13667, Norfolk, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 13667, Norfolk, New York is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near ZIP Code 13667

This review provides an overall health score assessment of hospitals and healthcare facilities in proximity to ZIP code 13667, a region encompassing areas near Watertown, New York. The analysis considers factors crucial to patient well-being, including hospital quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and the availability of telehealth options. The goal is to empower residents with the information needed to make informed healthcare decisions.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The healthcare landscape near 13667 is primarily dominated by a few key players, with Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown holding a prominent position. Proximity to larger urban centers, such as Syracuse, also expands the available options, although travel time and accessibility become important considerations. This review will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of the major healthcare providers in the area.

**Samaritan Medical Center: A Cornerstone of Care**

Samaritan Medical Center (SMC) serves as the primary healthcare hub for the Watertown area. It is a 290-bed community hospital offering a wide range of services. SMC’s performance is a critical indicator of the overall health score for the region.

* **CMS Star Rating:** SMC currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating, based on a complex algorithm considering patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience, places the hospital in the average range nationally. This rating is a crucial benchmark for assessing overall quality.
* **Emergency Department:** The Emergency Department (ED) at SMC is a vital resource for the community. Data on ED wait times is a key factor in assessing accessibility and responsiveness. While specific, real-time wait times fluctuate, publicly available data often indicates average wait times that are comparable to other hospitals of similar size. This is an area where continuous monitoring is recommended.
* **Specialized Services:** SMC provides a broad spectrum of specialized services. These include cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital also houses a comprehensive cancer center, offering advanced treatments and support services. The availability of these specialized services significantly enhances the overall health score.
* **Telehealth Integration:** SMC has been steadily increasing its telehealth capabilities. Telehealth appointments are available for certain specialties, allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments and consultations, improving access to care, especially for those in rural areas. Details on the specific telehealth services offered, including the types of appointments available and the technology used, are essential for a complete assessment.

**Additional Considerations for SMC:**

* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction scores, as measured by surveys such as the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Analyzing these scores reveals areas where SMC excels and areas where improvements are needed.
* **Surgical Outcomes:** Data on surgical outcomes, including complication rates and readmission rates, is a critical indicator of surgical quality. Publicly available data, such as that provided by CMS, can be used to assess these metrics.
* **Community Outreach:** SMC's commitment to community health initiatives, such as health education programs and preventative care screenings, also contributes to the overall health score.

**Beyond Samaritan: Exploring Regional Options**

While SMC is the primary provider, residents near 13667 may also seek care at hospitals outside of Watertown. This section examines some of those possibilities.

* **Crouse Hospital (Syracuse, NY):** Located approximately 70 miles south of Watertown, Crouse Hospital is a larger, tertiary care center. It is known for its specialized services, including neurosurgery, cardiac care, and comprehensive cancer treatment. Crouse Hospital generally receives a 4-star CMS rating, indicating a higher level of quality compared to SMC. However, the travel time to Syracuse is a significant factor, particularly in emergency situations.
* **Upstate University Hospital (Syracuse, NY):** Also in Syracuse, Upstate University Hospital is the region's only academic medical center. It offers a wide range of advanced medical services, including transplant programs and specialized pediatric care. Upstate often receives a 3-star rating from CMS, but its status as a teaching hospital often means access to cutting-edge treatments and research. The distance and travel time are similar to Crouse Hospital.
* **River Hospital (Alexandria Bay, NY):** Situated closer to the St. Lawrence River, River Hospital provides a more local option for residents in the northern part of the region. River Hospital is a smaller, critical access hospital. Its focus is on providing essential services to a rural population. While it may not offer the same breadth of specialized services as SMC or Syracuse hospitals, it is often more accessible for residents in the northern areas. CMS ratings for River Hospital may vary.

**Assessing Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Metric**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's ability to respond to urgent medical needs. Long wait times can lead to poorer patient outcomes.

* **Data Sources:** Real-time ED wait times are often available through hospital websites or third-party platforms. However, these times can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day, the number of patients, and the severity of their conditions.
* **Comparison:** Comparing ED wait times across different hospitals in the region provides valuable context. If SMC consistently has longer wait times than comparable hospitals, this could indicate a need for improvement.
* **Factors Influencing Wait Times:** Several factors influence ED wait times, including staffing levels, the availability of beds, and the efficiency of triage processes. Addressing these factors can help reduce wait times and improve patient care.

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

The availability of specialized services is a key factor in the overall health score.

* **Cancer Care:** The presence of a comprehensive cancer center, such as the one at SMC, is crucial for providing local access to advanced cancer treatments.
* **Cardiology:** Access to cardiology services, including diagnostic testing and interventional procedures, is essential for managing heart disease.
* **Orthopedics:** The availability of orthopedic surgeons and services, including joint replacements and sports medicine, is important for addressing musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
* **Mental Health:** Access to mental health services, including outpatient therapy and inpatient psychiatric care, is a growing need in many communities.
* **Pediatrics:** Access to pediatric specialists and services is crucial for the health and well-being of children.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas.

* **Benefits of Telehealth:** Telehealth can improve access to care, reduce travel time, and enhance patient convenience.
* **Types of Telehealth Services:** Telehealth can be used for a variety of services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and mental health therapy.
* **Telehealth Adoption:** The level of telehealth adoption varies among hospitals in the region. SMC has been increasing its telehealth offerings.
* **Technology and Infrastructure:** The quality of telehealth services depends on the technology used, including the video conferencing platforms and the availability of reliable internet access.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

Based on the available data, the overall health score for the region near ZIP code 13667 can be summarized as follows:

* **Strengths:** The presence of Samaritan Medical Center provides a comprehensive base of healthcare services, including a wide range of specialties. The hospital's commitment to telehealth is a positive development.
* **Weaknesses:** The 3-star CMS rating for SMC indicates areas where quality improvement is needed. ED wait times should be carefully monitored. The distance to larger hospitals in Syracuse can be a barrier for some residents.
* **Recommendations:** Residents should carefully consider their healthcare needs and preferences when choosing a hospital or healthcare provider. Comparing ED wait times, reviewing patient satisfaction scores, and assessing the availability of specialized services are all important steps. Continued monitoring of CMS ratings and other quality metrics is essential. Telehealth options should be explored to improve access to care.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near 13667 offers a mix of options, with Samaritan Medical Center serving as the primary provider. While SMC offers a comprehensive range of services, residents should also consider the availability of specialized care at regional hospitals. Careful consideration of factors such as CMS ratings, ED wait times, telehealth options, and patient experience is crucial for making informed healthcare decisions. This review provides a framework for assessing the overall health score, but individual needs and preferences should always be the guiding factors in choosing the best healthcare options. The healthcare environment is dynamic, and residents should stay informed of ongoing changes and developments.