23885, Sutherland, Virginia Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 23885, Sutherland, Virginia is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Care in the Vicinity of ZIP Code 23885: A Comprehensive Review

Navigating asthma care can be complex, and choosing the right hospital is crucial. This review provides a detailed assessment of hospitals near the 23885 ZIP code, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. The goal is to equip patients and their families with the information needed to make informed decisions about their asthma treatment.

**Defining the Scope: Proximity and Accessibility**

The 23885 ZIP code encompasses the town of Wakefield, Virginia, and surrounding areas. This review considers hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, factoring in accessibility and potential travel times for emergency situations. We'll focus on facilities that are likely to be primary care providers for residents in this region.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings: A Snapshot of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on various quality measures, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. These ratings offer a valuable, albeit imperfect, snapshot of a hospital's overall performance.

**Riverside Regional Medical Center (Newport News, VA):** Located approximately 40 miles east of Wakefield, Riverside Regional Medical Center is a major regional hospital. It is a comprehensive medical center with a strong reputation. While CMS star ratings fluctuate, Riverside consistently strives to maintain a high level of quality. Their respiratory care department is well-regarded.

**Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center (Portsmouth, VA):** Situated about 40 miles southeast of Wakefield, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center is another significant healthcare provider. CMS star ratings should be checked regularly, as they can change. Maryview’s emergency department is a key resource for the area.

**Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (Norfolk, VA):** Approximately 50 miles east of Wakefield, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital is a tertiary care center and a Level I Trauma Center. This hospital often receives high ratings. Check the most recent CMS data for its current star rating.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a crucial consideration, especially for asthma patients who may experience sudden exacerbations. Shorter wait times can translate to quicker access to potentially life-saving treatments. Publicly available data on ER wait times is often available on hospital websites and through resources like the Healthgrades website. However, these figures are often averages and can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the overall patient volume.

**Riverside Regional Medical Center:** Riverside's ER wait times should be checked directly on their website or through publicly available resources. Given its size and the population it serves, wait times can fluctuate.

**Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center:** Like Riverside, Maryview's ER wait times are subject to change. Patients should check their website or other sources for the most up-to-date information.

**Sentara Norfolk General Hospital:** Being a major trauma center, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital's ER may experience higher patient volumes, which could impact wait times. Checking their website or other sources is essential.

**Specialty Centers and Asthma-Specific Care**

The presence of specialized asthma centers or programs can significantly enhance the quality of care. These centers often have dedicated pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options.

**Riverside Regional Medical Center:** Riverside likely has a pulmonary department and offers respiratory therapy services. Specific asthma-focused programs should be investigated through their website or by contacting the hospital directly.

**Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center:** Maryview typically has a pulmonary department and respiratory services. Inquire about their asthma-specific programs and the expertise of their pulmonologists.

**Sentara Norfolk General Hospital:** As a larger facility, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital likely has a comprehensive pulmonary department with specialized expertise in managing complex asthma cases. They may have specialized clinics or programs.

**Telehealth Capabilities: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telehealth allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, offering convenience and potentially reducing the need for in-person visits.

**Riverside Regional Medical Center:** Check Riverside's website or contact them to determine their telehealth capabilities. They may offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services.

**Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center:** Investigate Maryview's telehealth offerings, including virtual appointments with pulmonologists or respiratory therapists.

**Sentara Norfolk General Hospital:** Sentara often has a robust telehealth program, potentially including virtual asthma management and remote monitoring options.

**Pediatric Asthma Care: A Special Consideration**

For families with children, the availability of pediatric pulmonologists and specialized pediatric asthma programs is paramount.

**Riverside Regional Medical Center:** Check if Riverside offers pediatric pulmonary services and specialized asthma care for children.

**Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center:** Determine if Maryview has pediatric pulmonologists and a dedicated pediatric asthma program.

**Sentara Norfolk General Hospital:** Sentara often has a dedicated children's hospital or pediatric services, including pediatric pulmonology.

**Community Resources and Support Groups**

Beyond hospitals, community resources can play a vital role in asthma management.

**Local Health Departments:** The local health department in the area of 23885 can provide information on asthma education programs, support groups, and other community resources.

**Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA):** The AAFA offers valuable resources and support for asthma patients and their families.

**Physician Practices and Outpatient Clinics**

In addition to hospitals, consider the availability of pulmonologists and primary care physicians in the area.

**Local Physician Directories:** Use online physician directories to identify pulmonologists and primary care physicians accepting new patients in the vicinity of 23885.

**Important Considerations for Choosing a Hospital**

* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital and its providers are in your insurance network.
* **Patient Reviews:** Read online reviews from other patients to gain insights into their experiences.
* **Communication:** Assess the hospital's communication practices and how easily you can reach your healthcare providers.
* **Proximity and Transportation:** Consider the distance to the hospital and the availability of transportation, especially for emergency situations.
* **Personal Preferences:** Ultimately, the best hospital is the one that meets your individual needs and preferences.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Path to Optimal Asthma Care**

Choosing the right hospital for asthma care requires careful consideration of various factors, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. By researching the hospitals near the 23885 ZIP code, patients can make informed decisions and access the care they need to effectively manage their asthma and improve their quality of life. Remember to regularly check hospital websites and other resources for the most up-to-date information, as healthcare services and performance metrics are constantly evolving. Consult with your primary care physician or pulmonologist for personalized recommendations and guidance.