23709, Portsmouth, Virginia Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 23709, Portsmouth, Virginia is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Care in the 23709: A Hospital Scorecard

Finding the right healthcare for asthma can be a complex undertaking. For residents of the 23709 ZIP code (Portsmouth, Virginia), several hospitals offer varying levels of care. This review provides a fact-rich overview, focusing on key metrics to help you assess your options.

**Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (Norfolk, VA)**

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, located a short drive from 23709, is a major player in the region's healthcare landscape. It's a flagship hospital within the Sentara Healthcare system and consistently receives high marks for its comprehensive services. While not directly in the 23709 area, its proximity makes it a significant option.

Norfolk General boasts a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a testament to its overall quality of care. This rating considers factors like mortality rates, safety of care, readmission rates, patient experience, and timely and effective care. This high rating suggests a strong commitment to patient well-being across various medical conditions, including asthma.

The hospital's Emergency Department (ED) is equipped to handle acute asthma exacerbations. While specific ED wait times fluctuate, it's crucial to understand that these can vary significantly depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. Generally, Norfolk General's ED strives to see patients promptly, but it's always advisable to call ahead if possible, especially during peak hours.

Sentara Norfolk General has a dedicated pulmonary department that specializes in respiratory conditions like asthma. This department offers a range of diagnostic and treatment options, including pulmonary function testing, medication management, and patient education. They also have access to advanced imaging technologies, such as CT scans, to assess lung function and identify potential complications.

Telehealth services are increasingly important, and Sentara Norfolk General has expanded its telehealth offerings. This allows patients to connect with physicians remotely for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and asthma education. While specific telehealth utilization rates for asthma patients are not publicly available, the hospital actively promotes these services.

**Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD) (Norfolk, VA)**

CHKD, also in Norfolk, is a dedicated pediatric hospital, making it the primary choice for children with asthma in the 23709 area. It is a nationally recognized institution, renowned for its expertise in pediatric care.

CHKD's emergency department is specifically designed to care for children, including those experiencing asthma attacks. The staff is trained to manage pediatric respiratory emergencies, and the facility is equipped with age-appropriate equipment. ED wait times at CHKD, like other hospitals, can vary. However, the hospital prioritizes children's needs, often seeing patients with respiratory distress quickly.

CHKD has a specialized pulmonary department focused on pediatric respiratory illnesses. This department offers comprehensive asthma management, including allergy testing, medication management, and asthma education programs tailored to children and their families. They have specialized nurses and respiratory therapists dedicated to pediatric asthma care.

CHKD also embraces telehealth, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments for asthma patients. This is particularly helpful for managing chronic conditions and providing ongoing support to families. The hospital's telehealth platform allows for convenient access to pediatric pulmonologists and other specialists.

**Riverside Regional Medical Center (Newport News, VA)**

Riverside Regional Medical Center, while located further away from 23709, is another option for residents. It's part of the Riverside Health System, a network of hospitals and healthcare providers in the region.

Riverside Regional's CMS star rating is currently at four stars, indicating a good level of quality care. This rating is a useful indicator of overall hospital performance.

The hospital's ED is equipped to handle asthma emergencies. While specific wait times fluctuate, Riverside Regional generally aims to provide timely care. It's always advisable to check current wait times online or by phone, especially during peak hours.

Riverside Regional has a pulmonary department that treats a range of respiratory conditions, including asthma. They offer pulmonary function testing, medication management, and other diagnostic and therapeutic services.

Telehealth is also part of Riverside's offerings. They provide virtual consultations and follow-up appointments, which can be convenient for asthma management.

**Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center (Portsmouth, VA)**

Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center is located directly within the 23709 area, making it a convenient option for residents. It's part of the Bon Secours Mercy Health system.

Maryview's CMS star rating is currently at three stars. While this indicates a need for improvement, it still offers a reasonable level of care.

The hospital's ED is equipped to handle asthma emergencies. ED wait times can vary, so it's always a good idea to check current wait times before going.

Maryview has a pulmonary department that provides care for respiratory conditions, including asthma. They offer diagnostic testing, medication management, and other services.

Telehealth services are also available at Maryview, providing patients with virtual access to physicians.

**Important Considerations and Comparative Analysis**

When choosing a hospital for asthma care, several factors should be considered.

* **CMS Star Rating:** This is a useful indicator of overall quality. Higher ratings generally indicate better performance.
* **ED Wait Times:** While these can fluctuate, shorter wait times are generally preferable, especially during an asthma attack.
* **Pulmonary Department Expertise:** Look for hospitals with specialized pulmonary departments and experienced pulmonologists.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Telehealth can be a valuable tool for ongoing asthma management.
* **Proximity:** Proximity to the hospital can be a significant factor, especially during an emergency.

**Comparative Summary:**

Sentara Norfolk General, with its five-star CMS rating and comprehensive pulmonary services, is a strong choice. CHKD is the clear leader for pediatric asthma care. Riverside Regional, with its four-star rating, is another solid option. Bon Secours Maryview, located directly in the 23709 area, provides convenient access, though its three-star rating suggests potential areas for improvement.

**Specifics and Data Gaps:**

Specific ED wait times are dynamic and fluctuate. Check hospital websites or call ahead for the most current information. Detailed data on specific asthma-related outcomes (e.g., readmission rates for asthma) is not always publicly available. Similarly, specific telehealth utilization rates for asthma patients are often not released.

**Conclusion**

Residents of the 23709 ZIP code have several options for asthma care, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Careful consideration of the factors outlined above, combined with personal preferences and specific needs, will help individuals make the best decision for their health. It's always recommended to consult with your primary care physician or a pulmonologist to determine the most appropriate hospital and treatment plan.