24265, Keokee, Virginia Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 24265, Keokee, Virginia is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Respiratory Care Near ZIP Code 24265

Finding the right healthcare for asthma can be a critical undertaking. This review analyzes hospitals near ZIP code 24265 (Marion, Virginia), evaluating their capacity to handle asthma cases. We'll delve into key factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized asthma centers, and telehealth capabilities, providing a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment.

**The Landscape of Care: Proximity and Priorities**

The immediate vicinity of Marion, VA, offers a limited selection of hospitals. Therefore, this review will primarily focus on the major healthcare providers within a reasonable driving distance, factoring in accessibility for residents of the 24265 area. The core considerations will be the quality of asthma care, the availability of specialized resources, and the overall patient experience.

**Carilion Clinic: A Regional Powerhouse**

Carilion Clinic, with its flagship hospital, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (Roanoke, VA), represents a significant healthcare presence in the region. While not directly in Marion, Roanoke is a common destination for residents seeking specialized medical care. Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital holds a respectable 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a general assessment of quality, patient safety, and patient experience. While not the highest possible rating, it indicates a level of care that meets national standards.

**Carilion Clinic's Asthma Services:**

Carilion Clinic offers a range of services relevant to asthma patients. They have a dedicated pulmonary department, staffed by pulmonologists who specialize in respiratory illnesses, including asthma. This department provides diagnostic testing, including pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and offers treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs. Carilion also provides asthma education programs, which are crucial for patients learning to manage their condition effectively.

**Emergency Room Considerations:**

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor for asthma patients, as sudden exacerbations can require immediate attention. Unfortunately, public data on specific ER wait times for Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital is not consistently available. However, it's advisable to check the hospital's website or call ahead to inquire about current wait times, especially during peak hours. The availability of rapid-response protocols for respiratory emergencies is another important consideration.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

Carilion Clinic has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for asthma patients, allowing for virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of symptoms. This can help prevent hospitalizations and improve overall disease control. Confirming the availability of telehealth services specific to asthma management is recommended.

**Ballad Health: Exploring the Options**

Ballad Health is another major healthcare system serving the region. While Ballad Health does not have a hospital within the immediate vicinity of Marion, VA, it has facilities in nearby cities such as Bristol, VA. The closest Ballad Health hospital to Marion is probably Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, VA.

**Johnston Memorial Hospital:**

Johnston Memorial Hospital is a smaller hospital compared to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Its CMS star rating is not readily available, making it difficult to assess its overall quality. It is important to check the hospital's website or contact the hospital directly for the latest information.

**Ballad Health's Asthma Services:**

Ballad Health, similar to Carilion Clinic, has pulmonary specialists and offers respiratory services. They provide diagnostic testing and treatment for asthma. The availability of specialized asthma clinics or education programs may vary depending on the specific Ballad Health facility.

**Emergency Room Considerations:**

Emergency room wait times are a significant factor. Check the hospital's website or call ahead to inquire about current wait times, especially during peak hours. The availability of rapid-response protocols for respiratory emergencies is another important consideration.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

Ballad Health has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for asthma patients, allowing for virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of symptoms. Confirming the availability of telehealth services specific to asthma management is recommended.

**Other Considerations: Beyond the Big Systems**

While Carilion and Ballad Health are the primary healthcare providers in the region, it's essential to consider other factors.

**Specialty Centers and Clinics:**

The presence of specialized asthma clinics or centers can significantly enhance the quality of care. These centers often have multidisciplinary teams, including pulmonologists, allergists, nurses, and respiratory therapists, who work together to provide comprehensive asthma management. Investigating whether any specialized clinics exist within a reasonable driving distance is crucial.

**Allergy and Immunology Services:**

Asthma is often linked to allergies. The availability of allergy and immunology services, including allergy testing and immunotherapy, is an important consideration. These services can help identify and manage triggers that exacerbate asthma symptoms.

**Pediatric Asthma Care:**

For families with children, the availability of pediatric pulmonologists and specialized pediatric asthma care is paramount. Pediatric asthma often requires different management strategies compared to adult asthma. Checking for hospitals with dedicated pediatric respiratory services is essential.

**Patient Reviews and Experiences:**

Online patient reviews can offer valuable insights into the patient experience. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews can provide information on patient satisfaction, doctor-patient communication, and overall quality of care. However, it's important to interpret these reviews with caution, as they may not always reflect a comprehensive picture.

**Medication Access and Pharmacy Services:**

Easy access to asthma medications is essential. The proximity of pharmacies and the availability of a wide range of asthma medications, including inhalers, nebulizers, and other respiratory medications, are important considerations.

**The "Asthma Score" Summary:**

Based on the available information, here's a preliminary "Asthma Score" assessment for hospitals near ZIP code 24265:

* **Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital:** Offers a good base of care with a 3-star CMS rating, a dedicated pulmonary department, and telehealth capabilities. However, specific ER wait times and the availability of specialized asthma clinics require further investigation.
* **Johnston Memorial Hospital:** The lack of a CMS rating makes it difficult to assess the quality of care. It is important to check the hospital's website or contact the hospital directly for the latest information.

**Actionable Steps for Patients:**

* **Contact Hospitals Directly:** Call Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and Johnston Memorial Hospital to inquire about specific asthma services, ER wait times, and telehealth options.
* **Check for Specialized Clinics:** Research the availability of specialized asthma clinics or centers within a reasonable driving distance.
* **Explore Pediatric Options:** If you have children with asthma, investigate pediatric pulmonology services and pediatric asthma care options.
* **Review Patient Feedback:** Consult online patient reviews to gain insights into the patient experience.
* **Consult Your Primary Care Physician:** Discuss your asthma management needs with your primary care physician, who can provide recommendations and referrals.
* **Stay Informed:** Continuously monitor the hospital's websites and other sources for the latest information on services, wait times, and quality metrics.

**Disclaimer:** This review is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations and treatment plans. The healthcare landscape is dynamic; it is crucial to verify the information with the hospitals directly for the most up-to-date details.