23604, Fort Eustis, Virginia Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 23604, Fort Eustis, Virginia is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Asthma Care Near Newport News, VA (23604)

Living with asthma demands proactive healthcare. This review analyzes hospitals near the 23604 ZIP code, focusing on factors critical for asthma management, including emergency care access, specialist availability, and telehealth options. We’ll examine hospital performance metrics, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and the presence of specialized asthma centers, to provide a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance**

The primary hospital serving the Newport News area is **Riverside Regional Medical Center**, a major healthcare provider with a significant presence in the region. While Riverside doesn't have a specific, dedicated "Asthma Center" with a unique name, it does offer comprehensive pulmonary services that are crucial for asthma patients. Riverside's Emergency Department is often the first point of contact for acute asthma exacerbations.

**Riverside Regional Medical Center** holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall hospital quality, encompassing factors like patient safety, mortality rates, and patient experience. While not a direct indicator of asthma care, a higher star rating generally suggests a hospital committed to quality across all departments.

**Emergency Room Considerations**

ER wait times are a critical factor for asthma patients. When an asthma attack strikes, every minute counts. Unfortunately, publicly available data on real-time ER wait times can be inconsistent. It's recommended to check the hospital's website or call the ER directly for the most up-to-date information.

**Specialty Care and Pulmonary Services**

Riverside Regional Medical Center boasts a robust pulmonary department, including pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and specialized nurses. These professionals are essential for diagnosing, treating, and managing asthma. The hospital's pulmonary services likely include:

* **Pulmonary Function Testing (PFTs):** These tests measure lung capacity and airflow, crucial for diagnosing and monitoring asthma.
* **Bronchoscopy:** A procedure to visualize the airways, sometimes used to assess asthma-related inflammation or rule out other conditions.
* **Asthma Education:** Providing patients with the knowledge and skills to manage their asthma effectively.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in asthma management. It allows for remote consultations, medication management, and monitoring of symptoms. While specific telehealth stats for Riverside aren't readily available, it's likely that the hospital offers some telehealth services for pulmonary patients. Patients should inquire directly about telehealth options, including:

* **Virtual appointments with pulmonologists.**
* **Remote monitoring of peak flow meter readings.**
* **Educational resources and support groups online.**

**Other Hospitals in the Area**

While Riverside Regional Medical Center is the dominant healthcare provider, other hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of 23604 could be options for certain needs.

**Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital**, located in Newport News, is another hospital to consider. It's a smaller facility than Riverside, but it still offers emergency care and pulmonary services. CMS data for Mary Immaculate Hospital shows a 3-star rating. Patients may find shorter wait times at this facility, but it's important to verify service availability and staffing levels.

**Specialized Asthma Centers and Programs**

Neither Riverside Regional Medical Center nor Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital has a dedicated, named "Asthma Center." However, both hospitals have pulmonary departments that provide the necessary services for asthma care.

**Considerations for Asthma Patients**

Asthma management is a personalized process. Patients should consider the following when choosing a hospital:

* **Proximity:** Quick access to emergency care is vital during an asthma attack.
* **Pulmonologist availability:** Ensure access to a qualified pulmonologist for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.
* **Specialized services:** Inquire about the availability of PFTs, bronchoscopy, and asthma education programs.
* **Telehealth options:** Explore telehealth services for remote consultations and monitoring.
* **Insurance coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its specialists are in your insurance network.

**Evaluating the "Asthma Score"**

The "Asthma Score" for hospitals near 23604 is based on a combination of factors.

* **Riverside Regional Medical Center:** Receives a solid score due to its comprehensive pulmonary services, 3-star CMS rating, and the presence of a well-equipped ER. However, the lack of a dedicated asthma center and the potential for longer ER wait times could be a drawback.
* **Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital:** Offers an alternative with potentially shorter wait times, but its smaller size may limit the range of specialized services. Its 3-star CMS rating is comparable to Riverside.

**Recommendations**

For residents of 23604, Riverside Regional Medical Center is the primary choice due to its size and comprehensive services. However, patients should be prepared for potentially longer ER wait times. Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital offers a viable alternative, especially for those seeking potentially faster access to care.

**Proactive Asthma Management**

Regardless of the chosen hospital, proactive asthma management is crucial. This includes:

* **Regular check-ups with a pulmonologist.**
* **Developing an asthma action plan.**
* **Taking prescribed medications as directed.**
* **Avoiding asthma triggers.**
* **Monitoring symptoms and peak flow readings.**
* **Knowing when to seek emergency care.**

**Disclaimer:** This review is based on publicly available information and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers for personalized recommendations and treatment plans. Hospital ratings and services can change, so it is essential to verify the most current information directly with the hospitals.