13624, Clayton, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 13624, Clayton, New York is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 13624

Navigating healthcare can feel like traversing a complex maze. This review aims to illuminate the landscape of hospitals near ZIP code 13624 (Canton, NY), offering an "Overall Health Score" based on various factors crucial to patient well-being. We'll delve into key metrics, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth offerings, providing a snapshot of the healthcare options available in the area.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Proximity**

The primary hospital serving Canton, NY, is St. Lawrence Health System (SLHS), specifically Canton-Potsdam Hospital (CPH). This is the most immediate option for residents of 13624. Other hospitals, though further afield, may be considered depending on specialized needs or preference. These include facilities in Syracuse, Watertown, and Burlington, VT. Proximity is a significant factor, especially in emergencies.

**St. Lawrence Health System: Canton-Potsdam Hospital (CPH)**

Canton-Potsdam Hospital is the cornerstone of healthcare for the 13624 ZIP code. As a critical access hospital, it plays a vital role in providing essential services to a rural population.

**CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on their performance across various quality measures. These ratings provide a comparative assessment of hospital quality. Unfortunately, CMS data for CPH, and many critical access hospitals, is often limited. Therefore, it’s crucial to supplement this with other data points. The lack of a readily available CMS star rating doesn't necessarily indicate poor quality, but it does necessitate a deeper dive into other performance indicators.

**Emergency Room Performance:** ER wait times are a critical indicator of a hospital's efficiency and ability to handle urgent cases. While specific, real-time ER wait times fluctuate, it is important to check the hospital's website or call the ER directly for current estimates. Generally, smaller, rural hospitals may experience longer wait times during peak hours compared to larger, urban facilities.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** CPH offers a range of services, including general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, and a comprehensive cancer center. It is important to investigate the specific capabilities of each department. For example, inquire about the qualifications of the surgical staff, the availability of advanced imaging technology, and the success rates of specific procedures. The cancer center is particularly important, as it provides local access to cancer care, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. CPH offers telehealth services, which can be especially useful for follow-up appointments, consultations with specialists, and mental health services. Investigate the types of telehealth services offered, the availability of providers, and the ease of access.

**Other Hospitals to Consider:**

While CPH is the primary provider, residents may consider hospitals further afield, depending on their specific needs.

**Upstate University Hospital (Syracuse, NY):** Located approximately 100 miles from Canton, Upstate University Hospital is a major tertiary care center. It is a teaching hospital affiliated with SUNY Upstate Medical University.

**CMS Star Ratings:** Upstate University Hospital generally receives a CMS star rating, which can be a useful benchmark for comparing its performance to other hospitals. Check the latest CMS data for the most current rating.

**Emergency Room Performance:** Upstate University Hospital's ER typically handles a higher volume of patients than CPH. This may result in longer wait times, especially during peak hours. However, it also offers a wider range of specialized services.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** Upstate University Hospital boasts a comprehensive array of specialty centers, including advanced cardiac care, neurosurgery, transplant services, and a Level 1 trauma center. It is a regional referral center for complex medical cases.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** As a major academic medical center, Upstate University Hospital has a robust telehealth program, offering a wide range of virtual consultations and remote monitoring services.

**Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, NY):** Located approximately 50 miles from Canton, Samaritan Medical Center is another regional hospital that may be an option for some residents.

**CMS Star Ratings:** Check the latest CMS data for Samaritan Medical Center's current rating.

**Emergency Room Performance:** Samaritan Medical Center's ER volume is generally higher than CPH, but potentially lower than Upstate University Hospital.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** Samaritan Medical Center offers a range of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and cancer care. It is a regional provider of these services.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Samaritan Medical Center is likely to offer telehealth services, although the scope of these services may be less extensive than those offered by Upstate University Hospital.

**University of Vermont Medical Center (Burlington, VT):** While further afield (approximately 130 miles), the University of Vermont Medical Center is a highly regarded academic medical center.

**CMS Star Ratings:** Check the latest CMS data for the University of Vermont Medical Center's current rating.

**Emergency Room Performance:** The ER at the University of Vermont Medical Center handles a significant volume of patients, potentially leading to longer wait times.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** The University of Vermont Medical Center offers a wide array of specialized services, including advanced cancer care, heart surgery, and transplant services.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** The University of Vermont Medical Center has a comprehensive telehealth program.

**Factors Beyond Star Ratings:**

While CMS star ratings provide a valuable overview, it is essential to consider factors beyond these ratings.

**Patient Experience:** Read patient reviews on websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews. These reviews provide insights into the patient experience, including communication with doctors and nurses, wait times, and overall satisfaction.

**Physician Qualifications:** Investigate the credentials and experience of the physicians at each hospital. Check their board certifications and years of experience.

**Hospital Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like The Joint Commission or DNV GL Healthcare is a good indicator of a hospital's commitment to quality and safety.

**Community Health Needs Assessment:** Review the community health needs assessment for St. Lawrence County. This document identifies the most pressing health needs of the community and can help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

**Financial Considerations:** Understand your insurance coverage and the costs associated with each hospital. Contact your insurance provider to verify which hospitals are in your network and to obtain estimates of out-of-pocket expenses.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

The "Overall Health Score" is not a single number, but a composite assessment. For residents of 13624, the primary focus should be on CPH, given its proximity. However, a comprehensive assessment requires careful consideration of all the factors mentioned.

**Strengths of CPH:** Proximity, established relationships within the community, and the presence of essential services like the cancer center are significant advantages.

**Weaknesses of CPH:** The lack of a readily available CMS star rating necessitates a more in-depth evaluation of other performance indicators. Wait times, particularly in the ER, could be a concern, especially during peak hours. The limited range of specialized services may require travel to other hospitals for complex medical needs.

**Strengths of Other Hospitals:** Upstate University Hospital and the University of Vermont Medical Center offer a wider range of specialized services, including advanced care for complex conditions. Samaritan Medical Center provides a regional option with a more limited scope of services.

**Weaknesses of Other Hospitals:** Distance is a major factor. Travel time can be significant, especially in emergencies. The ER wait times may be longer, and the cost of care may be higher.

**Recommendation:**

For routine medical needs and emergencies, CPH is the most accessible and convenient option. However, for specialized care or complex medical conditions, residents should consider the options offered by Upstate University Hospital, Samaritan Medical Center, or the University of Vermont Medical Center. It is crucial to weigh the benefits of each hospital against the potential drawbacks, considering factors such as travel time, specialized services offered, and patient reviews. Prioritize proactive healthcare, including regular check-ups, preventive screenings, and open communication with your primary care physician to stay informed about your health and the best healthcare options available to you. Finally, keep in mind that healthcare landscapes are constantly evolving, so staying updated on the latest developments and changes is essential.