11369, East Elmhurst, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 11369, East Elmhurst, New York is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near ZIP Code 11369

Navigating the healthcare landscape can feel overwhelming. This review offers an in-depth look at the hospital options available near ZIP code 11369 (Jackson Heights, Queens, NY), providing an "Overall Health Score" assessment based on a range of factors including quality metrics, accessibility, and patient experience. This analysis aims to empower residents with the information needed to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Proximity**

The immediate vicinity of 11369 is well-served by several hospitals, with varying strengths and specializations. Proximity is a crucial factor in healthcare access, influencing everything from emergency response times to convenience for routine appointments. The following hospitals are considered in this review, with their approximate distances from the center of 11369:

* **Elmhurst Hospital Center (approx. 2 miles):** A major public hospital within the NYC Health + Hospitals system.
* **Mount Sinai Queens (approx. 2 miles):** A community hospital affiliated with the Mount Sinai Health System.
* **NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens (approx. 3 miles):** A leading hospital affiliated with Weill Cornell Medicine.
* **Long Island Jewish Medical Center (approx. 5 miles):** A large, tertiary care hospital within the Northwell Health system.
* **Flushing Hospital Medical Center (approx. 3 miles):** A community hospital.

**Quality Metrics: CMS Star Ratings and Beyond**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a valuable benchmark for hospital quality through its Star Ratings program. These ratings, based on a variety of quality measures, offer a readily understandable overview of a hospital's performance. It's important to remember that the CMS ratings are just one piece of the puzzle, and should be considered alongside other factors.

* **Elmhurst Hospital Center:** As a public hospital, Elmhurst Hospital Center is not currently rated by CMS. However, it is important to note that public hospitals often serve a disproportionately vulnerable population and may face unique challenges.
* **Mount Sinai Queens:** Mount Sinai Queens currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This indicates average performance compared to other hospitals nationally.
* **NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens:** NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens consistently receives high ratings from CMS. It currently holds a 4-star rating, reflecting strong performance across multiple quality domains.
* **Long Island Jewish Medical Center:** Long Island Jewish Medical Center is rated 3 stars by CMS.
* **Flushing Hospital Medical Center:** Flushing Hospital Medical Center is not rated by CMS.

Beyond CMS ratings, other quality indicators are important. These include:

* **Hospital Compare:** CMS's Hospital Compare website provides detailed information on specific quality measures, such as readmission rates, infection control, and patient safety.
* **Leapfrog Group:** The Leapfrog Group, a non-profit organization, assesses hospitals on safety and quality, offering a letter grade based on a variety of metrics.
* **Specialty-Specific Rankings:** U.S. News & World Report publishes annual rankings of hospitals in various specialties, providing insights into centers of excellence for specific conditions or procedures.

**Emergency Room Performance: Wait Times and Accessibility**

Emergency room (ER) wait times are a critical factor in healthcare access, especially in urgent situations. Shorter wait times can translate to better outcomes. Data on ER wait times is often available through hospital websites or through the CMS Hospital Compare website. However, it is important to note that wait times can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the overall patient volume.

* **Elmhurst Hospital Center:** Elmhurst Hospital Center, as a major trauma center, typically experiences high ER volumes. Wait times can vary, but are often longer than at smaller facilities.
* **Mount Sinai Queens:** Mount Sinai Queens, being a community hospital, may have slightly shorter ER wait times compared to larger facilities.
* **NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens:** NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens' ER wait times can vary.
* **Long Island Jewish Medical Center:** Long Island Jewish Medical Center, a larger hospital, may have longer ER wait times.
* **Flushing Hospital Medical Center:** Flushing Hospital Medical Center may have shorter ER wait times.

**Specialty Centers: Expertise in Specific Areas**

Many hospitals offer specialized centers for specific medical needs. These centers often boast advanced technology, experienced specialists, and dedicated resources.

* **Cardiology:** NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens and Long Island Jewish Medical Center have robust cardiology programs, offering comprehensive cardiac care, including interventional procedures and heart surgery.
* **Oncology:** Long Island Jewish Medical Center's Cancer Institute is a major cancer center, providing advanced cancer treatment, research, and support services. NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens also has a strong cancer program.
* **Orthopedics:** Long Island Jewish Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens have well-regarded orthopedic departments, offering a range of services from joint replacement to sports medicine.
* **Maternity:** Mount Sinai Queens, NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens, and Long Island Jewish Medical Center offer comprehensive maternity services, including labor and delivery units, prenatal care, and postpartum support.

**Telehealth and Digital Health Initiatives**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth services can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in underserved areas.

* **Mount Sinai Queens:** Mount Sinai Queens offers telehealth services, including virtual visits for primary care and certain specialty consultations.
* **NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens:** NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online access to medical records.
* **Long Island Jewish Medical Center:** Long Island Jewish Medical Center offers a wide range of telehealth services, including virtual urgent care, specialty consultations, and remote monitoring programs.
* **Elmhurst Hospital Center:** Elmhurst Hospital Center offers telehealth services.
* **Flushing Hospital Medical Center:** Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers telehealth services.

**Patient Experience: Surveys and Feedback**

Patient experience is a crucial aspect of healthcare quality. Patient satisfaction surveys, such as the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey, provide valuable insights into patients' perceptions of their care. These surveys assess factors such as communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, cleanliness of the hospital environment, and overall satisfaction.

* **Reviewing HCAHPS scores:** CMS provides HCAHPS scores for participating hospitals. These scores can be a helpful indicator of patient satisfaction.
* **Online Reviews:** Websites like Google Reviews and Healthgrades offer patient reviews and ratings, providing additional perspectives on the patient experience.
* **Word-of-Mouth:** Talking to friends, family, and neighbors who have experience with these hospitals can provide valuable anecdotal information.

**Accessibility and Insurance Coverage**

Accessibility is a critical factor in healthcare. Hospitals should be easily accessible by public transportation and offer adequate parking facilities. Insurance coverage is also a key consideration. It's essential to verify that a hospital accepts your insurance plan before seeking care.

* **Public Transportation:** All the hospitals in this review are accessible by public transportation, including the subway and buses.
* **Parking:** Parking availability and costs vary by hospital.
* **Insurance:** Contact each hospital's billing department or visit their website to verify your insurance coverage.

**Overall Health Score: A Tentative Assessment**

Based on the available data, here's a tentative "Overall Health Score" assessment for the hospitals near 11369:

* **NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens:** This hospital receives a high score due to its strong CMS star rating, robust specialty centers, and commitment to telehealth.
* **Long Island Jewish Medical Center:** This hospital also scores well, particularly for its specialty centers and telehealth offerings.
* **Mount Sinai Queens:** Mount Sinai Queens scores moderately well, with a good location and a 3-star CMS rating.
* **Elmhurst Hospital Center:** While Elmhurst Hospital Center is not rated by CMS, its role as a major public hospital and its proximity to the community are important factors.
* **Flushing Hospital Medical Center:** Flushing Hospital Medical Center is not rated by CMS.

**Important Considerations and Disclaimer**

This "Overall Health Score" is a subjective assessment based on the information available at the time of this review. Healthcare quality and patient experiences can vary, and it is essential to conduct your own research and consider your individual needs and preferences when choosing a hospital. This review is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition. Hospital ratings and performance metrics can change, so it's essential to consult the most up-to-date information from the sources cited in this review.