18472, Waymart, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 18472, Waymart, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Asthma Score: Navigating Respiratory Care Near Waymart, PA (18472)**

Waymart, Pennsylvania, nestled in the Pocono Mountains, offers a serene setting. However, residents with asthma require access to reliable, high-quality respiratory care. This review analyzes hospitals within a reasonable radius of ZIP code 18472, assessing their suitability for asthma patients. Our "Asthma Score" considers factors like overall hospital quality (CMS star ratings), emergency room wait times, specialized asthma centers, telehealth capabilities, and physician expertise.

**Defining the Scope: Hospital Options**

The immediate vicinity of Waymart is primarily served by smaller community hospitals. However, for specialized asthma care, patients often need to travel to larger regional medical centers. This review focuses on hospitals within a roughly 50-mile radius, encompassing Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and surrounding areas.

**Hospital Quality: The CMS Star Rating**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a general indicator of quality. These ratings are based on various metrics, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. It's a crucial starting point for assessing a hospital's overall performance.

**Lackawanna County Hospitals:**

* **Geisinger Community Medical Center (Scranton):** This hospital, a part of the Geisinger Health System, is a major player in the region. CMS Star Rating: 3 stars. This indicates an average level of quality.
* **Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton):** Another Scranton hospital, Moses Taylor Hospital, also has a 3-star CMS rating.

**Luzerne County Hospitals:**

* **Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Wilkes-Barre):** A larger facility within the Geisinger system, it is a key option for residents in the area. CMS Star Rating: 3 stars.

**The Limitations of CMS Star Ratings:**

It's important to remember that CMS star ratings are a snapshot and don't capture the nuances of specialized care, such as asthma treatment. They provide a general overview, but further investigation is necessary.

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

For asthma patients experiencing an exacerbation, timely access to emergency care is paramount. Long ER wait times can significantly worsen outcomes. Unfortunately, publicly available data on ER wait times can vary and may not always be real-time. However, some sources offer estimates.

* **Geisinger Hospitals (Scranton and Wilkes-Barre):** ER wait times can fluctuate. Patients should check the Geisinger website or call ahead for the most current information. Expect average wait times to range from 30 minutes to an hour, but these can increase during peak hours.
* **Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton):** Wait times are similar to Geisinger facilities, ranging from 30 minutes to an hour.

**Specialized Asthma Centers and Programs:**

The presence of dedicated asthma centers or specialized programs is a significant advantage. These centers often have multidisciplinary teams, including pulmonologists, allergists, and respiratory therapists, who are specifically trained in asthma management.

* **Geisinger Health System:** Geisinger hospitals, particularly those in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, offer comprehensive pulmonary services. While specific "asthma centers" may not be explicitly designated, the system's pulmonary departments provide diagnosis, treatment, and education for asthma patients. Look for specialists in allergy and immunology within the Geisinger network.
* **Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton):** Moses Taylor's pulmonary services also provide asthma care, although they may not have a dedicated asthma center.

**Telehealth Capabilities: Expanding Access**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Remote consultations, medication management, and patient education can improve asthma control and reduce hospitalizations.

* **Geisinger Health System:** Geisinger has robust telehealth capabilities, including virtual visits with pulmonologists and allergists. This is a major advantage for patients in rural areas, reducing the need for frequent in-person appointments. Check the Geisinger website for details on telehealth services.
* **Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton):** Moses Taylor also offers telehealth options, though the scope may be more limited compared to Geisinger. Inquire about virtual appointments with pulmonary specialists.

**Physician Expertise: The Role of Pulmonologists and Allergists**

The expertise of pulmonologists (lung specialists) and allergists (allergy specialists) is crucial for asthma management. Look for hospitals with a strong network of these specialists.

* **Geisinger Health System:** Geisinger has a large network of pulmonologists and allergists. Research individual physician profiles to assess their experience and specialization in asthma care.
* **Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton):** Moses Taylor's physician directory should list pulmonologists and allergists.

**Medication Availability and Pharmacy Services:**

Access to necessary asthma medications is vital. Ensure the hospital's pharmacy stocks common asthma medications, including inhalers, nebulizers, and rescue medications.

* **Geisinger and Moses Taylor:** Both hospitals have on-site pharmacies and should have a comprehensive formulary of asthma medications.

**Patient Experience and Reviews:**

Patient reviews provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals offer patient ratings and reviews of hospitals and physicians.

* **Research Reviews:** Search for reviews of pulmonologists and allergists at the hospitals you are considering. Pay attention to comments about communication, responsiveness, and the overall quality of care.

**Hospital-Specific Considerations:**

* **Geisinger Community Medical Center (Scranton):** Consider its location and proximity to Waymart. Evaluate its pulmonary services and telehealth options.
* **Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Wilkes-Barre):** If you're willing to travel a bit further, this larger facility within the Geisinger system may offer a broader range of services.
* **Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton):** Evaluate its pulmonary services and assess its suitability based on your specific needs.

**Asthma Score Summary: Key Considerations for 18472 Residents**

* **Hospital Quality (CMS Star Rating):** While the CMS ratings are average, prioritize hospitals within the Geisinger system, as they offer more specialized care.
* **ER Wait Times:** Contact the hospitals directly for the most current ER wait time information.
* **Specialized Asthma Centers:** The Geisinger system offers the best access to pulmonary specialists and telehealth options.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Geisinger has the most robust telehealth infrastructure.
* **Physician Expertise:** Research the profiles of pulmonologists and allergists at each hospital.
* **Patient Reviews:** Consult online reviews to gauge the patient experience.

**Conclusion:**

For residents of Waymart, PA (18472), the Geisinger Health System, particularly its hospitals in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, appears to offer the most comprehensive asthma care options. While CMS star ratings are average, the availability of pulmonary specialists, telehealth services, and comprehensive respiratory care programs make Geisinger a strong choice. Always verify ER wait times and check with your insurance provider for coverage details. Patients should actively research individual physicians and assess their suitability based on their specific needs and preferences.