24211, Abingdon, Virginia Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 24211, Abingdon, Virginia is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Respiratory Care Near ZIP Code 24211

Finding the right hospital for asthma care can be a critical decision. This review analyzes the available options near ZIP code 24211, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized centers, and telehealth capabilities. The goal is to provide a fact-rich overview to help patients and their families make informed choices.

**Understanding the Landscape**

ZIP code 24211, representing the town of Abingdon, Virginia, is situated in a region with several healthcare providers. The availability and quality of asthma care can vary significantly between facilities. This review will delve into the specifics of each hospital, highlighting strengths and weaknesses based on publicly available data.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a general indicator of quality. It’s important to note that these ratings are based on a complex set of factors, and should be considered alongside other data points.

**Bristol Regional Medical Center (Bristol, TN):** While not directly within the 24211 ZIP code, Bristol Regional Medical Center is a major regional player and a potential option for residents. As of the most recent data, Bristol Regional Medical Center holds a [Insert current CMS Star Rating - *Check CMS.gov for the most up-to-date information. This is crucial and must be verified before publishing*]. This rating reflects performance across various categories, including patient experience, safety, and readmission rates.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room wait times can be a crucial factor for asthma patients experiencing a flare-up. Rapid access to care can significantly impact outcomes. Publicly available data on ER wait times can be found through various sources, including the hospital's website and third-party healthcare data aggregators.

**Bristol Regional Medical Center:** [Insert specific ER wait time data, if available. *Check hospital websites, Healthgrades, or other reliable sources for the most current data. Be specific, e.g., "Average ER wait time is X minutes," or "Median wait time for non-emergent cases is Y minutes."*]

**Specialty Centers and Asthma-Specific Care**

The presence of specialized centers and programs dedicated to respiratory care is a significant indicator of a hospital's commitment to asthma management. These centers often have dedicated pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options.

**Bristol Regional Medical Center:** [Investigate and report on the presence of any respiratory care centers, pulmonology departments, or asthma-specific programs. *Look for details on specialized clinics, asthma education programs, or research initiatives.*]

**Telehealth Capabilities: Expanding Access**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telehealth services can provide convenient access to consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring.

**Bristol Regional Medical Center:** [Investigate and report on the hospital's telehealth capabilities. *Look for information on virtual appointments with pulmonologists, remote monitoring programs, or telehealth-based asthma education.* Include statistics if available, e.g., "X number of telehealth visits for asthma patients were conducted in the last year." ]

**Other Considerations**

Beyond the core metrics, several other factors can influence the quality of asthma care.

**Patient Satisfaction:** Patient reviews and satisfaction scores offer valuable insights into the patient experience. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and the hospital's own website may provide patient feedback.

**Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital accepts your insurance plan. Contact the hospital's billing department or check their website for a list of accepted insurance providers.

**Hospital Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like The Joint Commission or DNV GL Healthcare signifies that the hospital meets specific quality standards.

**Community Hospital (Abingdon, VA):** [If there is a community hospital in Abingdon, VA, provide the same level of detail as above, including CMS star rating (if applicable), ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. *This is crucial because it is the closest hospital to the ZIP code.*]

**Additional Hospitals within a Reasonable Radius:**

**Ballad Health (multiple locations):** Ballad Health is a regional health system that may have additional facilities within a reasonable driving distance of 24211. [Investigate Ballad Health facilities and provide the same level of detail as above for any relevant hospitals. *Check for CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities.*]

**Factors Influencing Asthma Care Quality**

Several factors contribute to the quality of asthma care at a hospital.

**Expertise of Physicians:** The experience and expertise of pulmonologists and other specialists are crucial. Look for board-certified physicians with a focus on asthma management.

**Access to Advanced Technology:** Hospitals should have access to advanced diagnostic tools, such as pulmonary function tests, and a range of treatment options, including inhaled medications and biologics.

**Respiratory Therapy Services:** A well-trained respiratory therapy team is essential for providing acute and chronic asthma care.

**Asthma Education Programs:** Comprehensive asthma education programs can empower patients to manage their condition effectively. These programs often cover topics like medication use, trigger avoidance, and self-monitoring techniques.

**Medication Availability:** Ensure the hospital has access to the latest asthma medications and treatment protocols.

**Hospital Policies and Protocols:** Hospitals should have established protocols for managing asthma exacerbations and ensuring smooth transitions of care.

**Data Limitations and Caveats**

It is important to acknowledge the limitations of this review. Publicly available data may not always be comprehensive or up-to-date. Hospital information can change frequently.

**Disclaimer:** This review is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

**Conclusion**

Choosing the right hospital for asthma care requires careful consideration of various factors. This review provides a starting point for evaluating the available options near ZIP code 24211. By examining CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities, patients can make more informed decisions about their healthcare. Remember to verify the information presented here with the hospitals directly and consult with your physician to determine the best course of action for your individual needs. *Remember to update the information regularly, as hospital data and services change frequently.*