11743, Huntington, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 11743, Huntington, New York is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 11743 (Suffolk County, NY)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of ZIP code 11743 (Holbrook, NY, and surrounding areas in Suffolk County), access to quality medical care is a critical concern. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of the hospitals in the vicinity, focusing on key metrics to help inform healthcare decisions. This is not an endorsement of any particular facility, but rather a data-driven overview.

**Understanding the Landscape**

The primary hospitals serving 11743 residents are located within a reasonable driving distance, offering a range of services. These include large, established institutions and smaller, specialized facilities. Proximity to New York City, while accessible, often means longer travel times and potential traffic congestion. This review considers hospitals within a 20-mile radius, recognizing that emergency situations may necessitate closer options.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a publicly available measure of quality. These ratings are based on a variety of factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. It's important to remember that these ratings are just one data point and shouldn't be the sole determinant of hospital choice.

**Stony Brook University Hospital** is a major regional medical center, a Level I Trauma Center, and the flagship hospital of Stony Brook Medicine. It consistently ranks highly in various national surveys and is a significant healthcare provider for the region. Its CMS star rating fluctuates, so it's crucial to check the most recent data on the CMS Hospital Compare website. The hospital has a wide range of specialized centers, including a renowned cancer center, heart institute, and comprehensive stroke center.

**Catholic Health’s Good Samaritan Hospital** in West Islip, a short drive from 11743, is another major player. It offers a comprehensive range of services and is known for its strong community presence. Like Stony Brook, its CMS star rating is subject to change, so it's essential to consult the latest CMS data. Good Samaritan has a strong reputation for its cardiac and orthopedic services.

**Other Important Considerations: ER Wait Times**

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor, especially in urgent situations. These times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and overall patient volume. While real-time data is constantly evolving, publicly available sources like the Healthgrades website and individual hospital websites often provide estimated wait times.

**Stony Brook University Hospital’s** ER, as a Level I Trauma Center, handles a high volume of patients. Consequently, wait times can sometimes be longer than at smaller facilities. However, the hospital is equipped to handle the most critical emergencies.

**Good Samaritan Hospital** typically reports wait times that are competitive with other hospitals in the area. However, it's essential to check current estimates before heading to the ER.

**Specialty Centers and Services**

Beyond general care, the availability of specialized services is a key consideration. Patients with specific medical needs will want to assess the strengths of each hospital in their area.

**Stony Brook University Hospital** boasts a wide array of specialty centers. Its Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute-designated facility, offering cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials. The Heart Institute provides comprehensive cardiac care, including advanced procedures. The hospital's stroke center is also highly regarded.

**Good Samaritan Hospital** has a strong reputation for its cardiac and orthopedic services. Its cardiac program includes advanced interventions, and its orthopedic department offers a range of surgical and non-surgical treatments.

**Telehealth and Digital Health Initiatives**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially for follow-up appointments, consultations, and remote monitoring. The availability and accessibility of telehealth services vary between hospitals.

**Stony Brook Medicine** has actively embraced telehealth, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring programs. This can be a significant advantage for patients who live at a distance or have mobility issues. Check the Stony Brook Medicine website for current telehealth offerings.

**Good Samaritan Hospital** has also expanded its telehealth capabilities, providing virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring. The hospital's website provides details on available telehealth services.

**Hospital-Specific Data and Performance Metrics**

Beyond CMS star ratings, other performance metrics provide valuable insights. These include patient satisfaction scores, readmission rates, and infection control measures.

**Stony Brook University Hospital** publishes data on its website, including patient satisfaction surveys and readmission rates. This data provides insights into the patient experience and the effectiveness of care.

**Good Samaritan Hospital** also provides performance data, including patient satisfaction scores and infection control metrics. Reviewing this data can help patients assess the quality of care.

**Access to Care and Insurance Considerations**

The ability to access care is heavily influenced by insurance coverage and network affiliations. Patients should confirm that their insurance plan is accepted by the hospitals they are considering.

**Stony Brook University Hospital** accepts a wide range of insurance plans, but it's crucial to verify coverage with your insurance provider.

**Good Samaritan Hospital** also accepts a broad range of insurance plans. Always verify coverage with your insurance provider before seeking care.

**Community Health and Wellness Programs**

Many hospitals offer community health and wellness programs. These programs can include health screenings, educational workshops, and support groups.

**Stony Brook Medicine** is actively involved in community outreach, offering various health education programs and screenings.

**Good Samaritan Hospital** also provides community health initiatives, including health screenings and educational programs.

**Comparing the Options: A Summary**

**Stony Brook University Hospital** offers a comprehensive range of services, including a Level I Trauma Center and specialized centers for cancer, heart disease, and stroke. It’s a major teaching hospital and research institution. However, ER wait times can be longer due to high patient volume.

**Good Samaritan Hospital** provides a strong community presence and is well-regarded for its cardiac and orthopedic services. It offers a comprehensive range of services and is generally more accessible.

**Other Hospitals to Consider (Beyond the Primary):**

While the focus is on the closest options, other hospitals within a reasonable driving distance could be considered, depending on specific needs. These include hospitals in Nassau County, such as North Shore University Hospital, and other hospitals within the Catholic Health system.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

* **Stony Brook University Hospital:** High marks for comprehensive services, specialized centers, and research capabilities. Potential drawbacks include potentially longer ER wait times.
* **Good Samaritan Hospital:** Strong community presence, good reputation for cardiac and orthopedic services. Generally more accessible.
* **Other hospitals:** Consider based on specific needs and insurance coverage.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing a hospital is a personal decision. Residents of 11743 have access to a range of healthcare options. Thorough research, including a review of CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth offerings, is essential. Consider your individual healthcare needs, insurance coverage, and preferences when making your choice. This review provides a framework for evaluating the available options and making an informed decision. Remember to always consult with your primary care physician for personalized recommendations.