13694, Waddington, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 13694, Waddington, New York is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near ZIP Code 13694

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review offers an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near ZIP code 13694 (Ogdensburg, NY), focusing on key metrics like quality ratings, emergency room efficiency, specialty services, and telehealth availability. This information aims to provide a clear picture of the healthcare options available, empowering informed decision-making for residents.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

Ogdensburg, NY, sits in a region with a healthcare ecosystem influenced by its proximity to the Canadian border and the presence of a major regional hospital. Access to specialized care may necessitate travel, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of local facilities is paramount. The "Overall Health Score" considers factors that directly impact patient experience and outcomes.

**Flagship Hospital: Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center**

Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg (located within the 13694 ZIP code) serves as the primary hospital for the area. Unfortunately, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) does not currently assign a star rating to Claxton-Hepburn. This absence of a star rating doesn't necessarily indicate poor quality, but it does mean there's no readily available, nationally standardized metric for comparison. Prospective patients should delve deeper into the hospital's performance data.

Claxton-Hepburn offers a range of services, including a 24-hour emergency department, surgical services, and various specialty clinics. The hospital is a critical access hospital, a designation that reflects its importance in providing essential healthcare services to a rural community. This designation provides some financial benefits but also indicates that it may not have the same resources or specialized services as larger, urban hospitals.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

ER wait times are a critical indicator of a hospital's efficiency and responsiveness. While specific, publicly available ER wait time data for Claxton-Hepburn is not readily available at the time of this review, it is recommended that patients call the hospital to inquire about current wait times before arriving at the ER. Generally, in rural settings, ER wait times can be influenced by staffing levels, patient volume, and the complexity of cases.

**Specialty Services at Claxton-Hepburn:**

Claxton-Hepburn provides a spectrum of specialized services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital also has a cancer center, providing oncology services to the community. The availability of these services within the local hospital reduces the need for travel for many patients. However, the scope and breadth of these specialty services might be more limited than those found at larger, regional medical centers.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Telehealth is increasingly important for healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Claxton-Hepburn has integrated telehealth services, allowing patients to access consultations and follow-up appointments remotely. The availability of telehealth can improve access to specialists, particularly those not readily available locally. It can also reduce travel time and associated costs for patients. The specific telehealth offerings, such as the specialties available via telehealth and the platform used, are essential considerations for patients.

**Other Healthcare Providers in the Area:**

Beyond Claxton-Hepburn, residents of 13694 have access to a network of other healthcare providers. These include primary care physicians, specialists in private practice, and outpatient clinics. The availability of these providers contributes to the overall healthcare ecosystem, offering options for routine care and specialized needs.

**Considerations for Specialized Care:**

For highly specialized care, residents may need to travel outside the immediate area. Major medical centers in larger cities, such as Syracuse, NY, or even Montreal, Canada, may offer a wider range of specialized services, including advanced surgical procedures, complex cardiology interventions, and specialized cancer treatments. The decision to seek care outside the local area involves weighing factors like travel distance, cost, and the specific expertise needed.

**Accessing Information and Making Informed Decisions:**

Patients should actively seek information about their healthcare options. This includes:

* **Checking Hospital Websites:** Hospital websites provide information on services offered, physician directories, and patient resources.
* **Consulting with Primary Care Physicians:** Primary care physicians can offer guidance on specialist referrals and healthcare navigation.
* **Reviewing Online Resources:** Websites like Healthgrades and U.S. News & World Report provide hospital ratings and patient reviews, though these ratings should be considered alongside other factors.
* **Contacting Hospitals Directly:** Calling hospitals to inquire about specific services, wait times, and insurance coverage can provide valuable information.

**Overall Health Score Summary for 13694:**

**Strengths:**

* **Local Access:** Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center provides a critical access point for essential healthcare services within the community.
* **Specialty Services:** The hospital offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and oncology, reducing the need for some patients to travel for care.
* **Telehealth Integration:** The availability of telehealth services enhances access to care, especially for those in rural areas.

**Weaknesses:**

* **Absence of CMS Star Rating:** The lack of a CMS star rating makes it challenging to compare Claxton-Hepburn's performance against national benchmarks.
* **Limited Specialized Care:** For highly specialized needs, residents may need to travel to larger medical centers outside the immediate area.
* **ER Wait Time Variability:** Publicly available ER wait time data is limited, and patients should inquire about current wait times before visiting the ER.

**Recommendations:**

* **Proactive Information Gathering:** Residents should actively research their healthcare options, including Claxton-Hepburn and other providers in the area.
* **Consultation with Primary Care Physicians:** Seek guidance from primary care physicians for referrals and healthcare navigation.
* **Inquire About ER Wait Times:** Contact Claxton-Hepburn to inquire about current ER wait times before visiting the emergency department.
* **Explore Telehealth Options:** Utilize telehealth services to access consultations and follow-up appointments remotely.
* **Consider Regional Medical Centers:** For specialized care, consider the options available at larger medical centers outside the immediate area.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 13694 offers a mix of local access and the potential need for travel to access specialized care. Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center serves as the primary healthcare provider, offering a range of services and telehealth options. Residents should proactively gather information, consult with their physicians, and weigh the benefits of local care against the potential need to seek specialized services elsewhere. This "Overall Health Score" review provides a starting point for making informed healthcare decisions in the Ogdensburg, NY area.