18407, Carbondale, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 18407, Carbondale, Pennsylvania is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare for Asthma in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Area (Near 18407)

Finding the right healthcare for asthma can be a challenge, especially when considering factors like access, quality of care, and specialized services. This review focuses on hospitals near the 18407 ZIP code (Carbondale, PA), offering an in-depth look at their asthma-related services, accessibility, and performance indicators. This information is designed to help patients and their families make informed decisions about their asthma care.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area, encompassing the 18407 ZIP code, offers a range of healthcare options, from large, flagship hospitals to smaller community facilities. Assessing these facilities requires a multi-faceted approach, considering factors like emergency room wait times, the availability of pulmonologists and allergists, specialized asthma programs, and patient satisfaction. This review will delve into these aspects to provide a comprehensive overview.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a general indication of overall quality. However, it's crucial to remember that these ratings are just one piece of the puzzle.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Wilkes-Barre):** Geisinger Wyoming Valley, a large regional hospital, is a prominent player in the area. CMS star ratings can fluctuate, so checking the most current rating is vital. Geisinger is known for its integrated healthcare system, which can be a significant advantage for asthma patients. This means easier access to specialists and coordinated care. The hospital’s respiratory therapy department is a key resource for asthma management, offering a range of services from pulmonary function testing to nebulizer treatments. Geisinger also has a robust telehealth program, which can be particularly beneficial for asthma patients needing remote monitoring or follow-up appointments. This is a significant factor in managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telehealth can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, improving convenience and potentially reducing exposure to illnesses.

**Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton):** Moses Taylor Hospital, part of the Commonwealth Health system, is another major hospital in the region. As with all hospitals, checking the most up-to-date CMS star rating is recommended. Moses Taylor also has a respiratory therapy department. This department is crucial for asthma patients, offering a range of services from pulmonary function testing to nebulizer treatments. The hospital's emergency department is a critical access point for asthma exacerbations. The speed of treatment in the ER is a crucial factor.

**Community Hospitals and Specialized Centers:**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, smaller community hospitals and specialized centers can play a vital role in asthma care. These facilities may offer more personalized attention or focus on specific aspects of asthma management.

**Commonwealth Health Regional Hospital of Scranton:** This hospital, also part of the Commonwealth Health system, is another option for residents in the area. Access to specialists, including pulmonologists and allergists, is crucial for effective asthma management. Check the hospital's website or call the hospital directly to confirm the availability of these specialists.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor:**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial consideration for asthma patients, especially during an exacerbation. Long wait times can lead to delayed treatment, potentially worsening the patient's condition.

**Geisinger Wyoming Valley:** Like all hospitals, ER wait times fluctuate. Check the hospital's website or call the hospital directly to get the most recent information.

**Moses Taylor Hospital:** Similarly, checking the most current ER wait times is essential.

**Specialty Centers and Asthma Programs:**

Some hospitals offer specialized asthma programs or centers that provide comprehensive care. These programs often include education, individualized treatment plans, and access to a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.

**Geisinger:** Geisinger's integrated system often allows for streamlined access to specialists and asthma-focused programs. Inquire directly about specific asthma programs and the availability of asthma educators.

**Moses Taylor Hospital:** Investigate whether Moses Taylor offers specialized asthma programs or collaborates with pulmonary specialists to provide comprehensive care.

**Pulmonologists and Allergists: The Specialists:**

Access to pulmonologists (lung specialists) and allergists is critical for effective asthma management. Pulmonologists diagnose and treat lung conditions, while allergists identify and manage allergies, which are often triggers for asthma.

**Finding Specialists:**

* **Geisinger:** Geisinger's website and patient portal are good resources for finding pulmonologists and allergists within their system.
* **Moses Taylor:** Check the hospital's website or call the hospital directly to identify affiliated pulmonologists and allergists.
* **Other Options:** Consider searching online directories like Healthgrades or Zocdoc to find pulmonologists and allergists in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in asthma management. It allows patients to connect with their healthcare providers remotely, which can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and education.

**Telehealth Availability:**

* **Geisinger:** Geisinger has a robust telehealth program. Inquire about telehealth options for asthma management, including virtual appointments and remote monitoring devices.
* **Moses Taylor:** Determine the availability of telehealth services for asthma patients.

**Patient Satisfaction and Reviews:**

Patient reviews and satisfaction scores offer valuable insights into the quality of care provided by a hospital. These reviews can provide information on factors like communication with doctors, the responsiveness of staff, and the overall patient experience.

**Finding Patient Reviews:**

* **Online Resources:** Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews often feature patient reviews.
* **Hospital Websites:** Some hospitals may have patient testimonials on their websites.

**Accessibility and Insurance:**

Accessibility is a crucial factor in choosing a hospital. Consider factors like location, transportation options, and insurance coverage.

**Insurance Acceptance:**

* **Verify Coverage:** Contact your insurance provider to confirm which hospitals are in-network.
* **Hospital Websites:** Hospital websites often list the insurance plans they accept.

**Conclusion:**

Navigating the healthcare landscape for asthma near the 18407 ZIP code requires careful consideration of various factors. Geisinger Wyoming Valley and Moses Taylor Hospital are major players, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Researching ER wait times, accessing specialists, and exploring telehealth options are crucial steps. Remember to check for the most current CMS star ratings, patient reviews, and insurance coverage information. By taking a proactive approach and gathering comprehensive information, asthma patients can find the best possible care in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area.