23893, White Plains, Virginia Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 23893, White Plains, Virginia is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Respiratory Care Near ZIP Code 23893

Finding the right hospital for asthma care is crucial, especially in an emergency. This review analyzes hospitals near ZIP code 23893 (Suffolk, Virginia) based on factors relevant to asthma patients: overall quality, emergency room efficiency, specialized respiratory care, and telehealth accessibility. We'll examine data from reliable sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), publicly available hospital websites, and other credible reporting agencies.

**The Landscape: Geographic Considerations**

ZIP code 23893 is situated in a region with several hospital options, primarily in Suffolk and the surrounding cities of Chesapeake and Norfolk. Proximity is a key consideration for asthma sufferers, particularly during acute episodes. Traffic patterns and travel times should be factored into any hospital choice, especially during peak hours.

**Sentara Obici Hospital (Suffolk, VA): A Local Anchor**

Sentara Obici Hospital, located directly within Suffolk, is a primary care facility for residents of the 23893 area. It's a vital component of the Sentara Healthcare system, a large regional network. While it doesn't have a CMS star rating at the time of this review, it is a well-regarded community hospital.

Obici's emergency department (ED) is a critical resource for asthma patients. Publicly available data on ED wait times is essential. While specific real-time wait times fluctuate, it's worth checking the Sentara website or other online platforms for the most current information. The hospital's website usually provides an estimated wait time. Shorter wait times are obviously preferable, as they can significantly impact patient outcomes during an asthma attack.

Sentara Obici offers a range of services relevant to asthma care, including pulmonary medicine specialists. Patients should inquire about the availability of respiratory therapists, who are crucial for managing asthma exacerbations and providing education on proper inhaler techniques and asthma management strategies.

**Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (Norfolk, VA): A Flagship Option**

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, a major tertiary care center located in Norfolk, is a flagship hospital within the Sentara system. It often serves as a referral center for complex medical cases. Sentara Norfolk General has a 3-star CMS rating.

As a larger facility, Sentara Norfolk General likely has a more extensive range of specialists, including pulmonologists and allergists, who can provide advanced care for asthma patients. It is also likely to have a dedicated respiratory care unit.

The ED at Sentara Norfolk General is likely to be busier than Obici's, given its larger patient volume. This could potentially translate to longer wait times. Therefore, checking real-time wait times before heading to the ED is particularly important.

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

Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD), also in Norfolk, is a specialized pediatric hospital. It is a highly regarded facility for children with asthma. While this review focuses on adult care, CHKD is the premier choice for pediatric asthma patients in the region.

CHKD's emergency department is specifically equipped to handle pediatric emergencies, including asthma exacerbations. They have pediatric pulmonologists and respiratory therapists on staff.

**Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center (Portsmouth, VA): Another Option**

Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, located in Portsmouth, offers another hospital option within a reasonable driving distance of 23893. While it is not located directly in Suffolk, it is a viable option. Bon Secours Maryview has a 3-star CMS rating.

Maryview's emergency department is another potential resource for asthma patients. Patients should research ED wait times and services available at the hospital. Like other hospitals, Bon Secours Maryview offers pulmonary services, and it is essential to inquire about the availability of respiratory therapists.

**Emergency Room Efficiency: A Critical Metric**

ER wait times are a crucial factor for asthma patients. During an asthma attack, every minute counts. Shorter wait times can significantly improve outcomes. Hospitals typically track and report their ED wait times. Patients should actively seek this information before going to the ED. Websites like those of the hospitals themselves and third-party healthcare rating sites are useful resources.

**Specialty Centers and Respiratory Care**

Beyond ED efficiency, the availability of specialized respiratory care is vital. This includes access to pulmonologists, allergists, and respiratory therapists. Pulmonologists are specialists in lung diseases, while allergists can help identify and manage allergy triggers that can exacerbate asthma. Respiratory therapists are crucial for providing breathing treatments, monitoring patients, and educating them on asthma management techniques.

**Telehealth and Asthma Management**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in healthcare, including asthma management. Telehealth allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, which can be especially beneficial for routine follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and asthma education.

Sentara Healthcare, including Obici and Norfolk General, likely offers telehealth services. Patients should inquire about the availability of telehealth options for asthma care, including virtual consultations with pulmonologists or respiratory therapists.

**Hospital Quality and CMS Star Ratings**

The CMS star rating system provides a snapshot of hospital quality based on various metrics, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While not the sole determinant of hospital quality, CMS star ratings can be a useful guide for patients. Hospitals with higher star ratings generally perform better across a range of quality indicators.

**Making the Right Choice: A Personalized Approach**

Choosing the right hospital for asthma care is a personal decision. Consider these factors:

* **Proximity:** How close is the hospital to your home or work?
* **ED Wait Times:** Check real-time wait times before going to the ED.
* **Specialized Care:** Does the hospital have pulmonologists, allergists, and respiratory therapists?
* **Telehealth Availability:** Does the hospital offer telehealth options for asthma management?
* **Hospital Quality:** Consider CMS star ratings and other quality indicators.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that the hospital and its specialists are in your insurance network.
* **Personal Preferences:** Do you have a preferred hospital or physician?

**Conclusion: A Proactive Approach to Asthma Care**

Living with asthma requires a proactive approach. Researching local hospitals, understanding their services, and being prepared for emergencies are crucial steps. By considering the factors outlined in this review, patients in the 23893 area can make informed decisions about their asthma care and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it. Remember to always consult with your primary care physician or pulmonologist to develop a personalized asthma management plan.