12914, Bombay, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 12914, Bombay, New York is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 12914

The Adirondack region of New York State, encompassing ZIP code 12914, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Residents and visitors alike require access to quality medical care, often in a geographically challenging environment. This review assesses the overall health scores of hospitals within a reasonable radius, focusing on key metrics such as CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities. The goal is to provide a clear, fact-based overview to inform healthcare decisions.

**Defining the Scope:**

Given the rural nature of the area, this review considers hospitals within a roughly 50-mile radius of ZIP code 12914. This includes institutions in both New York and, potentially, Vermont, depending on proximity and service availability. The analysis relies on publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and other reputable sources.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

One of the most critical indicators of hospital quality is the CMS star rating system. This system, using a scale of one to five stars, provides a standardized measure of overall hospital performance based on various quality metrics.

**Adirondack Medical Center (Saranac Lake, NY):** Adirondack Medical Center (AMC), located in Saranac Lake, NY, is a crucial healthcare provider for the region. As of the latest available data, AMC’s CMS star rating is a solid, but not exceptional, **three stars**. This rating reflects a balance of strengths and areas for improvement. While three stars indicates average performance, it's crucial to delve deeper into specific metrics to understand the hospital's strengths and weaknesses.

**Elizabethtown Community Hospital (Elizabethtown, NY):** Elizabethtown Community Hospital, another key player in the area, also holds a **three-star** rating from CMS. Like AMC, this suggests a generally average performance, with areas where the hospital excels and others that need improvement. This hospital’s role in the community is significant, offering essential services to a geographically isolated population.

**Understanding the Limitations of Star Ratings:**

It’s important to remember that CMS star ratings offer a snapshot of overall performance. They don't capture every nuance of care. Factors such as patient experience, specific disease outcomes, and access to cutting-edge treatments may not be fully reflected in the rating. Furthermore, the data used to calculate these ratings is often based on a specific timeframe, and hospital performance can fluctuate.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a critical concern for patients seeking immediate care. Long wait times can lead to patient anxiety, potentially worsen health outcomes, and strain hospital resources.

**Adirondack Medical Center:** While specific, publicly available ER wait time data for AMC can fluctuate, it is generally considered to be in line with, or slightly above, the national average for rural hospitals. Patients should anticipate potential wait times, especially during peak hours or periods of high demand.

**Elizabethtown Community Hospital:** Elizabethtown Community Hospital typically experiences shorter ER wait times compared to larger hospitals. This can be a significant advantage for patients needing urgent care. However, the availability of specialized services in the ER may be more limited compared to a larger facility.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

The availability of specialized medical services is a key factor in assessing a hospital's overall health score. Residents in the Adirondack region often require access to specialists for various conditions.

**Adirondack Medical Center:** AMC offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and oncology. The hospital is affiliated with larger healthcare networks, which can facilitate access to more specialized care, such as advanced surgical procedures or complex treatments. The hospital also has a dedicated birthing center.

**Elizabethtown Community Hospital:** Elizabethtown Community Hospital provides essential primary care and a range of general medical services. While it may not have the same breadth of specialty services as AMC, it plays a vital role in providing local access to care. Patients with complex needs may be referred to larger hospitals or specialists outside the immediate area.

**Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas where access to in-person care can be challenging. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) allows for the tracking of patients' vital signs and health data from a distance.

**Adirondack Medical Center:** AMC has actively embraced telehealth, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring programs, and other digital health services. This is particularly valuable for patients living in remote areas, providing access to specialists and follow-up care without the need for extensive travel.

**Elizabethtown Community Hospital:** Elizabethtown Community Hospital also utilizes telehealth to expand access to care. The hospital leverages technology to connect patients with specialists and provide remote monitoring services, improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of travel.

**Specific Disease Outcomes and Patient Experience:**

Beyond the general metrics, it's crucial to consider specific disease outcomes and patient experience. Publicly available data on these metrics can vary, but they provide valuable insights.

**Adirondack Medical Center:** AMC's performance in areas such as heart attack and stroke care is generally considered to be good, with efforts to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based protocols. Patient satisfaction scores, as reported in surveys, can fluctuate, but the hospital generally aims to provide a positive patient experience.

**Elizabethtown Community Hospital:** Elizabethtown Community Hospital's focus on patient-centered care often translates to positive patient experiences. The hospital's smaller size can contribute to a more personalized approach to care. Outcome data for specific conditions is generally positive, reflecting the hospital's commitment to quality.

**Access to Care and Community Health Needs:**

The availability of healthcare professionals and the overall health needs of the community are crucial considerations.

**Adirondack Medical Center:** AMC plays a central role in addressing the healthcare needs of the region. The hospital actively recruits and retains healthcare professionals. It also collaborates with community organizations to address public health concerns, such as substance abuse and chronic disease management.

**Elizabethtown Community Hospital:** Elizabethtown Community Hospital is an essential resource for the local community. The hospital works to address health disparities and provides essential services to a population that may face challenges in accessing healthcare.

**Financial Stability and Hospital Resources:**

The financial health of a hospital impacts its ability to provide quality care.

**Adirondack Medical Center:** AMC, as part of a larger healthcare system, has a degree of financial stability. This stability allows the hospital to invest in infrastructure, technology, and staff, all of which contribute to the quality of care.

**Elizabethtown Community Hospital:** Elizabethtown Community Hospital, as a smaller community hospital, must carefully manage its resources. The hospital's financial stability is crucial for its long-term viability and its ability to continue providing essential services.

**Future Trends and Developments:**

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Hospitals are adapting to changing patient needs and advancements in medical technology.

**Adirondack Medical Center:** AMC is likely to continue investing in telehealth, expanding its specialty services, and integrating advanced technologies to improve patient care. The hospital will also likely focus on population health initiatives to address the broader health needs of the community.

**Elizabethtown Community Hospital:** Elizabethtown Community Hospital will likely continue to focus on providing high-quality primary care, expanding its telehealth capabilities, and collaborating with other healthcare providers to improve access to specialized services.

**Conclusion and Overall Health Score Summary:**

The hospitals near ZIP code 12914 offer a range of healthcare services. Adirondack Medical Center, with its three-star CMS rating, provides a broader scope of specialty services and is a major regional provider. Elizabethtown Community Hospital, also with a three-star rating, offers essential care with potentially shorter ER wait times and a focus on patient-centered care. Both hospitals are embracing telehealth to improve access to care.

**Overall Health Score:**

Based on the available data and analysis, the overall health score for hospitals near ZIP code 12914 is **moderate**. While the CMS star ratings indicate average performance, the region benefits from the presence of key hospitals that provide essential services. Patients should research the specific services they need, consider factors such as ER wait times and patient experience, and consult with their primary care physicians to make informed healthcare decisions. The ongoing developments in telehealth and the commitment of local hospitals to improving patient outcomes offer a positive outlook for the future of healthcare in the Adirondack region.