13620, Castorland, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 13620, Castorland, New York is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 13620

Navigating healthcare can be a daunting task. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of the hospitals serving the area near ZIP code 13620, focusing on key metrics like quality ratings, emergency room efficiency, specialized services, and telehealth availability. This information aims to empower residents with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**The Landscape: Watertown and Beyond**

The primary city served by ZIP code 13620 is Watertown, New York. Healthcare access in this region is largely centered around Samaritan Medical Center, the dominant hospital in the immediate vicinity. However, residents may also consider options further afield, particularly in Syracuse, offering access to larger, more specialized facilities.

**Samaritan Medical Center: A Closer Look**

Samaritan Medical Center (SMC) is the primary hospital for Watertown residents. SMC is a 290-bed community hospital providing a broad range of services. It is a not-for-profit hospital and a major employer in the region.

**CMS Star Rating:** As of the most recent data, Samaritan Medical Center has a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating is based on a composite score considering factors like mortality, safety of care, readmission rates, patient experience, and timely and effective care. While a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it's crucial to delve deeper into specific areas of strength and weakness.

**Emergency Room Performance:** ER wait times are a critical indicator of hospital efficiency. Data indicates that the average ER wait time at Samaritan Medical Center can fluctuate. Local sources suggest that wait times can be longer than the national average, especially during peak hours. Patients seeking emergency care should be prepared for potential delays.

**Specialized Services:** SMC offers a comprehensive suite of services, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital has a dedicated cancer center, providing both treatment and support services. It also houses a comprehensive cardiac care unit and offers advanced surgical procedures.

**Telehealth Initiatives:** Telehealth is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Samaritan Medical Center has expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. These services are particularly valuable for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. The hospital's telehealth platform allows patients to connect with providers from the comfort of their homes, improving access to care and reducing travel burdens.

**Beyond Watertown: Exploring Syracuse Hospitals**

For specialized care or when seeking options beyond the immediate vicinity, residents may consider hospitals in Syracuse, approximately an hour and a half drive from Watertown. This opens up access to larger facilities with a wider array of advanced services.

**Upstate University Hospital:** Upstate University Hospital, part of the SUNY Upstate Medical University, is a major teaching hospital in Syracuse. It is a Level 1 trauma center and offers a broad range of specialized services, including advanced cardiac care, neurosurgery, and transplant programs.

**CMS Star Rating:** Upstate University Hospital holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects its performance across various quality metrics, similar to Samaritan Medical Center.

**Emergency Room Performance:** Upstate University Hospital's ER sees a high volume of patients. Wait times can be variable, often influenced by the severity of cases and the time of day. The hospital strives to maintain efficient triage and treatment processes to minimize patient wait times.

**Specialized Services:** Upstate University Hospital excels in specialized areas. It is a leading center for stroke care, offering rapid diagnosis and treatment protocols. The hospital also has a dedicated cancer center, providing comprehensive cancer care. Its transplant program is well-regarded, performing a significant number of organ transplants annually.

**Telehealth Initiatives:** Upstate University Hospital has a robust telehealth program. It offers virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and tele-stroke services. These initiatives expand access to specialists and improve care coordination, particularly for patients in rural areas.

**St. Joseph's Health:** St. Joseph's Health is another major hospital in Syracuse. It is a Catholic hospital with a strong focus on patient-centered care.

**CMS Star Rating:** St. Joseph's Health has a 3-star rating from CMS.

**Emergency Room Performance:** St. Joseph's Health's ER experiences varying wait times, influenced by patient volume and the complexity of cases. The hospital aims to provide timely and efficient emergency care.

**Specialized Services:** St. Joseph's Health offers a wide range of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital has a comprehensive stroke center and a specialized rehabilitation center.

**Telehealth Initiatives:** St. Joseph's Health has invested in telehealth to improve patient access to care. It offers virtual visits and remote monitoring programs.

**Comparing the Options: A Scorecard Approach**

To provide a more structured assessment, a scorecard approach is used, considering key metrics.

**Samaritan Medical Center:**

* **CMS Star Rating:** 3 stars (Average)
* **ER Wait Times:** Variable, potentially longer than national average.
* **Specialized Services:** Comprehensive, including cancer center and cardiac care.
* **Telehealth:** Expanding telehealth offerings.
* **Overall Health Score:** **7/10** (Solid community hospital, but improvements possible in ER efficiency and CMS rating.)

**Upstate University Hospital:**

* **CMS Star Rating:** 3 stars (Average)
* **ER Wait Times:** Variable, high patient volume.
* **Specialized Services:** Excellent, Level 1 trauma center, advanced cardiac, neurosurgery, and transplant programs.
* **Telehealth:** Robust telehealth program.
* **Overall Health Score:** **8/10** (Strong in specialized care, but travel time is a factor.)

**St. Joseph's Health:**

* **CMS Star Rating:** 3 stars (Average)
* **ER Wait Times:** Variable.
* **Specialized Services:** Comprehensive, including stroke center and rehabilitation center.
* **Telehealth:** Offers virtual visits and remote monitoring.
* **Overall Health Score:** **7.5/10** (Good option with a focus on patient-centered care.)

**Factors to Consider in Your Choice:**

Several factors should influence your choice of hospital. Proximity is a key consideration, especially in emergency situations. The availability of specialized services is also crucial, particularly if you have specific medical needs. Patient reviews and personal experiences can provide valuable insights into the quality of care. Consider the hospital's telehealth capabilities, especially if you prefer virtual consultations or remote monitoring.

**Patient Experience and Reviews:**

Beyond the metrics, patient experience is paramount. Review websites like Healthgrades and Vitals offer patient reviews and ratings. These reviews provide valuable perspectives on patient satisfaction, communication with healthcare providers, and overall care quality. Researching these reviews can offer a more nuanced understanding of each hospital's strengths and weaknesses.

**ER Wait Times: A Deeper Dive**

ER wait times are a significant concern for many patients. Hospitals are constantly working to improve efficiency in their emergency departments. However, factors like patient volume, the severity of cases, and staffing levels can influence wait times. It is advisable to check the hospital's website or call ahead to inquire about current wait times, especially during peak hours or for non-life-threatening conditions.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access and Convenience**

Telehealth is revolutionizing healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. Virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and other telehealth services can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and enhance patient convenience. When choosing a hospital, consider its telehealth capabilities and whether they align with your healthcare needs.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision**

Choosing the right hospital is a personal decision. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the hospitals near ZIP code 13620, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and key performance indicators. By considering the CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, telehealth offerings, and patient reviews, residents can make informed decisions that best meet their healthcare needs. While Samaritan Medical Center serves as the primary local option, the hospitals in Syracuse offer specialized services and advanced care options, making them viable choices for certain medical needs. Ultimately, the best hospital is the one that provides the highest quality of care, meets your individual needs, and offers a positive patient experience.