11735, Farmingdale, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 11735, Farmingdale, New York is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Decoding the Health Landscape: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 11735

Navigating the healthcare system can feel like traversing a complex maze. For residents of ZIP code 11735 (Commack, New York, and surrounding areas), understanding the local hospital landscape is crucial for informed healthcare decisions. This review delves into the key players, offering a fact-rich overview of their strengths, weaknesses, and overall health scores, aiming to provide a clear picture of the available options.

**The Flagship Institutions: A Deep Dive**

The titans of the healthcare scene near 11735 are primarily clustered around the larger towns and cities. These flagship hospitals often boast a wider range of services and a more established reputation.

**Stony Brook University Hospital (Stony Brook, NY):** As a major academic medical center, Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) holds significant sway in the region. It's a Level I Trauma Center, a critical designation for handling the most severe injuries and emergencies. SBUH is also home to a comprehensive cancer center, a heart institute, and a robust transplant program. Its commitment to research and innovation is evident in its numerous clinical trials and cutting-edge treatments. While specific ER wait times fluctuate, SBUH generally experiences moderate wait times, often reflecting the high volume of patients it serves. SBUH is a large hospital with a high volume of patients, so wait times can be longer than smaller hospitals. The hospital’s CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star rating, a key indicator of overall quality, provides an objective assessment of its performance. The hospital's telehealth offerings have expanded, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, providing virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring.

**North Shore University Hospital (Manhasset, NY):** Located further west, North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) is a prominent member of the Northwell Health system. This hospital is known for its strong cardiology program, advanced surgical capabilities, and comprehensive women's health services. NSUH is a major referral center, drawing patients from a wide geographic area. Its ER generally experiences moderate wait times, but this can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the cases. The hospital's CMS star rating reflects its overall performance across various quality metrics. Northwell Health has invested heavily in telehealth, offering a wide range of virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring options.

**Huntington Hospital (Huntington, NY):** A bit closer to 11735, Huntington Hospital, part of the Northwell Health system, provides a more localized option. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including a strong maternity program, a dedicated cancer center, and a robust surgical department. Huntington Hospital's ER wait times are typically shorter than those of the larger academic centers, making it a potentially quicker option for urgent care needs. The hospital's CMS star rating provides a valuable benchmark for its quality performance. Huntington Hospital has also expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments.

**Other Notable Hospitals:**

**Southside Hospital (Bay Shore, NY):** Another Northwell Health facility, Southside Hospital, offers a range of services with a focus on community-based care. It has a strong cardiac program and a well-regarded maternity ward. ER wait times are generally moderate.

**Good Samaritan Hospital (West Islip, NY):** Good Samaritan Hospital, part of Catholic Health, is a regional hospital providing a broad range of services. It is known for its cardiac care and emergency services. ER wait times are typically moderate.

**Understanding Key Metrics: CMS Star Ratings and Beyond**

The CMS star rating system is a crucial tool for evaluating hospital performance. It assigns a star rating (from one to five stars) based on a hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, mortality rates, readmission rates, and patient experience. While not a perfect measure, the CMS star rating provides a valuable, objective benchmark for comparing hospitals.

Beyond the CMS star rating, other factors are essential to consider. ER wait times, while fluctuating, provide a snapshot of how quickly patients can be seen in an emergency. Specialty centers, such as cancer centers, heart institutes, and orthopedic departments, indicate the depth of expertise available for specific medical needs. Telehealth offerings are becoming increasingly important, offering patients convenient access to care, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**ER Wait Times: A Dynamic Landscape**

ER wait times are a critical factor for patients needing immediate medical attention. These times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, the day of the week, and the severity of the cases presenting at the ER. Online tools and hospital websites often provide real-time or estimated wait times, allowing patients to make informed decisions about where to seek care. It's important to remember that these are estimates, and actual wait times can differ.

**Specialty Centers: Tailored Expertise**

The presence of specialized centers is a key indicator of a hospital's ability to provide comprehensive care. Cancer centers, for example, offer advanced treatments, clinical trials, and supportive services for patients battling cancer. Heart institutes provide specialized cardiology care, including diagnostic procedures, interventional cardiology, and cardiac surgery. Orthopedic departments offer expertise in musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has rapidly expanded in recent years, offering patients virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and access to specialists regardless of their location. This technology can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and chronic disease management. Many hospitals near 11735 have embraced telehealth, providing patients with convenient and accessible care options.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

Creating an "Overall Health Score" is complex, as it requires weighing various factors. However, based on the available information, a general assessment can be made for the hospitals near 11735:

* **Stony Brook University Hospital:** Scores highly due to its academic prowess, Level I Trauma Center designation, comprehensive specialty centers, and commitment to research. However, its large size and high patient volume can lead to longer wait times.
* **North Shore University Hospital:** Earns high marks for its strong cardiology program, advanced surgical capabilities, and extensive network.
* **Huntington Hospital:** Provides a solid option with a more community-focused approach, shorter ER wait times, and a good range of services.
* **Southside Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital:** Offer valuable services within their communities, with moderate ER wait times.

**Making Informed Choices:**

Choosing the right hospital is a personal decision. Residents of 11735 should consider their individual needs, preferences, and the specific services they require. Researching each hospital's CMS star rating, ER wait times, specialty offerings, and telehealth capabilities is crucial. Consulting with primary care physicians and specialists can also provide valuable guidance. By carefully evaluating these factors, residents can make informed choices that best support their health and well-being. Remember to check the latest information on hospital websites and other reliable sources for the most up-to-date details.