12944, Keeseville, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 12944, Keeseville, New York is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Plattsburgh, NY (ZIP Code 12944)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the Plattsburgh, NY area (ZIP Code 12944), focusing on key metrics like quality, access, and patient experience. This is not a definitive ranking, but rather a comprehensive overview to aid informed decision-making.

**The Landscape:**

The healthcare landscape near Plattsburgh is primarily dominated by two major players: University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) and Alice Hyde Medical Center. These institutions serve as the primary hubs for acute care, with supporting clinics and specialist practices filling out the regional network. Proximity to Burlington, VT, also offers access to additional tertiary care options.

**University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH):**

CVPH is the largest hospital in the immediate Plattsburgh area, serving as a regional referral center. It's a critical access hospital, meaning it receives federal funding based on its rural location and the essential services it provides. CVPH is the cornerstone of healthcare for the region.

**Quality and Performance:**

CVPH's performance is closely monitored by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). As of the latest publicly available data, CVPH holds a **3-star rating** from CMS. This rating reflects performance across various categories, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and timely and effective care. While not the highest possible rating, it indicates a generally acceptable level of care.

Specific areas to consider include:

* **Hospital-Acquired Infections:** CMS data tracks rates of infections like MRSA and C. difficile. Prospective patients should inquire about current infection rates at CVPH and compare them to national averages.
* **Readmission Rates:** High readmission rates can indicate challenges in post-discharge care. Review CVPH's readmission rates for common conditions like heart failure and pneumonia.
* **Mortality Rates:** CMS also assesses mortality rates for specific conditions. Comparing CVPH's mortality rates to national benchmarks provides insight into the hospital's ability to manage critical illnesses.

**Access and Wait Times:**

Access to care is a crucial consideration.

* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times are a significant indicator of access. While specific real-time wait times fluctuate, patients should be prepared for potential delays. CVPH's ER wait times, like those of most hospitals, can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of patient influx.
* **Appointment Availability:** Access to specialist appointments can be challenging. Patients may need to consider wait times for cardiology, neurology, and other specialized services.
* **Telehealth:** CVPH has expanded its telehealth capabilities. Telehealth can improve access, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Check the availability of telehealth appointments for primary care and specialist consultations.

**Specialty Centers:**

CVPH houses several specialized centers.

* **The FitzPatrick Cancer Center:** This center provides comprehensive cancer care, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology.
* **The Alice T. Miner Women & Children's Center:** This center offers obstetrical services, including labor and delivery, and pediatric care.
* **Cardiovascular Services:** CVPH provides cardiac care, including diagnostic testing and interventional procedures.

**Alice Hyde Medical Center (Malone, NY):**

Located approximately an hour west of Plattsburgh, Alice Hyde Medical Center serves a wider rural population and offers another option for care.

**Quality and Performance:**

Alice Hyde Medical Center is also a critical access hospital. Its CMS star rating is also a **3-star rating**. This rating is a general indicator of quality, and patients should research specific performance metrics.

**Access and Wait Times:**

* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Similar to CVPH, ER wait times at Alice Hyde can vary.
* **Appointment Availability:** Access to specialists may be more limited compared to CVPH.
* **Telehealth:** Alice Hyde has also expanded its telehealth offerings, which can improve access to care for patients in the surrounding rural areas.

**Specialty Centers:**

* **Alice Hyde provides a range of services**, including primary care, surgical services, and specialized clinics. Patients should verify the availability of specific specialists and services.

**Other Considerations:**

* **Patient Experience:** Patient reviews and feedback are valuable. Websites like Healthgrades and the CMS Hospital Compare website provide patient satisfaction scores and reviews.
* **Hospital Affiliations:** Understanding the affiliations of hospitals can be important. CVPH is part of the University of Vermont Health Network, which may provide access to a wider network of specialists and resources.
* **Cost of Care:** Healthcare costs vary. Patients should inquire about the cost of services and understand their insurance coverage.
* **Rural Healthcare Challenges:** The Plattsburgh area faces challenges common to rural healthcare, including physician shortages and limited access to specialized services.

**Telehealth in the Region:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in rural healthcare. Both CVPH and Alice Hyde have expanded their telehealth offerings. Telehealth can improve access to care, particularly for:

* **Primary Care:** Virtual appointments for routine check-ups and medication management.
* **Specialist Consultations:** Telehealth can connect patients with specialists who may not be readily available locally.
* **Mental Health Services:** Teletherapy and virtual counseling are becoming increasingly accessible.

**Navigating Telehealth:**

* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that your insurance plan covers telehealth services.
* **Technology Requirements:** Ensure you have the necessary technology (computer, smartphone, internet access) for telehealth appointments.
* **Provider Selection:** Research telehealth providers and ensure they are licensed in New York.

**Access to Tertiary Care:**

For complex medical needs, patients in the Plattsburgh area may need to travel to tertiary care centers.

* **University of Vermont Medical Center (Burlington, VT):** Located approximately an hour away, this is a major tertiary care center offering advanced medical services.
* **Other Tertiary Centers:** Depending on the specific needs, patients may need to travel to other tertiary care centers, such as those in Albany, NY, or Montreal, Canada.

**Summary and Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The Plattsburgh area offers access to healthcare through CVPH and Alice Hyde Medical Center. Both hospitals have 3-star ratings from CMS, indicating an average level of quality. Patients should carefully research specific performance metrics, including infection rates, readmission rates, and mortality rates.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

* **CVPH:** Serves as the primary regional hub with a broader range of services and specialists. Consider the CMS star rating, ER wait times, and access to specialized care when evaluating CVPH.
* **Alice Hyde Medical Center:** Offers another option for care, particularly for residents in the western part of the region. Evaluate its CMS star rating, ER wait times, and access to specialists.
* **Telehealth:** Leverage telehealth to improve access to care, particularly for primary care and specialist consultations.
* **Patient Reviews:** Consult patient reviews and satisfaction scores to gain insights into the patient experience.
* **Tertiary Care Access:** Be prepared to travel to tertiary care centers for complex medical needs.

The "Overall Health Score" for the Plattsburgh area is a complex evaluation. It's not a single number, but rather a collection of factors. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs, research the available options, and make informed decisions based on the available data. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, so staying informed and proactive is key to navigating the system effectively.