12959, Mooers Forks, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 12959, Mooers Forks, New York is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 12959

Navigating the healthcare landscape can feel overwhelming. For residents near ZIP code 12959 (Saranac Lake, NY), understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, examining key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities to help you make informed decisions about your care.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Their Reach**

The primary healthcare providers serving the 12959 area are Adirondack Health's Adirondack Medical Center (AMC) in Saranac Lake and Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone, NY, which is approximately an hour's drive. These institutions form the core of the local healthcare infrastructure. Residents may also consider hospitals in Burlington, VT, which is approximately a two-hour drive.

**Adirondack Medical Center: A Local Hub**

Adirondack Medical Center (AMC) is the closest and most readily accessible hospital for residents of 12959. It is a critical access hospital, meaning it receives specific funding and has certain operational limitations. AMC provides a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, surgical services, and various outpatient clinics.

**CMS Star Rating: A Snapshot of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on their performance across several quality measures. These ratings, ranging from one to five stars, offer a simplified overview of a hospital's overall quality. As of the latest available data, AMC's CMS star rating is not publicly available. This is not uncommon for critical access hospitals, as they are often not subject to the same reporting requirements as larger facilities. It is important to note that the absence of a star rating doesn't necessarily equate to poor quality, but it does mean the hospital's performance isn't readily comparable to other hospitals in the area.

**Emergency Room Performance: Time is of the Essence**

ER wait times are a crucial factor in evaluating hospital performance. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, understanding the general trends is helpful. Data on average ER wait times for AMC is not readily available. However, it's always advisable to call ahead or check online resources, if available, to get an estimate of current wait times, especially during peak hours or when experiencing a medical emergency.

**Specialty Centers and Services: Meeting Diverse Needs**

AMC offers a variety of specialty services. It has a surgical department, providing both elective and emergency procedures. The hospital also has a comprehensive laboratory and imaging services, including X-ray, CT scans, and MRI. AMC also provides cardiac rehabilitation services. Residents needing specialized care beyond AMC's scope may need to travel to larger hospitals in the region.

**Telehealth Capabilities: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas like the Adirondacks. AMC has expanded its telehealth offerings. Telehealth can provide access to specialists, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, improving access to care and reducing the need for travel. The hospital's telehealth programs include virtual consultations with specialists and remote patient monitoring for chronic conditions.

**Alice Hyde Medical Center: Expanding Options**

Alice Hyde Medical Center, located in Malone, NY, provides another option for residents near 12959. It is a larger hospital than AMC, offering a broader range of services.

**CMS Star Rating: A Comparative View**

Alice Hyde Medical Center's CMS star rating is also not publicly available. This is not uncommon for smaller hospitals.

**Emergency Room Performance: Assessing Timeliness**

ER wait times at Alice Hyde Medical Center can vary. Publicly available data on average wait times is often limited. Patients should consult the hospital's website or call ahead to get an estimate of current wait times.

**Specialty Centers and Services: A Wider Net**

Alice Hyde Medical Center offers a more extensive array of specialty services compared to AMC. It has a dedicated cancer center, a comprehensive cardiology program, and a robust surgical department. The hospital also provides specialized services in areas such as orthopedics, women's health, and behavioral health.

**Telehealth Capabilities: Connecting Remotely**

Alice Hyde Medical Center has also invested in telehealth services. It offers virtual consultations with specialists and remote patient monitoring programs. The hospital continues to expand its telehealth offerings to improve access to care for patients in the region.

**Burlington, VT: A Regional Hub**

For more specialized care, residents may consider hospitals in Burlington, Vermont. The University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) is the flagship hospital in the region.

**UVMMC: A Regional Leader**

UVMMC is a large, tertiary care center, offering a comprehensive range of services and advanced medical technologies. It is a Level I trauma center and a teaching hospital.

**CMS Star Rating: A Benchmark of Excellence**

UVMMC has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This rating indicates that the hospital performs at an average level compared to other hospitals across the country.

**Emergency Room Performance: Navigating the Volume**

As a large, regional hospital, UVMMC's ER often experiences high patient volumes. ER wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day and the severity of the cases. Patients should be prepared for potential wait times and consider alternative urgent care options for non-life-threatening conditions.

**Specialty Centers and Services: A Comprehensive Approach**

UVMMC offers a vast array of specialty centers and services. It has centers for cancer treatment, heart and vascular care, neurosciences, and orthopedics. The hospital also provides specialized services in areas such as pediatrics, obstetrics, and mental health.

**Telehealth Capabilities: Expanding Reach**

UVMMC has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services. These services are designed to improve access to care for patients in rural areas and to reduce the need for travel.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary Assessment**

Evaluating the hospitals near 12959 requires considering several factors. AMC, as the local hospital, provides essential services and is the most accessible option. Alice Hyde Medical Center offers a wider range of services and is a viable alternative. UVMMC in Burlington, VT, provides access to more specialized care but requires a longer travel time.

**Factors to Consider:**

* **Proximity:** AMC is the closest and most convenient option.
* **Specialty Needs:** UVMMC offers the broadest range of specialized services.
* **ER Wait Times:** Contact hospitals directly for current estimates.
* **Telehealth Availability:** All three hospitals are investing in telehealth.
* **CMS Star Ratings:** These are not available for AMC and Alice Hyde Medical Center. UVMMC has a 3-star rating.

**Recommendations:**

* **For emergencies:** Go to the nearest emergency room.
* **For routine care:** Consider AMC as the primary provider.
* **For specialized needs:** Explore the services offered by Alice Hyde Medical Center and UVMMC.
* **Utilize Telehealth:** Take advantage of telehealth services to improve access to care and reduce travel.
* **Research and Compare:** Contact the hospitals directly to gather specific information about services, wait times, and insurance coverage.

**Disclaimer:** This review provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding your health. Hospital performance metrics can change, so it's essential to verify information directly with the hospitals.