11720, Centereach, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 11720, Centereach, New York is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near 11720

Living near ZIP code 11720, encompassing the heart of Commack, New York, provides residents access to a diverse range of healthcare options. This review delves into the performance of nearby hospitals, offering an "Overall Health Score" assessment based on factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty center offerings, and telehealth availability. This information will help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals, providing a snapshot of their overall quality. These ratings consider various factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. A higher star rating generally indicates better performance.

One of the most prominent hospitals serving the 11720 area is **St. Catherine of Siena Hospital** in Smithtown. As of the latest data, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital holds a respectable CMS star rating. This rating reflects its performance across various clinical areas. The hospital is a member of Catholic Health Services of Long Island, a large network, which can be an advantage for coordination of care.

Another significant player is **Stony Brook University Hospital**, located further east in Stony Brook. Stony Brook University Hospital is a major academic medical center, often associated with cutting-edge research and specialized care. It also boasts a CMS star rating, and its performance is closely watched due to its affiliation with a major university. The hospital’s reputation for research and innovation often attracts patients seeking advanced treatments.

**Emergency Room Performance: Wait Times and Patient Flow**

Emergency room (ER) wait times are a critical factor for patients needing immediate care. Shorter wait times can significantly impact patient outcomes and satisfaction. The availability of real-time wait time information is becoming increasingly common, allowing patients to make informed decisions about where to seek care.

St. Catherine of Siena Hospital generally reports average ER wait times. These times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the overall patient volume. Patients should always call ahead or check online resources for the most up-to-date information.

Stony Brook University Hospital, due to its larger size and higher patient volume, may experience longer ER wait times at times. However, the hospital is equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies and often has specialized teams available.

**Specialty Centers: Access to Specialized Care**

The availability of specialized centers is crucial for patients with specific medical needs. These centers often focus on particular areas of medicine, such as cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health.

St. Catherine of Siena Hospital offers a range of specialty services. It has a well-regarded cardiac care program, including interventional cardiology and electrophysiology. It also has a cancer center, providing comprehensive cancer treatment and support services. The hospital's orthopedic services are also noteworthy, offering surgical and non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions.

Stony Brook University Hospital excels in specialty care. Its Heart Institute is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiovascular disease. The hospital's Cancer Center is a major regional resource, offering advanced treatments and clinical trials. Stony Brook also has a highly regarded neurosurgery department and a comprehensive transplant program. Its pediatric services are extensive, including a dedicated children's hospital.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in recent years. It allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online therapy.

Both St. Catherine of Siena Hospital and Stony Brook University Hospital offer telehealth services. These services may include virtual visits with primary care physicians, specialists, and therapists. The availability of telehealth can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, or those seeking convenient access to care.

**Other Important Considerations**

Beyond the factors already mentioned, several other elements contribute to a hospital's overall health score.

* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), provide valuable insights into patient experiences. These surveys assess factors like communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and the overall hospital environment.

* **Hospital Safety:** Hospital safety is a paramount concern. Hospitals are assessed on their performance in preventing infections, medication errors, and other adverse events.

* **Community Health Needs:** Hospitals often conduct community health needs assessments to identify the health priorities of the populations they serve. This information helps hospitals tailor their services and programs to address specific community needs.

**Detailed Analysis of Individual Hospitals**

**St. Catherine of Siena Hospital:**

* **Strengths:** Strong cardiac care program, well-established cancer center, convenient location for Commack residents.
* **Weaknesses:** May have fewer advanced specialty services compared to a major academic center.
* **Overall Health Score:** Solid, providing a good range of services for the local community.

**Stony Brook University Hospital:**

* **Strengths:** Highly specialized services, including a nationally recognized heart institute and cancer center, cutting-edge research, and a comprehensive transplant program.
* **Weaknesses:** May experience longer ER wait times at times, and can be further away for some Commack residents.
* **Overall Health Score:** Excellent, particularly for patients needing specialized or advanced care.

**Additional Healthcare Options**

Besides the flagship hospitals, residents near 11720 have access to other healthcare facilities:

* **Long Island Community Hospital (formerly Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center):** Located further east, it offers a range of services and may be a convenient option for some residents.
* **Numerous Urgent Care Centers:** Several urgent care centers are located in and around Commack, providing convenient access to care for non-life-threatening conditions.
* **Private Practices:** A wide array of private practices, including primary care physicians and specialists, serve the area.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Healthcare Choices**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare near 11720 is positive, with a range of options available to meet diverse needs. Residents should consider their individual health needs, insurance coverage, and preferences when selecting a healthcare provider. Researching hospital ratings, ER wait times, specialty center offerings, and telehealth availability is crucial. Consulting with primary care physicians and specialists can also help guide patients toward the most appropriate healthcare choices. Staying informed and proactive in managing one's health is essential for overall well-being.