11549, Hempstead, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 11549, Hempstead, New York is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Levittown, NY (ZIP Code 11549)

Living near Levittown, New York, residents have a range of healthcare options, from large flagship hospitals to smaller community facilities. Assessing the quality of care requires a multi-faceted approach, considering factors like overall hospital ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and the availability of telehealth options. This review aims to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" for hospitals in close proximity to ZIP code 11549, offering insights to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings: A Cornerstone of Assessment**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star rating system is a crucial starting point for evaluating hospital quality. These ratings, ranging from one to five stars, reflect a hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. While no single rating perfectly captures the complexity of healthcare, CMS stars offer a valuable comparative tool.

One of the most prominent hospitals serving the Levittown area is **North Shore University Hospital (NSUH)**, part of Northwell Health. Located in Manhasset, it’s a major regional referral center. NSUH consistently earns high marks, frequently achieving a four-star rating from CMS. This signifies above-average performance in areas like patient outcomes and hospital safety. It's important to note that CMS ratings are dynamic and can change, so residents should always check the most current data on the CMS Hospital Compare website.

Another significant player is **St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center**, located in Roslyn. St. Francis is renowned for its cardiovascular care, and often receives a five-star rating from CMS. This high rating underscores its commitment to excellence in patient care and its strong performance across a range of quality metrics. St. Francis is a particularly strong choice for those needing specialized cardiac care.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Metric for Immediate Needs**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial consideration, especially in urgent situations. Long wait times can significantly impact patient outcomes and overall satisfaction. Hospitals near Levittown vary in their ER wait times, so it's essential to understand the typical experience.

NSUH, with its high patient volume, can experience fluctuating ER wait times. Data from sources like ProPublica's Hospital Compare tool can provide estimated wait times, but these are averages and individual experiences may vary. Checking real-time wait times on hospital websites or using apps like Google Maps can provide up-to-the-minute information.

St. Francis Hospital, while a smaller facility than NSUH, also experiences fluctuations in ER wait times. The hospital's focus on specialized care may influence the types of cases it sees, potentially affecting wait times. Again, checking online resources for current wait times is recommended.

**Specialty Centers: Accessing Specialized Expertise**

Beyond general care, the availability of specialized centers is a critical factor in evaluating a hospital's overall health score. These centers offer focused expertise in specific medical areas, providing advanced treatments and comprehensive care.

NSUH boasts a wide array of specialty centers, including centers for cancer treatment, neuroscience, and women's health. Its comprehensive approach to care makes it a strong option for patients with complex medical needs. The hospital's affiliation with Northwell Health provides access to a vast network of specialists and resources.

St. Francis Hospital excels in cardiovascular care, making it a top choice for patients with heart conditions. The hospital's dedicated heart center offers a full spectrum of services, from preventative care to advanced surgical procedures. Its reputation for excellence in this area is well-established.

**Telehealth Services: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important, especially in recent years. They offer patients convenient access to medical care, reducing the need for in-person visits and expanding access to specialists.

Both NSUH and St. Francis Hospital have embraced telehealth to varying degrees. Northwell Health, as a large health system, has invested significantly in telehealth infrastructure. Patients can access virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services through Northwell's platforms.

St. Francis Hospital also offers telehealth options, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. The availability of telehealth services can be a significant advantage for patients, especially those with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.

**Other Considerations: Patient Experience and Hospital Safety**

Beyond the core metrics, other factors contribute to a hospital's overall health score. Patient experience, as measured by surveys like the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), provides valuable insights into patient satisfaction. Hospital safety, including measures of infection rates and medication errors, is also a critical consideration.

Both NSUH and St. Francis Hospital participate in HCAHPS surveys, and their scores can be found on the CMS Hospital Compare website. These surveys assess aspects like communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and the cleanliness of the hospital environment.

**Community Hospitals and Urgent Care Centers: Local Options**

In addition to the flagship hospitals, residents of Levittown also have access to community hospitals and urgent care centers. These facilities offer a range of services, from primary care to urgent medical needs.

Local community hospitals, while perhaps not boasting the same breadth of services as the larger hospitals, can be valuable resources for routine care and less complex medical issues. Urgent care centers provide convenient access to medical care for non-life-threatening conditions, often with shorter wait times than emergency rooms.

**Specific Examples and Data Points (Note: Data is subject to change and should be verified)**

* **North Shore University Hospital (NSUH):** CMS Rating: Typically 4 stars. ER Wait Times: Variable, check online resources for real-time data. Specialty Centers: Comprehensive, including cancer, neuroscience, and women's health. Telehealth: Extensive telehealth platform through Northwell Health.
* **St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center:** CMS Rating: Often 5 stars. ER Wait Times: Variable, check online resources. Specialty Centers: Renowned for cardiovascular care. Telehealth: Offers telehealth options, particularly for follow-up appointments.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary**

Based on the factors discussed, the hospitals near Levittown, NY (ZIP code 11549) offer a range of healthcare options. NSUH, with its high CMS rating and comprehensive services, provides a strong foundation for care. St. Francis Hospital, with its specialized expertise in cardiovascular care, is a top choice for those with heart conditions. The availability of telehealth services at both hospitals further enhances access to care.

Residents should carefully consider their individual healthcare needs and preferences when choosing a hospital. Checking CMS ratings, ER wait times, and the availability of specialized services is essential. Leveraging online resources and consulting with healthcare providers will help residents make informed decisions and navigate the healthcare landscape effectively. The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near Levittown, NY, is generally high, reflecting a commitment to quality care and a range of options for residents. However, continuous monitoring of performance metrics and a proactive approach to healthcare decision-making are crucial for ensuring the best possible outcomes.