17740, Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 17740, Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Asthma Care Near Lewisburg, PA (ZIP Code 17740)

Living with asthma requires proactive management and access to quality healthcare. This review analyzes the healthcare landscape near Lewisburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17740), focusing on hospital performance, specialist availability, and accessibility to provide an "Asthma Score" for the area. The goal is to empower patients and families to make informed decisions about their asthma care.

**The Landscape: Hospital Options and Key Players**

The immediate vicinity of Lewisburg offers a limited but crucial set of hospital options. The primary players are Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg itself, and Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a short drive away. These facilities form the backbone of local healthcare, providing emergency services, inpatient care, and outpatient clinics essential for asthma management.

**Evangelical Community Hospital: A Local Anchor**

Evangelical Community Hospital, located directly within Lewisburg, serves as a vital resource for the community. While it doesn't boast the extensive specialty services of a larger academic center, it provides essential emergency care, which is crucial for managing asthma exacerbations. The hospital's Emergency Department (ED) wait times are a critical factor for asthma patients. According to recent data, the average ED wait time at Evangelical is [Insert current average ED wait time if available, otherwise state "information on ED wait times is not publicly available at the time of this review."]. Shorter wait times translate to quicker access to potentially life-saving treatments during an asthma attack.

Evangelical's overall performance is reflected in its CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star rating. [Insert current CMS star rating if available, otherwise state "Evangelical Community Hospital's CMS star rating is not publicly available at the time of this review."]. This rating considers various factors, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. A higher star rating generally indicates better overall quality.

**Geisinger Medical Center: A Regional Powerhouse**

Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a short drive from Lewisburg, represents a significant upgrade in terms of specialized care and resources. As a large, tertiary care center, Geisinger offers a wider array of specialists, including pulmonologists, allergists, and immunologists, all crucial for comprehensive asthma management.

Geisinger's ED wait times are a crucial factor. [Insert current average ED wait time if available, otherwise state "Information on ED wait times is not publicly available at the time of this review."]. While larger hospitals sometimes experience longer wait times, Geisinger's size and resources allow for potentially faster access to specialized care.

Geisinger Medical Center's CMS star rating is a significant indicator of its quality. [Insert current CMS star rating if available, otherwise state "Geisinger Medical Center's CMS star rating is not publicly available at the time of this review."]. A higher rating suggests a commitment to providing high-quality care across a broad range of medical services, including those relevant to asthma.

**Specialty Care: Finding the Right Expertise**

Access to specialists is paramount for effective asthma management. Pulmonologists, who specialize in lung diseases, are essential for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. Allergists and immunologists play a critical role in identifying triggers and managing allergic asthma.

Evangelical Community Hospital likely has pulmonologists on staff or affiliated with the hospital. [If information is available, specify the number of pulmonologists and their subspecialties, otherwise state "Specific information on the number and subspecialties of pulmonologists affiliated with Evangelical Community Hospital is not publicly available."].

Geisinger Medical Center, being a larger facility, offers a more extensive network of specialists. [If information is available, specify the number of pulmonologists and their subspecialties, otherwise state "Geisinger Medical Center has a large pulmonary department with a variety of subspecialties, including... (list subspecialties if available)."]. This broader network increases the likelihood of finding a specialist with specific expertise relevant to an individual's asthma.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has revolutionized healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Both Evangelical and Geisinger likely offer telehealth services, allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely. This can be particularly beneficial for routine follow-up appointments, medication management, and asthma education.

Evangelical Community Hospital's telehealth capabilities include [Insert information on telehealth services offered, such as the availability of virtual appointments with pulmonologists, allergists, or general practitioners. Otherwise, state "Information on Evangelical Community Hospital's specific telehealth offerings is not publicly available."].

Geisinger Medical Center has a well-established telehealth program. [Insert information on Geisinger's telehealth services, including the types of specialists available via telehealth, the platforms used, and any specific programs for asthma management. Otherwise, state "Geisinger Medical Center has a robust telehealth program offering a wide range of services, including... (list telehealth services if available)."].

**Asthma Education and Support**

Effective asthma management requires patient education and support. Hospitals and healthcare providers often offer educational programs, support groups, and resources to help patients understand their condition, manage their medications, and avoid triggers.

Evangelical Community Hospital may offer asthma education programs. [Insert information on any asthma education programs or support groups offered by Evangelical Community Hospital. Otherwise, state "Information on asthma education programs offered by Evangelical Community Hospital is not publicly available."].

Geisinger Medical Center likely provides comprehensive asthma education and support. [Insert information on asthma education programs, support groups, and patient resources offered by Geisinger Medical Center. Otherwise, state "Geisinger Medical Center likely offers a comprehensive asthma education program, including... (list programs if available)."].

**Emergency Preparedness: A Critical Component**

Asthma attacks can be life-threatening, making emergency preparedness crucial. Patients should have a written asthma action plan developed in consultation with their physician. This plan outlines steps to take when symptoms worsen, including when to seek emergency care.

Both Evangelical Community Hospital and Geisinger Medical Center are equipped to handle asthma emergencies. The proximity of these hospitals to Lewisburg ensures that patients can access emergency care quickly.

**Pharmaceutical Access: Filling Prescriptions**

Access to medications is essential for asthma management. The availability of pharmacies in and around Lewisburg is a key consideration. Local pharmacies offer convenient access to prescription medications, while larger chain pharmacies may offer a wider selection and potentially lower prices.

[Insert information on the number and types of pharmacies available in and around Lewisburg, including local pharmacies and chain pharmacies. Mention any 24-hour pharmacies if available. Otherwise, state "Lewisburg and the surrounding area have several pharmacies, including... (list pharmacies if available)."].

**Insurance Coverage and Affordability**

The cost of asthma care can be a significant burden. Understanding insurance coverage and the availability of financial assistance programs is crucial. Patients should verify their insurance coverage for asthma medications, specialist visits, and emergency care.

[Insert information on the acceptance of major insurance plans by Evangelical Community Hospital and Geisinger Medical Center. Mention any financial assistance programs available. Otherwise, state "Both Evangelical Community Hospital and Geisinger Medical Center accept a wide range of insurance plans. Patients should verify their coverage with their insurance provider. Information on financial assistance programs is available... (provide links or contact information if available)."].

**Community Resources: Beyond the Hospitals**

Beyond hospitals, community resources can support asthma management. Local health departments, non-profit organizations, and support groups can provide education, advocacy, and assistance.

[Insert information on any local health departments, non-profit organizations, or support groups that offer asthma-related services in the Lewisburg area. Otherwise, state "The local health department and various community organizations may offer asthma-related resources. Information on these resources is available... (provide links or contact information if available)."].

**The Asthma Score: A Summary Assessment**

Based on the available information, the "Asthma Score" for the area near Lewisburg, PA (ZIP code 17740) is [Provide a summary assessment, considering the factors discussed. This is a subjective assessment based on the available information. For example: "The area offers a reasonable level of care for asthma patients. Evangelical Community Hospital provides essential emergency services, while Geisinger Medical Center offers a more comprehensive range of specialists and resources. The availability of telehealth services and the presence of local pharmacies enhance accessibility. However, the limited availability of specific data, such as ED wait times and CMS star ratings, makes a definitive assessment challenging. Patients should proactively research their insurance coverage, seek referrals to specialists, and develop a comprehensive asthma action plan in consultation with their physician. Further research into specific programs and services offered by both hospitals is recommended."].

**Disclaimer:** This review is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers to determine the best course of treatment for their individual needs. Information on ED wait times, CMS star ratings, and specific program details may change. Always verify information with the healthcare providers directly.