13691, Theresa, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 13691, Theresa, New York is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 13691 (Watertown, NY)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. For residents near ZIP code 13691 (Watertown, New York), understanding the landscape of available hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like quality of care, access, and specific services. This is not a ranking, but rather a comprehensive look at the strengths and weaknesses of the primary healthcare providers in the area.

**The Core Players: Samaritan Medical Center**

The dominant healthcare provider in Watertown is Samaritan Medical Center, a 290-bed facility. It's the cornerstone of local medical care, offering a wide range of services. The hospital's current CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star rating is unavailable at the time of this review. CMS ratings, based on patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience, are a key indicator of overall quality. However, the absence of a rating doesn't automatically indicate poor performance. It might reflect data collection challenges or other factors.

**Samaritan's Strengths: A Broad Spectrum of Services**

Samaritan Medical Center boasts a comprehensive suite of services. It's a designated Level III Trauma Center, vital for handling serious injuries and emergencies. This designation signifies the hospital's ability to provide immediate care to trauma patients. The hospital also houses a comprehensive cancer center, offering radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology services. This is a significant advantage for local residents needing cancer treatment, minimizing the need to travel long distances.

Samaritan also has a well-regarded cardiac program, providing services for heart conditions. They offer a full spectrum of cardiology services, including diagnostic testing, interventional procedures, and cardiac rehabilitation. The hospital's obstetrics and gynecology department delivers babies and provides women's health services. Further, Samaritan offers a range of surgical specialties, including general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and urology.

**Access and Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

Access to care is a crucial factor in the overall health score. Emergency room (ER) wait times are a key metric. While specific real-time ER wait times fluctuate, it's important to understand the typical experience. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and publicly available sources should be consulted to gauge average wait times. Longer wait times can be a sign of high patient volume, staffing shortages, or other operational challenges.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth services are increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Samaritan Medical Center offers telehealth options, which can improve access to specialists and follow-up care. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for residents in outlying areas, reducing the need to travel for routine appointments or consultations. The availability and scope of telehealth services, including the types of specialties offered and the ease of use of the platform, contribute to the overall health score.

**Specialty Centers: Focused Care**

Beyond general services, specialty centers are crucial. The cancer center, as mentioned, is a significant asset. It provides specialized care for cancer patients, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions. The hospital's cardiac program is another key specialty, offering diagnostic and treatment options for heart conditions.

**Other Considerations: Patient Experience and Community Health**

Patient experience is a vital component of overall health. Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, provide insights into how patients perceive their care. Factors like communication with doctors, the cleanliness of the facility, and the responsiveness of staff all contribute to patient satisfaction.

Community health initiatives also contribute to the overall health score. Hospitals often play a role in community health through outreach programs, health education, and preventative care initiatives. These efforts can help improve the health of the community and reduce the burden of disease.

**Beyond Samaritan: Other Healthcare Options**

While Samaritan Medical Center is the primary hospital, it's essential to consider other healthcare options in the area. These might include smaller clinics, urgent care centers, and specialized practices.

**Urgent Care: A Quick Option**

Urgent care centers offer a convenient alternative for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. They typically have shorter wait times than ERs and are often more affordable. Residents near 13691 have access to several urgent care facilities.

**Specialist Practices: Targeted Care**

Specialist practices provide focused care for specific medical conditions. These practices may include cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, and other specialties. The availability of specialists in the area is an important factor in the overall health score, as it reduces the need to travel for specialized care.

**The Role of Primary Care Physicians**

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are essential for preventative care and managing chronic conditions. Having access to a good PCP is a critical component of overall health. The number of PCPs in the area and their availability to accept new patients are important considerations.

**Data Limitations and Future Considerations**

This review is based on available data at the time of writing. Hospital performance and service offerings can change. CMS star ratings are dynamic and can fluctuate. Real-time ER wait times can vary significantly. It's essential to consult the most up-to-date information from the hospitals themselves, CMS, and other reliable sources.

**Overall Health Score Summary for 13691**

Samaritan Medical Center is the primary healthcare hub, offering a wide array of services, including a Level III Trauma Center, a cancer center, and a cardiac program. Access to care, including ER wait times and the availability of telehealth services, is crucial. The availability of urgent care centers and specialist practices provides additional options. Patient experience and community health initiatives also contribute to the overall health score. While the absence of a current CMS star rating for Samaritan necessitates further investigation, the hospital's broad service offerings and commitment to the community make it a central resource. Residents should actively research and compare options, considering their individual healthcare needs and preferences. The overall health score for the area is good, with a strong foundation of services provided by Samaritan Medical Center and a network of supporting healthcare providers. However, residents should remain vigilant, staying informed about changes in healthcare offerings and seeking the best possible care for their needs.