23461, Virginia Beach, Virginia Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 23461, Virginia Beach, Virginia is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Asthma Care Near ZIP Code 23461

Finding the best hospital for asthma care can be a complex undertaking, especially when time is of the essence. This review, tailored for residents near ZIP code 23461 (Virginia Beach, VA), provides a fact-rich overview of nearby hospitals, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized asthma centers, and telehealth capabilities. This information is critical for making informed decisions about where to seek treatment for yourself or a loved one.

**The Landscape of Care: Key Hospitals in the Vicinity**

The primary hospitals serving the 23461 area are Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and Sentara Princess Anne Hospital. These two Sentara facilities are the most likely points of entry for acute asthma exacerbations. Additionally, depending on the severity and type of asthma, patients may be referred to specialists at larger facilities like Sentara Norfolk General Hospital or Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD).

**Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital: A Closer Look**

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital (VBGH) is a major player in the region. VBGH holds a respectable 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). While not the highest possible score, it indicates a generally average performance across a range of quality metrics. It's important to note that CMS ratings are a snapshot in time and should be considered alongside other factors.

Emergency room wait times at VBGH are a crucial consideration. According to recent data, the average ER wait time can fluctuate, but it's essential to understand that these times can vary significantly depending on the day, time, and volume of patients. It is crucial to understand that these wait times are dynamic.

VBGH offers a range of respiratory services. While it doesn’t have a dedicated, branded “Asthma Center” in the same way as some larger institutions, it provides comprehensive care through its pulmonary and critical care departments. This includes diagnosis, treatment, and management of asthma, including advanced therapies when necessary. The hospital has the capacity to handle severe asthma cases, including those requiring intensive care.

Telehealth is increasingly important, and VBGH has embraced this technology. They offer telehealth consultations for certain follow-up appointments and consultations, which can be especially useful for managing chronic conditions like asthma, allowing patients to connect with their providers remotely. The availability and scope of telehealth services can change, so it's best to confirm specific options with the hospital directly.

**Sentara Princess Anne Hospital: Evaluating the Options**

Sentara Princess Anne Hospital (PAH) is another key facility serving the 23461 area. PAH also has a 3-star CMS rating, similar to VBGH. This suggests a comparable level of overall quality performance.

ER wait times at PAH are also a critical factor. Like VBGH, wait times at PAH can vary. Checking real-time wait times through online tools or by calling the hospital directly before heading to the ER is always recommended, particularly during peak hours.

PAH offers respiratory services and pulmonary care. The hospital provides treatment for asthma, including medication management and education. While it may not have a specialized asthma center, its pulmonary department is equipped to manage asthma cases.

Telehealth services are available at PAH, mirroring the trend across the Sentara system. Patients can access telehealth appointments for follow-up care and consultations, providing convenient access to their healthcare providers. The specific telehealth offerings and availability should be verified directly with the hospital.

**Sentara Norfolk General Hospital: A Regional Resource**

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (SNGH), a larger, tertiary care facility, is located within reasonable driving distance of 23461. SNGH is the flagship hospital for the Sentara Healthcare system. It is a Level I Trauma Center and has a 4-star CMS rating, indicating a higher level of quality performance compared to the other two Sentara hospitals.

SNGH is often a referral center for more complex asthma cases. Patients with severe or difficult-to-manage asthma may be referred to SNGH for specialized care and advanced treatments. This hospital has a greater concentration of specialists and resources.

ER wait times at SNGH can be longer than at community hospitals due to its larger size and the complexity of cases it handles. Patients should be prepared for potentially longer wait times. Real-time wait time information is crucial.

SNGH has a robust pulmonary department, which includes specialists in asthma. The hospital offers comprehensive asthma care, including diagnostic testing, medication management, and access to clinical trials. It also has a dedicated respiratory therapy department.

Telehealth services are widely available at SNGH, including consultations and follow-up appointments. Telehealth is integrated into the hospital's care model, providing convenient access to specialists and ongoing management for chronic conditions like asthma.

**Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD): Pediatric Asthma Care**

For children with asthma, Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD) is the primary resource in the region. CHKD is a dedicated pediatric hospital with specialized expertise in treating children with asthma.

CHKD has a strong reputation for pediatric care. While it does not have a CMS star rating, as these ratings are not applicable to children's hospitals, its quality of care is widely recognized. CHKD has a dedicated pulmonary department and often has specialized asthma clinics.

ER wait times at CHKD's emergency department can fluctuate, but it is important to note that it is the region's primary pediatric emergency room. Checking real-time wait times before arriving is always a good idea.

CHKD offers comprehensive asthma care for children. This includes diagnosis, treatment, education, and management of asthma. They offer specialized asthma programs and clinics, which can provide individualized care and support for children and their families.

Telehealth is integrated into CHKD's care model, allowing for virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for managing pediatric asthma, providing convenient access to specialists and ongoing support.

**Beyond the Hospitals: Considerations for Asthma Management**

Beyond the hospitals, several other factors are crucial for managing asthma effectively.

* **Primary Care Physicians:** Your primary care physician (PCP) plays a vital role in asthma management. They can provide routine care, prescribe medications, and refer you to specialists when necessary.
* **Pulmonologists:** A pulmonologist, or lung specialist, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases, including asthma. They can provide more specialized care and management for complex cases.
* **Allergists:** Allergists can help identify triggers that cause asthma symptoms. This information is crucial for developing an effective asthma management plan.
* **Asthma Action Plans:** Work with your doctor to develop a personalized asthma action plan. This plan should outline your medications, how to recognize and respond to asthma symptoms, and when to seek medical attention.
* **Medication Adherence:** Following your prescribed medication regimen is essential for controlling asthma symptoms.
* **Environmental Control:** Reducing exposure to asthma triggers, such as allergens, irritants, and pollutants, is crucial for managing asthma.

**Making the Right Choice: A Summary and Recommendations**

For residents near 23461, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and Sentara Princess Anne Hospital are likely to be the first points of contact for acute asthma exacerbations. CHKD is the primary resource for pediatric asthma. Sentara Norfolk General Hospital is a referral center for more complex cases, and it has a higher CMS star rating.

When choosing a hospital for asthma care, consider the following:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** While not the only factor, CMS ratings can provide a general indication of quality.
* **ER Wait Times:** Check real-time wait times before heading to the ER.
* **Specialty Centers:** Consider the availability of specialized asthma clinics or programs.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Determine if telehealth services are available for convenient follow-up care.
* **Your Individual Needs:** Consider your specific needs and the severity of your asthma.

This review provides a starting point for navigating the healthcare landscape near 23461. Always consult with your physician to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs. Remember that the information provided here is based on publicly available data and is subject to change. Always verify information directly with the hospitals.