07620, Alpine, New Jersey Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 07620, Alpine, New Jersey is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Navigating Healthcare in the Closter, NJ Area: An Overall Health Score Review

Finding the right hospital can be a daunting task. This review provides an overall health score assessment for hospitals near the 07620 ZIP code (Closter, New Jersey), considering factors like quality of care, accessibility, and patient experience. This information is intended to empower informed healthcare decisions, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The healthcare landscape surrounding Closter, NJ, is primarily influenced by its proximity to New York City. Residents have access to a diverse range of hospitals, from community institutions to renowned academic medical centers. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, acknowledging the importance of both local convenience and access to specialized care.

**Key Considerations in Scoring:**

The "Overall Health Score" is a composite assessment, factoring in several key metrics:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system (1-5 stars) based on quality measures, patient experience, and efficiency. These ratings offer a valuable, albeit imperfect, benchmark.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Measured from patient arrival to provider assessment, this is a crucial indicator of accessibility and efficiency. Data is sourced from public reporting and may fluctuate.
* **Specialty Centers:** The availability and quality of specialized services (e.g., cardiology, oncology, orthopedics) are critical for comprehensive care.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Telehealth options are increasingly important for convenient access to care.
* **Accreditation and Awards:** Accreditation from organizations like The Joint Commission and awards from reputable sources indicate adherence to high standards.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient feedback, often gathered through surveys like HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems), provides insight into the patient experience.
* **Physician Availability and Reputation:** The quality of the medical staff is paramount.
* **Cost and Insurance Acceptance:** While complex, understanding cost structures and insurance acceptance is vital.
* **Community Health Needs Assessments:** Hospitals are required to conduct these assessments, which highlight the specific healthcare needs of the community they serve.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Scores:**

**1. Englewood Hospital (Englewood, NJ): Overall Health Score: 8.5/10**

Englewood Hospital is a prominent regional healthcare provider, located a short drive from Closter. It consistently receives high marks for quality of care and patient experience.

* **CMS Star Rating:** 4 stars. This reflects strong performance in various quality metrics.
* **ER Wait Times:** Typically moderate, with average wait times often below the national average. Real-time wait times are available online.
* **Specialty Centers:** Englewood Hospital boasts robust specialty centers, including a renowned cardiac center, a comprehensive cancer center, and advanced surgical services.
* **Telehealth:** Englewood Hospital offers a range of telehealth services, including virtual visits and remote monitoring.
* **Accreditation:** Fully accredited by The Joint Commission.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Generally positive, with above-average scores on patient satisfaction surveys.
* **Community Health:** Actively involved in community health initiatives, addressing local needs.
* **Cost and Insurance:** Accepts a wide range of insurance plans.

**2. Hackensack University Medical Center (Hackensack, NJ): Overall Health Score: 9/10**

Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) is a large, academic medical center and a flagship of the Hackensack Meridian Health network. It offers a broad spectrum of services and is often at the forefront of medical innovation.

* **CMS Star Rating:** 3 stars. This score can be influenced by the complexity of cases handled.
* **ER Wait Times:** Can vary, often longer than smaller community hospitals due to the high volume of patients. Real-time wait times are available online.
* **Specialty Centers:** HUMC excels in numerous specialties, including cardiology, neurosurgery, cancer care (John Theurer Cancer Center), and transplant services. It is a major teaching hospital.
* **Telehealth:** Extensive telehealth programs are available, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring.
* **Accreditation:** Accredited by The Joint Commission and holds numerous awards and recognitions.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores are generally good, though can vary depending on the department.
* **Community Health:** Actively involved in community health initiatives and research.
* **Cost and Insurance:** Accepts a wide range of insurance plans.

