23704, Portsmouth, Virginia Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 23704, Portsmouth, Virginia is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Asthma Care Near ZIP Code 23704

Finding the right healthcare for asthma can be a daunting task. This review focuses on hospitals near ZIP code 23704 (Portsmouth, Virginia), evaluating their capabilities in asthma management. We'll delve into factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth options to provide a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment. This information aims to empower patients and families in making informed decisions about their asthma care.

**Understanding the Landscape: Key Hospitals in the Area**

The primary hospitals serving the 23704 area include Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Sentara Leigh Hospital, and Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center. These facilities represent the core of accessible acute care within the region. Other facilities, like smaller urgent care centers and specialist clinics, also contribute to the overall healthcare ecosystem.

**Sentara Norfolk General Hospital: A Flagship Institution**

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, a major teaching hospital, stands out as a prominent healthcare provider. It's a Level I Trauma Center, indicating a high capacity for handling complex medical cases. While specific CMS star ratings fluctuate, it's crucial to check the most recent data on the CMS Hospital Compare website. This website provides a wealth of information, including patient satisfaction scores, mortality rates, and infection control data. The hospital's size and resources often translate to a wider range of specialized services, which can be beneficial for asthma patients with co-existing conditions.

**Sentara Leigh Hospital: Community-Focused Care**

Sentara Leigh Hospital, another Sentara facility, offers a more community-focused approach. Its proximity to 23704 makes it a convenient option. CMS star ratings should be reviewed on the CMS Hospital Compare website. While it might not have the same breadth of specialized services as Sentara Norfolk General, it can still provide excellent asthma care. It's essential to research its emergency department wait times, as these can significantly impact the experience of an asthma exacerbation.

**Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center: A Faith-Based Option**

Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center provides healthcare with a faith-based perspective. This hospital’s CMS star ratings should also be verified on the CMS Hospital Compare website. The hospital's emergency department wait times are a critical factor to consider, especially during an asthma attack.

**Emergency Department Wait Times: A Critical Metric**

Emergency department wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's ability to manage acute asthma cases. Shorter wait times mean faster access to potentially life-saving interventions. Websites like the CMS Hospital Compare website and individual hospital websites often provide data on average ER wait times. It's important to note that these are averages, and individual experiences may vary. Factors such as time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the patient's condition can all affect wait times.

**Specialty Centers and Pulmonary Expertise**

Asthma care often benefits from the expertise of pulmonologists and specialized respiratory therapists. Hospitals with dedicated pulmonary centers or respiratory care departments are generally better equipped to handle complex asthma cases. Researching the availability of these specialists and the services they offer is crucial. Look for hospitals that offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing, asthma education programs, and access to the latest asthma medications and therapies.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has revolutionized healthcare delivery, and asthma care is no exception. Telehealth can provide convenient access to asthma specialists, medication management, and asthma education. Investigate whether hospitals near 23704 offer telehealth services for asthma patients. This could include virtual consultations with pulmonologists, remote monitoring of lung function, and online asthma education programs. Sentara Healthcare, for example, has invested in telehealth options, so it's worth checking their offerings.

**Asthma Education and Patient Support**

Effective asthma management requires patient education and support. Look for hospitals that offer asthma education programs, support groups, and resources for patients and their families. These programs can teach patients how to recognize asthma triggers, manage their medications, and handle asthma exacerbations.

**Medication Access and Pharmacy Services**

Easy access to asthma medications is essential. Investigate the pharmacy services offered by the hospitals. Do they have on-site pharmacies? Do they participate in programs that help patients afford their medications? Consider the proximity of pharmacies to the hospital and the availability of medications.

**Specific Considerations for 23704**

The 23704 ZIP code is located in Portsmouth, Virginia. The demographics of the area, including socioeconomic factors and access to transportation, should be considered when evaluating healthcare options. Some hospitals may have programs specifically designed to address the needs of underserved populations.

**Researching Individual Hospitals: A Step-by-Step Guide**

1. **CMS Hospital Compare:** Begin by visiting the CMS Hospital Compare website ([https://www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare/search.html](https://www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare/search.html)). Search for hospitals near 23704. Review their overall star ratings, patient satisfaction scores, and data on specific quality measures relevant to asthma care.
2. **Hospital Websites:** Visit the websites of the hospitals you've identified. Look for information about their pulmonary departments, asthma clinics, and telehealth services.
3. **Physician Directories:** Use online physician directories to identify pulmonologists and allergists affiliated with the hospitals. Research their credentials, experience, and patient reviews.
4. **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospitals and specialists you're considering are in your insurance network.
5. **Patient Reviews:** Read online patient reviews on websites like Healthgrades and Vitals. These reviews can provide valuable insights into the patient experience.
6. **Contact the Hospitals:** Call the hospitals and ask specific questions about their asthma care services, such as the availability of asthma education programs, the expertise of their respiratory therapists, and their ER wait times.

**Asthma Score: A Summary Framework**

While a numerical "Asthma Score" is difficult to provide without a standardized methodology, here’s a framework for evaluation:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** Higher ratings generally indicate better quality of care.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter wait times are crucial for acute asthma cases.
* **Pulmonary Expertise:** The presence of a dedicated pulmonary center or respiratory care department is a positive factor.
* **Telehealth Options:** Availability of telehealth services can improve access to care.
* **Asthma Education and Support:** Comprehensive patient education programs are essential.
* **Medication Access:** Easy access to medications is critical.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Positive patient reviews and high patient satisfaction scores are important indicators.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing the right hospital for asthma care is a personal decision. By carefully researching the factors outlined in this review, patients and families near ZIP code 23704 can make informed choices that prioritize quality, accessibility, and patient-centered care. Remember to regularly update your research, as hospital services and performance can change over time. Consult with your primary care physician or pulmonologist for personalized recommendations.