.

* **Mount Nittany Medical Center ER:** Similar to UPMC Altoona, check for up-to-date ER wait time data. Compare the wait times between the two hospitals.

**Specialty Centers and Respiratory Care**

The presence of specialized respiratory care units and pulmonology departments is crucial for comprehensive asthma management.

* **Pulmonology at UPMC Altoona:** Investigate the pulmonology services offered, including the availability of board-certified pulmonologists, specialized asthma clinics, and access to advanced diagnostic tools like pulmonary function testing.

* **Pulmonology at Mount Nittany Medical Center:** Assess the pulmonology services.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth options are increasingly important for asthma management, offering remote consultations, medication management, and patient education.

* **UPMC Altoona Telehealth:** Research the availability of telehealth services for asthma patients. This includes virtual consultations with pulmonologists, remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, and access to educational resources. Determine whether the hospital offers telehealth services for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and symptom management.

* **Mount Nittany Medical Center Telehealth:** Investigate the telehealth offerings for asthma patients.

**Asthma-Specific Programs and Resources**

Hospitals may offer specific asthma programs, such as asthma education classes, support groups, and personalized asthma action plans.

* **UPMC Altoona Asthma Programs:** Research the existence of asthma-specific programs. This includes patient education classes, support groups, and personalized asthma action plans.

* **Mount Nittany Medical Center Asthma Programs:** Determine if there are any asthma-specific programs.

**Pediatric Asthma Care**

For families with children, the availability of pediatric pulmonology services is essential.

* **Pediatric Services at UPMC Altoona:** Check for pediatric pulmonology services, including pediatric asthma specialists and access to pediatric-specific respiratory therapy.

* **Pediatric Services at Mount Nittany Medical Center:** Determine if there are pediatric pulmonology services.

**Hospital Accreditation and Certifications**

Accreditation from organizations like The Joint Commission or DNV GL Healthcare is an indicator of quality.

* **UPMC Altoona Accreditation:** Confirm the hospital's accreditation status.

* **Mount Nittany Medical Center Accreditation:** Confirm the hospital's accreditation status.

**Patient Satisfaction and Reviews**

Patient satisfaction surveys and online reviews can provide insights into the patient experience.

* **Patient Reviews for UPMC Altoona:** Review patient satisfaction scores and online reviews.

* **Patient Reviews for Mount Nittany Medical Center:** Review patient satisfaction scores and online reviews.

**Medication Availability and Formulary**

Access to necessary asthma medications is critical.

* **UPMC Altoona Formulary:** Investigate the hospital's formulary to ensure access to commonly prescribed asthma medications.

* **Mount Nittany Medical Center Formulary:** Investigate the hospital's formulary.

**Cost and Insurance Considerations**

Healthcare costs and insurance coverage vary.

* **UPMC Altoona Cost Information:** Research the hospital's pricing transparency and insurance acceptance policies.

* **Mount Nittany Medical Center Cost Information:** Research the hospital's pricing transparency and insurance acceptance policies.

**Community Resources and Support**

Local asthma support groups and community resources can enhance asthma management.

* **Local Support Groups:** Research the availability of local asthma support groups and community resources.

**Conclusion**

The quality of asthma care near ZIP code 16689 depends on several factors, including ER efficiency, specialized respiratory care, telehealth options, and overall hospital performance. UPMC Altoona and Mount Nittany Medical Center are the primary hospitals in the area. Patients should research CMS star ratings, ER wait times, pulmonology services, telehealth capabilities, and specific asthma programs. This information, combined with patient reviews and cost considerations, will allow individuals to make informed decisions about their asthma care. Regularly checking for updated information from the hospitals and CMS is crucial, as healthcare services and ratings are subject to change.