11351, Flushing, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 11351, Flushing, New York is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Flushing, NY (ZIP Code 11351)

Choosing a hospital is a crucial decision, especially in a densely populated area like Flushing, New York (ZIP code 11351). This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like quality of care, accessibility, specialized services, and patient experience. We'll delve into the strengths and weaknesses of the major hospitals in the vicinity, offering insights to help you make informed healthcare choices.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Proximity**

The healthcare landscape near 11351 is dominated by a few major players, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Proximity is a significant factor, influencing both convenience and emergency response times. While specific distances can fluctuate based on traffic and location within the ZIP code, the hospitals discussed are generally accessible within a reasonable timeframe.

**NewYork-Presbyterian Queens (Flushing): A Flagship with Strengths**

NewYork-Presbyterian Queens (NYPQ), located directly within Flushing, is a major contender. It's a teaching hospital affiliated with Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University, offering a wide range of services. NYPQ holds a respectable 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), indicating a generally good performance in areas like patient outcomes and safety.

NYPQ boasts a comprehensive emergency department, handling a high volume of patients. However, ER wait times can be a concern, often fluctuating depending on the time of day and overall patient load. Data from the CMS Hospital Compare website provides publicly available information on these wait times, allowing for comparison. It's important to check the most recent data before making a decision.

NYPQ excels in several specialty areas. Its cardiology program is well-regarded, and it offers advanced cardiac care, including interventional procedures. The hospital also has a strong cancer center, providing comprehensive treatment options and access to clinical trials. Additionally, NYPQ has a dedicated women's health center, addressing a range of needs.

**Mount Sinai Queens (Long Island City): A Growing Presence**

Mount Sinai Queens, located in Long Island City (a short distance from Flushing), is another significant option. It’s part of the larger Mount Sinai Health System, known for its extensive network and research capabilities. The hospital has earned a 3-star rating from CMS, reflecting areas for improvement.

Mount Sinai Queens has made significant investments in its facilities and services in recent years, aiming to expand its reach and capabilities. Its emergency department is another important resource for the community, but like other hospitals in the area, ER wait times can vary.

Mount Sinai Queens offers specialized services, including a robust cardiology program and a cancer center. It also has a strong focus on primary care, providing a network of physicians to serve the local population.

**Flushing Hospital Medical Center: A Community-Focused Option**

Flushing Hospital Medical Center, also located within Flushing, is a community-focused hospital. It serves a diverse patient population and provides a wide range of services. The hospital has a 2-star rating from CMS, indicating some areas for improvement in quality measures.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s emergency department is a crucial resource for the immediate community. However, as with other hospitals, ER wait times can be a factor.

The hospital offers a variety of specialty services, including cardiology, surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology. It is known for its commitment to serving the local population and providing accessible healthcare.

**Long Island Jewish Medical Center (New Hyde Park): A Regional Powerhouse**

While technically outside of the immediate 11351 ZIP code, Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJ), located in New Hyde Park, is a major regional hospital and a viable option for residents. It's part of Northwell Health, a large and well-regarded health system. LIJ boasts a 4-star CMS rating.

LIJ is a major tertiary care center, offering a comprehensive range of services, including specialized treatments and advanced technologies. Its emergency department is a high-volume facility, capable of handling complex medical cases. ER wait times can fluctuate but are generally comparable to other major hospitals in the area.

LIJ is known for its specialized centers, including its cancer institute, heart institute, and transplant center. It also has a strong reputation for its neurosurgery and neurology programs.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially in recent years. All of the hospitals mentioned offer telehealth services to varying degrees. These services can include virtual consultations with physicians, remote monitoring of patients, and access to educational resources. The availability and scope of telehealth services can vary by hospital and by specialty. Checking the hospital websites or contacting the facilities directly is recommended to determine the specific telehealth offerings.

**Patient Experience: Beyond the Numbers**

While CMS star ratings and wait times are important metrics, patient experience is also crucial. Factors such as communication with doctors and nurses, cleanliness of the facilities, and the overall feeling of care and support can significantly impact a patient's experience. Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), provide valuable insights into patient perspectives. These surveys are publicly available and can help you gauge the patient experience at each hospital.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

ER wait times are a key factor, especially in emergency situations. These times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, the day of the week, and the overall patient load. The CMS Hospital Compare website provides data on average ER wait times for each hospital. This data is a helpful tool for making informed decisions, but remember that individual experiences can vary.

**Specialty Centers: Tailoring Your Needs**

The availability of specialized centers is another crucial consideration. If you have a specific medical need, such as cardiac care, cancer treatment, or neurological services, it's essential to choose a hospital with a strong program in that area. All of the hospitals discussed offer various specialty centers, but the specific expertise and resources can vary. Researching the specific programs and the experience of the physicians is recommended.

**Accessibility and Insurance Coverage**

Accessibility is another important factor. Consider the ease of getting to each hospital, including transportation options and parking availability. Insurance coverage is also critical. Verify that the hospital accepts your insurance plan and that the specific services you need are covered.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

Based on the factors discussed, here's a general overview of the "Overall Health Score" for the hospitals near 11351:

* **NewYork-Presbyterian Queens:** Generally strong, with a good CMS rating and a wide range of services. ER wait times can be a concern.
* **Mount Sinai Queens:** Growing and improving, with a focus on expanding services. CMS rating indicates areas for improvement.
* **Flushing Hospital Medical Center:** Community-focused, with a wide range of services. CMS rating indicates areas for improvement.
* **Long Island Jewish Medical Center:** A regional powerhouse with a strong reputation and a good CMS rating. Located slightly outside of the immediate ZIP code.

**Making Your Choice**

Choosing the right hospital is a personal decision. Consider your individual healthcare needs, preferences, and priorities. Research the hospitals in your area, review their CMS ratings and patient satisfaction scores, and consider the availability of specialized services. Don't hesitate to contact the hospitals directly to ask questions and gather more information. By carefully weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the hospital that best meets your needs. Remember to check the most recent data on ER wait times and other key metrics before making your final decision.