17847, Milton, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 17847, Milton, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Asthma Score: Navigating Respiratory Care Near Lewisburg, PA (ZIP Code 17847)**

Finding the right healthcare for asthma can be a complex undertaking. This review analyzes hospitals near Lewisburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17847), focusing on factors crucial for asthma sufferers: quality of care, emergency services, specialized resources, and accessibility. The goal is to provide a clear, fact-based assessment to help patients make informed decisions.

**Understanding the Asthma Score Framework**

This review employs an "Asthma Score" framework, considering several key metrics. These include: CMS Star Ratings (a general indicator of hospital quality), Emergency Room (ER) wait times (critical for acute asthma exacerbations), the presence of specialized pulmonary centers, telehealth capabilities (for remote monitoring and follow-up), and patient reviews related to asthma care. Data sources include the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and publicly available databases.

**Geographic Overview: Hospitals in the Vicinity**

The immediate vicinity of Lewisburg, PA, offers a concentrated selection of healthcare providers. The primary focus will be on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, offering a comprehensive range of services. These include larger, regional hospitals, and smaller community facilities.

**The Flagship: Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg**

Evangelical Community Hospital, located directly in Lewisburg, is a primary contender for local asthma care. As a community hospital, it serves as a central point of contact for immediate medical needs. Evangelical Community Hospital is a 4-star rated hospital by CMS. This rating reflects overall quality, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While CMS star ratings are a general indicator, they provide a baseline assessment.

**ER Performance at Evangelical**

ER wait times are a critical factor for asthma patients. Evangelical Community Hospital's ER wait times should be readily accessible on their website or through public databases like ProPublica's Hospital Compare tool. Shorter wait times are preferable, especially during an asthma attack. The hospital's ability to rapidly triage and treat respiratory distress is a key consideration.

**Specialized Pulmonary Services at Evangelical**

Evangelical Community Hospital's website should be reviewed for information on specialized pulmonary services. Does the hospital have a dedicated pulmonary department or a respiratory therapy unit? Are there pulmonologists on staff? The availability of these resources is a strong indicator of the hospital's capacity to manage chronic respiratory conditions like asthma.

**Telehealth and Asthma Management at Evangelical**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important for asthma management. Does Evangelical Community Hospital offer telehealth consultations for asthma patients? Telehealth can facilitate remote monitoring, medication adjustments, and patient education. Information on telehealth services should be available on the hospital's website.

**Other Nearby Hospitals: Geisinger Medical Center, Danville**

Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, is another significant regional healthcare provider, located within a reasonable driving distance of Lewisburg. Geisinger is a large, integrated health system, often offering a broader range of specialized services. Geisinger Medical Center is a 4-star rated hospital by CMS.

**ER Performance at Geisinger**

Geisinger Medical Center's ER wait times are a key consideration. As a larger facility, it may experience higher patient volumes, potentially impacting wait times. Publicly available data should be consulted to assess ER performance.

**Specialized Pulmonary Services at Geisinger**

Geisinger Medical Center is expected to have a dedicated pulmonary department. Their website should be reviewed for information on the range of services offered, including specialized asthma clinics, pulmonary function testing, and access to pulmonologists.

**Telehealth and Asthma Management at Geisinger**

Geisinger is known for its innovative approach to healthcare. Their telehealth offerings should be thoroughly investigated. They may offer remote asthma monitoring programs, virtual consultations, and educational resources.

**UPMC Susquehanna, Williamsport: Another Option**

UPMC Susquehanna, located in Williamsport, is a hospital system that may be an option for residents of the Lewisburg area. The driving distance should be considered.

**ER Performance at UPMC Susquehanna**

ER wait times are a key consideration. Publicly available data should be consulted to assess ER performance.

**Specialized Pulmonary Services at UPMC Susquehanna**

UPMC Susquehanna's website should be reviewed for information on the range of services offered, including specialized asthma clinics, pulmonary function testing, and access to pulmonologists.

**Telehealth and Asthma Management at UPMC Susquehanna**

UPMC Susquehanna's telehealth offerings should be thoroughly investigated. They may offer remote asthma monitoring programs, virtual consultations, and educational resources.

**Comparing the Hospitals: A Snapshot**

A comparative analysis of the hospitals is essential. This includes a side-by-side comparison of CMS star ratings, ER wait times (when available), and the presence of specialized pulmonary services. The availability of telehealth options should also be compared.

**Patient Reviews and Satisfaction**

Patient reviews offer valuable insights into the quality of care. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews can provide information on patient experiences with asthma care at each hospital. Look for comments related to the responsiveness of medical staff, the effectiveness of treatment, and the overall patient experience.

**Accessibility and Convenience**

Accessibility is a key consideration. Driving distance, parking availability, and public transportation options should be evaluated. Consider the ease of access to each hospital, especially in an emergency.

**Specialty Centers and Resources**

Beyond general pulmonary services, investigate the availability of specialized centers. Are there allergy clinics that can help identify and manage asthma triggers? Are there respiratory therapy programs? The presence of these resources can enhance the comprehensive care offered.

**Pediatric Asthma Considerations**

For families with children, the availability of pediatric pulmonologists and pediatric emergency services is crucial. Assess each hospital's capacity to care for children with asthma.

**Cost and Insurance Coverage**

Insurance coverage and the associated costs are important factors. Contact each hospital's billing department to inquire about accepted insurance plans and potential out-of-pocket expenses.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing the right hospital for asthma care requires careful consideration of several factors. This review provides a framework for evaluating hospitals near Lewisburg, PA (ZIP code 17847). Patients should consult hospital websites, review publicly available data, and consider their individual needs and preferences. The information presented here should be used in conjunction with consultations with healthcare providers to make the best possible decisions for their asthma management. Regular review of this information is recommended, as hospital services and ratings can change over time.