18657, Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 18657, Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Care in the Poconos: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 18657

Finding the best hospital for asthma care near Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18657) requires a nuanced look at available resources, specialist expertise, and patient outcomes. This review analyzes hospitals within a reasonable radius, focusing on factors crucial for asthma sufferers: emergency care accessibility, pulmonology specialists, advanced treatment options, and patient satisfaction.

**Defining the Scope:**

The primary focus will be on hospitals within a 50-mile radius of Tunkhannock. This area includes major medical centers in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and surrounding communities. Data sources will include publicly available information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and reputable healthcare databases.

**The Flagship Hospitals: A Comparative Overview**

The most prominent healthcare providers in the region include Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre and Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton. These facilities often serve as referral centers and offer a broader range of services than smaller community hospitals.

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

Geisinger Wyoming Valley is a large, multi-specialty hospital. It boasts a 4-star CMS rating, indicating above-average quality of care. This rating is based on a comprehensive evaluation of patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. Geisinger's Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine department is a key resource for asthma patients. They offer a range of services, including diagnostic testing (pulmonary function tests, allergy testing), and advanced treatments.

While specific ER wait times fluctuate, Geisinger Wyoming Valley generally aims to provide timely emergency care. Publicly available data on ER wait times is often updated by the hospitals themselves, and these can be found on the hospital website. It is important to note that wait times can be affected by the time of day, day of the week, and the volume of patients.

Geisinger also has a robust telehealth program. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for asthma patients, providing remote monitoring of symptoms, medication management, and follow-up appointments. This can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, especially for patients living in rural areas. Specific telehealth statistics, such as the number of asthma-related virtual consultations, are typically available through Geisinger's annual reports or patient portals.

**Moses Taylor Hospital (Scranton):**

Moses Taylor Hospital, part of the Commonwealth Health network, is another major player in the region. It has a 3-star CMS rating. The Pulmonary Medicine department at Moses Taylor provides diagnostic and treatment services for respiratory conditions, including asthma. They offer pulmonary function testing, and other specialized procedures.

ER wait times at Moses Taylor are also subject to fluctuation. Patients should consult real-time data sources, such as the hospital’s website or third-party healthcare information websites, to get the most up-to-date information.

Moses Taylor also offers telehealth services, which can be useful for asthma patients. Information on their telehealth offerings, including the availability of virtual consultations with pulmonologists, can be found on their website.

**Other Hospitals to Consider:**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several other facilities offer asthma care within the defined radius. These hospitals may be more convenient for patients living in specific areas or may offer unique services.

**Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital (Wilkes-Barre):**

Another hospital within the Commonwealth Health network, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, provides emergency services and pulmonary care. While its CMS star rating is not readily available, it is important to consider its proximity and accessibility.

**Tyler Memorial Hospital (Tunkhannock):**

Located directly within the ZIP code 18657, Tyler Memorial Hospital is a critical access hospital. While it may not have the same level of specialized services as larger hospitals, it provides essential emergency care and can serve as a first point of contact for asthma exacerbations. Patients with severe asthma may be transferred to larger facilities for specialized treatment.

**Community Hospital of Scranton (Scranton):**

Community Hospital of Scranton offers emergency services and pulmonary care. It's important to research the specific services and specialists available at Community Hospital of Scranton.

**Specialty Centers and Asthma-Specific Programs:**

While many hospitals offer general pulmonary care, some may have specialized programs or centers that cater specifically to asthma patients. Researching the availability of such programs is crucial.

**Allergy and Immunology Clinics:**

Asthma is often linked to allergies. Identifying and managing allergies is crucial for controlling asthma symptoms. The region has several allergy and immunology clinics that work closely with pulmonologists. These clinics offer allergy testing, immunotherapy (allergy shots), and guidance on environmental control measures. Patients should inquire about the clinic's experience in managing asthma and their collaboration with local pulmonologists.

**Pulmonary Rehabilitation:**

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs can be beneficial for asthma patients, particularly those with chronic or severe asthma. These programs typically involve exercise training, education, and support to improve lung function and quality of life. Researching the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs at local hospitals is essential.

**Telehealth and Asthma Management:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in asthma management. Remote monitoring of symptoms, medication adjustments, and virtual consultations with pulmonologists can improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for frequent hospital visits. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth services from their chosen hospital or pulmonologist.

**ER Wait Times and Emergency Preparedness:**

Emergency room wait times are a critical consideration for asthma patients. During an asthma exacerbation, timely access to medical care can be life-saving. Patients should research the average ER wait times at local hospitals, using publicly available data from hospital websites or third-party healthcare information websites. It is also important to have a personal asthma action plan and know how to access emergency care quickly.

**Patient Satisfaction and Reviews:**

Patient satisfaction is an important indicator of quality of care. Patients can find information about patient experiences through online reviews, hospital websites, and patient surveys. These resources can provide valuable insights into the quality of care, communication, and overall patient experience.

**Specific Considerations for Asthma Patients:**

* **Access to Inhalers and Medications:** Ensure the hospital has readily available access to asthma medications, including bronchodilators and corticosteroids.
* **Asthma Action Plan:** Patients should have a personalized asthma action plan developed with their pulmonologist. This plan should outline steps to take when symptoms worsen.
* **Education and Support:** Look for hospitals that offer patient education and support programs for asthma management.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing the best hospital for asthma care near ZIP code 18657 requires careful consideration of several factors. Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Moses Taylor Hospital are the largest providers with the most resources. However, other hospitals, such as Wilkes-Barre General and Tyler Memorial, may offer convenient access to emergency care. Patients should research ER wait times, specialist availability, telehealth services, and patient satisfaction ratings to make an informed decision. Consulting with a primary care physician or pulmonologist is essential to determine the best fit for individual needs and preferences.