18451, Paupack, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 18451, Paupack, Pennsylvania is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Respiratory Care Near Scranton, PA (18451)

Finding the right hospital for asthma care near Scranton, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18451) involves more than just proximity. Patients and their families need a comprehensive understanding of a hospital's capabilities, from emergency room efficiency to specialized respiratory services. This review delves into the key players in the region, assessing their strengths and weaknesses based on publicly available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and the availability of specialized asthma centers.

**Understanding the Scorecard: Key Metrics for Asthma Care**

Assessing a hospital's suitability for asthma care requires considering several factors. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings provide a general overview of hospital quality, encompassing various aspects of care. However, they don't specifically address asthma management. Therefore, this review supplements the CMS ratings with data relevant to asthma patients, including ER wait times (a crucial indicator of responsiveness during an asthma exacerbation), the presence of specialized asthma centers or respiratory departments, the availability of telehealth services, and the hospital's overall commitment to respiratory health education.

**The Flagship: Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Wilkes-Barre)**

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, located in Wilkes-Barre (approximately 20 miles from 18451), often serves as a regional hub for advanced medical care. It holds a respectable 3-star CMS rating, reflecting a moderate level of overall quality. While the CMS rating provides a general benchmark, it's essential to delve deeper into specific asthma-related services. Geisinger Health System, as a whole, has invested in respiratory care, offering specialized pulmonology and allergy services. However, specific data on asthma-specific programs or dedicated asthma centers at the Wyoming Valley campus is not readily available in the public domain.

ER wait times are a critical factor for asthma patients. While publicly available data on ER wait times can fluctuate, patients should inquire about average wait times at the time of their visit. The hospital's website or patient portal may provide real-time updates. Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Geisinger Health System generally offers telehealth options, including virtual visits with pulmonologists and allergists. Patients should confirm the availability of these services and their suitability for their specific needs.

**Community Hospitals: Exploring Local Options**

Several community hospitals are closer to the 18451 ZIP code, providing convenient access to care. These facilities may not have the same breadth of services as a larger regional center, but they can still offer essential asthma management.

**Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton):** Located in Scranton, Moses Taylor Hospital offers a 3-star CMS rating. This indicates a similar level of overall quality to Geisinger Wyoming Valley. Moses Taylor has a respiratory care department, which is crucial for managing asthma exacerbations. However, specific details about dedicated asthma programs or specialized centers are limited in publicly available information. Patients should directly contact the hospital to inquire about asthma-specific resources and services. ER wait times are a key consideration. Patients should check the hospital's website or contact the ER directly for the most up-to-date information. Telehealth services may be available, but their scope and availability for asthma management should be confirmed.

**Regional Hospital of Scranton:** Also in Scranton, Regional Hospital of Scranton holds a 2-star CMS rating. While this rating suggests a lower level of overall quality compared to the other hospitals, it is still a viable option, particularly for emergency care. Regional Hospital has a respiratory care department, which is essential for treating asthma-related emergencies. However, as with other community hospitals, detailed information about dedicated asthma programs is limited. Patients should directly contact the hospital to inquire about their asthma-specific services. ER wait times are a critical factor. Patients should check the hospital's website or contact the ER directly for the most up-to-date information. Telehealth services may be available, but their scope and availability for asthma management should be confirmed.

**Other Considerations: Specialized Care and Resources**

Beyond the main hospitals, patients should consider the availability of specialized care and resources in the area.

**Pulmonologists and Allergists:** The presence of qualified pulmonologists and allergists is crucial for long-term asthma management. Patients should research the specialists affiliated with each hospital and their specific expertise in asthma care. Local physician directories and insurance provider websites can help identify specialists.

**Asthma Education and Support:** Asthma education is essential for empowering patients to manage their condition effectively. Patients should inquire about asthma education programs offered by the hospitals or local healthcare providers. These programs can provide valuable information on medication management, trigger avoidance, and emergency preparedness.

**Telehealth's Role:** Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in asthma management. Virtual visits with pulmonologists and allergists can provide convenient access to care, especially for routine follow-ups and medication adjustments. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth services offered by the hospitals or their specialists.

**Emergency Preparedness:** Asthma patients should always have an asthma action plan developed in consultation with their physician. This plan outlines the steps to take during an asthma exacerbation. Patients should also be aware of the nearest emergency room and their typical wait times.

**The Importance of ER Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a critical consideration for asthma patients. During an asthma attack, every minute counts. Long wait times can lead to increased anxiety, difficulty breathing, and potentially life-threatening complications. Patients should research the average ER wait times at each hospital and choose the facility that can provide the fastest access to care. Publicly available data on ER wait times can be found on hospital websites, healthcare comparison websites, or through local news outlets. However, these times can vary, so it's essential to check the most recent information.

**Comparing Hospitals: A Summary**

Comparing the hospitals near 18451, several factors emerge. Geisinger Wyoming Valley, as a regional hub, offers a wider range of services and specialists, but patients should confirm the availability of specific asthma programs. Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton, being closer, provide convenient access to care. However, patients should inquire about their specific asthma-related resources and ER wait times. The CMS star ratings provide a general benchmark of quality, but they don't fully capture the nuances of asthma care. Therefore, patients should supplement the ratings with research on specialized services, ER wait times, and the availability of telehealth options.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing the right hospital for asthma care near Scranton, PA (18451) requires careful consideration of various factors. Patients should research the hospitals' CMS ratings, ER wait times, the availability of specialized asthma programs, and the expertise of their pulmonologists and allergists. Telehealth services can provide convenient access to care. By gathering this information and consulting with their healthcare providers, patients can make an informed decision that best meets their individual needs and ensures optimal asthma management. Remember that this review provides a starting point for your research. It is essential to contact the hospitals directly, speak with your physician, and consider your personal preferences when making your final decision.