**3. Holy Name Medical Center (Teaneck, NJ): Overall Health Score: 8/10**

Holy Name Medical Center is a Catholic hospital located near Closter. It is known for its commitment to patient-centered care and its comprehensive services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** 3 stars.
* **ER Wait Times:** Generally moderate, with wait times often competitive with other hospitals in the area.
* **Specialty Centers:** Holy Name has strong programs in cardiology, oncology, and women's health.
* **Telehealth:** Offers telehealth services, including virtual visits.
* **Accreditation:** Accredited by The Joint Commission.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores are generally positive.
* **Community Health:** Actively involved in community outreach programs.
* **Cost and Insurance:** Accepts a wide range of insurance plans.

**4. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (New York, NY) - (Multiple Locations): Overall Health Score: 9.5/10 (For specific locations, score may vary)**

While located in New York City, NewYork-Presbyterian is a leading hospital system with multiple campuses that are within reasonable driving distance of Closter, particularly the Allen Hospital location. It is affiliated with both Columbia and Cornell Universities.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Varies by location, but generally high.
* **ER Wait Times:** Can be longer, especially at peak times. Real-time wait times are available online.
* **Specialty Centers:** Exceptional specialty centers, including world-renowned programs in cardiology, cancer, neurology, and transplant services.
* **Telehealth:** Offers extensive telehealth services, including virtual consultations.
* **Accreditation:** Accredited by The Joint Commission and holds numerous awards and recognitions.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction is generally high.
* **Community Health:** Actively involved in community health initiatives.
* **Cost and Insurance:** Accepts a wide range of insurance plans, but it is crucial to verify coverage.

**5. Valley Health System (Ridgewood, NJ): Overall Health Score: 7.5/10**

The Valley Health System is a community hospital system with multiple locations, including a main campus in Ridgewood.

* **CMS Star Rating:** 3 stars.
* **ER Wait Times:** Generally moderate.
* **Specialty Centers:** Offers a range of specialty services, including cardiac care, cancer care, and orthopedics.
* **Telehealth:** Offers telehealth services.
* **Accreditation:** Accredited by The Joint Commission.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores are generally positive.
* **Community Health:** Actively involved in community outreach programs.
* **Cost and Insurance:** Accepts a wide range of insurance plans.

**Beyond the Flagships:**

Several other hospitals are worth considering, depending on specific needs:

* **Palisades Medical Center (North Bergen, NJ):** Offers a range of services and is often a convenient option for residents in the southern part of the area.
* **CarePoint Health (Various Locations):** Offers a network of hospitals and urgent care centers.

**Telehealth Trends:**

Telehealth is rapidly expanding. Hospitals near Closter are increasingly offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services. This trend is particularly important for routine follow-ups, chronic disease management, and mental health services. Patients should inquire about telehealth options when selecting a provider.

**Emergency Room Considerations:**

ER wait times are a crucial factor. While data is publicly available, it is dynamic. Checking real-time wait times online before heading to the ER is highly recommended. Consider the severity of the condition; for life-threatening emergencies, immediate transport to the nearest ER is paramount.

**Patient Experience:**

Patient satisfaction is a key indicator of quality. Review patient reviews and consider the hospital's overall reputation. The HCAHPS survey provides valuable insights into the patient experience.

**Cost and Insurance:**

Healthcare costs can vary significantly. Verify insurance coverage and understand the hospital's billing practices. Many hospitals offer financial assistance programs.

**Community Health Needs:**

Hospitals are required to conduct community health needs assessments. These assessments highlight the specific health needs of the local population and can inform healthcare decisions.

**Conclusion:**

The hospitals near Closter, NJ, offer a diverse range of healthcare options. Englewood Hospital and Hackensack University Medical Center are strong contenders, offering comprehensive services and high-quality care. NewYork-Presbyterian provides access to world-class specialists. Holy Name Medical Center and the Valley Health System are also viable options. The best choice depends on individual needs, insurance coverage, and preferences. Thorough research, including consideration of the factors outlined in this review, will help residents make informed healthcare decisions. It is always recommended to consult with a primary care physician for personalized recommendations.