13849, Unadilla, New York Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 13849, Unadilla, New York is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Near ZIP Code 13849

Finding the right healthcare, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, is crucial. This review delves into the hospital landscape near ZIP code 13849 (Sidney, NY) to assess the quality of care available for individuals with hypertension. We'll examine key metrics, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities, to provide a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" assessment.

**Proximity and Primary Options:**

The immediate vicinity of Sidney, NY, offers a limited selection of hospitals. The primary healthcare provider in the area is **A.O. Fox Hospital** in Oneonta, NY, approximately 20 miles away. Further afield, residents may consider hospitals in Binghamton, NY, roughly 40 miles distant, expanding their options.

**A.O. Fox Hospital: The Local Hub**

A.O. Fox Hospital, a member of Bassett Healthcare Network, serves as the primary healthcare provider for the region. Its performance in managing hypertension is a critical factor for residents of 13849. Unfortunately, publicly available data on specific hypertension care quality metrics, such as adherence to guidelines or readmission rates for hypertension-related events, is limited.

**CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on various quality measures. As of the latest available data, A.O. Fox Hospital has a **3-star rating**. While this indicates a generally acceptable level of care, it's important to remember that this is a composite score. A deeper dive into specific areas, such as those related to cardiovascular health, is needed to fully assess its hypertension care.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a significant consideration, especially in a medical emergency. Publicly available data on ER wait times for A.O. Fox Hospital can fluctuate. It's recommended to check up-to-date wait times through online portals or by contacting the hospital directly. Shorter wait times generally suggest more efficient emergency care delivery.

**Specialty Centers and Cardiology:**

A.O. Fox Hospital has a cardiology department, offering services relevant to hypertension management. The availability of cardiologists, access to diagnostic tools like echocardiograms and stress tests, and the presence of specialized programs for heart failure or other cardiovascular conditions are all crucial factors in assessing the hospital's capacity to manage hypertension effectively. Information on the specific expertise of the cardiology staff and the range of services offered should be readily available on the hospital's website or through direct inquiry.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly for chronic conditions like hypertension. The ability to access virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and educational resources can significantly improve patient outcomes. Assessing A.O. Fox Hospital's telehealth offerings, including the availability of virtual consultations with cardiologists or primary care physicians, remote blood pressure monitoring programs, and patient education materials, is essential.

**Binghamton Hospitals: Expanding the Scope**

For residents willing to travel, hospitals in Binghamton, NY, offer a broader range of options. **United Health Services (UHS) Hospitals**, including **UHS Wilson Medical Center** and **UHS Binghamton General Hospital**, are the primary providers in the area.

**UHS Wilson Medical Center:**

UHS Wilson Medical Center is a larger facility than A.O. Fox Hospital and often provides a wider array of services.

**CMS Star Ratings:** UHS Wilson Medical Center has a **3-star rating**.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times at UHS Wilson Medical Center vary but are generally available through online portals.

**Specialty Centers and Cardiology:** UHS Wilson Medical Center has a robust cardiology department. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, and cardiac surgery. This expanded scope of services can be advantageous for individuals with complex hypertension cases or related cardiovascular issues.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** UHS Hospitals, including Wilson Medical Center, have invested in telehealth initiatives. They likely offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring programs, and access to patient education resources. Details on specific telehealth services should be available on the UHS website.

**UHS Binghamton General Hospital:**

UHS Binghamton General Hospital also offers healthcare services.

**CMS Star Ratings:** UHS Binghamton General Hospital has a **3-star rating**.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times at UHS Binghamton General Hospital vary but are generally available through online portals.

**Specialty Centers and Cardiology:** UHS Binghamton General Hospital also has a cardiology department.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** UHS Hospitals, including Binghamton General Hospital, have invested in telehealth initiatives. They likely offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring programs, and access to patient education resources. Details on specific telehealth services should be available on the UHS website.

**Other Considerations: Beyond the Hospitals**

Beyond hospital-based care, several other factors influence hypertension management:

* **Primary Care Physicians:** The role of a primary care physician (PCP) is crucial in managing hypertension. Regular check-ups, medication management, and lifestyle counseling are essential. The availability of PCPs accepting new patients in the 13849 area is a critical factor.
* **Specialist Referrals:** Access to specialists, such as cardiologists, nephrologists (kidney specialists), and endocrinologists (hormone specialists), is important for complex cases. The ease of referral processes and the availability of specialists within the local healthcare network are essential.
* **Pharmacy Access:** Convenient access to pharmacies for medication refills is crucial for medication adherence. The proximity of pharmacies and the availability of mail-order pharmacy services should be considered.
* **Community Resources:** Support groups, educational programs, and resources for healthy living can play a vital role in managing hypertension. The availability of such resources in the 13849 area should be assessed.

**Assessing the "Hypertension Score" – A Synthesis**

Calculating a precise "Hypertension Score" requires a comprehensive dataset, including hospital-specific performance metrics for hypertension care. However, based on the available information, a preliminary assessment can be made.

* **A.O. Fox Hospital:** The hospital's 3-star rating, the presence of a cardiology department, and the availability of telehealth services suggest a baseline level of care. However, the limited availability of specific hypertension-related performance data makes a definitive assessment difficult.
* **UHS Hospitals (Binghamton):** The larger size and broader range of services offered by UHS Hospitals, including a comprehensive cardiology department at UHS Wilson Medical Center, likely provide a more robust environment for managing hypertension. The availability of telehealth services further enhances their appeal.

**Recommendations and Further Research:**

Residents of ZIP code 13849 with hypertension should:

1. **Consult with their primary care physician:** Discuss their individual needs and preferences.
2. **Research hospital-specific data:** Gather information on cardiology services, telehealth options, and ER wait times.
3. **Explore UHS Hospitals:** Consider the potential benefits of the broader services offered by UHS Hospitals in Binghamton.
4. **Inquire about specific hypertension programs:** Ask about programs focused on hypertension management, patient education, and support.
5. **Assess telehealth options:** Determine the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and patient education resources.
6. **Investigate community resources:** Explore local support groups, educational programs, and resources for healthy living.

Further research should focus on:

* **Obtaining specific hypertension-related performance data:** This includes data on adherence to guidelines, readmission rates, and patient satisfaction.
* **Evaluating the expertise of cardiologists:** Research the specific expertise and experience of cardiologists at each hospital.
* **Assessing the availability of specialized programs:** Investigate the availability of programs for heart failure, cardiac rehabilitation, and other relevant conditions.
* **Analyzing patient reviews and testimonials:** Gather insights from patients who have received care for hypertension at each hospital.

This review provides a starting point for evaluating the healthcare landscape near ZIP code 13849 for individuals with hypertension. By conducting thorough research and consulting with healthcare professionals, residents can make informed decisions about their care.