13732, Apalachin, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 13732, Apalachin, New York is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Deposit, NY (ZIP Code 13732)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals within a reasonable radius of Deposit, NY (ZIP code 13732), considering factors crucial to patient well-being, including quality of care, accessibility, and specialized services. This score is not a definitive ranking, but rather a comparative overview to aid informed decision-making.

**Defining the Scope:**

Given the rural nature of the region, this review focuses on hospitals within a 50-mile radius of Deposit, NY. This encompasses facilities in New York State and potentially some in neighboring Pennsylvania, offering a range of healthcare options for residents.

**The Scorecard: Key Metrics**

Our "Overall Health Score" considers several key metrics. These include:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on quality measures, patient experience, and other factors. These ratings provide a readily accessible benchmark.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times are a critical indicator of accessibility and efficiency. We'll assess average wait times, which can vary significantly.
* **Specialty Centers:** The availability of specialized services, such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics, is crucial for comprehensive care.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. We'll examine the extent of telehealth services offered.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores, often derived from surveys, offer insights into the patient experience.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like The Joint Commission indicates adherence to high standards of care.
* **Community Health Needs Assessments:** Hospitals are required to conduct these assessments, which can highlight local health challenges and resource allocation.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance:**

**1. UHS Binghamton General Hospital (Binghamton, NY):**

UHS Binghamton General Hospital is a major regional healthcare provider, located approximately 45 miles from Deposit. It's a flagship hospital within the United Health Services (UHS) system. UHS Binghamton General Hospital holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects a mixed performance, with strengths and areas needing improvement.

ER wait times at UHS Binghamton General Hospital fluctuate but are generally within the regional average. The hospital boasts a comprehensive range of specialty centers, including a well-regarded cardiac care program, a cancer center, and advanced surgical capabilities. UHS has invested in telehealth services, offering virtual visits and remote monitoring options, which is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas. Patient satisfaction scores are generally average. The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission. UHS conducts a Community Health Needs Assessment, which can be accessed on their website.

**2. Lourdes Hospital (Binghamton, NY):**

Lourdes Hospital, also in Binghamton, is another significant hospital option, approximately 45 miles from Deposit. It is part of the Ascension healthcare system. Lourdes Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS, similar to UHS Binghamton General.

ER wait times at Lourdes Hospital are comparable to UHS Binghamton General. Lourdes Hospital offers a variety of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and a women's health center. Telehealth services are available, though the scope may be slightly less extensive than UHS. Patient satisfaction scores are generally in line with the regional average. Lourdes Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission. Their Community Health Needs Assessment is available online.

**3. Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital (Sayre, PA):**

Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital is located in Sayre, PA, about 40 miles from Deposit. This hospital is a major regional referral center, and its proximity makes it a viable option for residents near Deposit. Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital has a 4-star rating from CMS, indicating a higher overall quality compared to the Binghamton hospitals.

ER wait times at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital are often shorter than the Binghamton hospitals, which can be a significant advantage. The hospital boasts a wide array of specialty centers, including a highly regarded heart and vascular institute, a cancer center, and advanced surgical options. Guthrie is a leader in telehealth, offering a broad range of virtual care options, including specialist consultations and remote patient monitoring. Patient satisfaction scores are generally higher than the regional average. The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission. Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital conducts a Community Health Needs Assessment, which is publicly available.

**Other Considerations:**

**Smaller Community Hospitals:**

While the flagship hospitals offer comprehensive care, smaller community hospitals may provide more accessible options for certain services. These facilities often focus on primary care, outpatient services, and emergency care.

**1. Wilson Medical Center (Johnson City, NY):**

Wilson Medical Center, located in Johnson City, NY, is a smaller hospital within the UHS system, approximately 40 miles from Deposit. It offers a range of services, including emergency care, primary care, and some specialty services. Wilson Medical Center’s CMS star rating may vary. ER wait times are generally shorter than the larger hospitals, but the scope of services is more limited. Telehealth options are available, though less extensive.

**2. Lourdes Hospital - Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital (Binghamton, NY):**

This is another Lourdes Hospital facility in Binghamton, NY, approximately 45 miles from Deposit. It offers a range of services, including emergency care, primary care, and some specialty services. Lourdes Hospital's CMS star rating may vary. ER wait times are generally shorter than the larger hospitals, but the scope of services is more limited. Telehealth options are available, though less extensive.

**3. Endless Mountains Health Systems (Montrose, PA):**

Endless Mountains Health Systems is located in Montrose, PA, about 50 miles from Deposit. This is a smaller community hospital, offering primary care, emergency services, and some outpatient services. CMS star ratings may vary. ER wait times are generally shorter than the larger hospitals, but the scope of services is more limited. Telehealth options are available, though less extensive.

**Accessibility and Transportation:**

Accessibility is a critical factor in rural healthcare. Residents of Deposit and surrounding areas may face challenges related to transportation, particularly for those without personal vehicles or with limited mobility. Public transportation options are often limited, and travel times to hospitals can be significant. This emphasizes the importance of telehealth and the availability of local primary care providers.

**Telehealth's Impact:**

Telehealth is particularly crucial in this region. It allows patients to access specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring services without traveling long distances. The extent of telehealth offerings varies between hospitals, with Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital generally having a more robust telehealth program.

**Patient Satisfaction and Experience:**

Patient satisfaction is a vital indicator of healthcare quality. While specific patient satisfaction scores can fluctuate, they generally reflect the overall patient experience, including communication, responsiveness, and the comfort of the care environment. Reviewing patient feedback and online reviews can provide valuable insights into individual hospitals.

**Community Health Needs:**

Hospitals are required to conduct Community Health Needs Assessments. These assessments identify the specific health challenges facing the local population, such as chronic diseases, mental health issues, and access to care. These assessments can inform hospital resource allocation and community outreach programs.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

Based on the available data, Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA, generally scores highest in this assessment, primarily due to its higher CMS star rating, shorter ER wait times, and robust telehealth program. However, the proximity of UHS Binghamton General Hospital and Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton makes them important regional options, particularly for those residing closer to those facilities. Smaller community hospitals like Wilson Medical Center and Endless Mountains Health Systems offer more accessible options for certain services.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize Proximity:** Consider the distance to each hospital and the ease of transportation.
* **Evaluate Specialty Needs:** Determine which hospitals offer the specific specialty services required.
* **Explore Telehealth Options:** Inquire about telehealth services, particularly for follow-up appointments and specialist consultations.
* **Review Patient Feedback:** Consult patient reviews and online resources to gain insights into the patient experience.
* **Consult with Primary Care Physicians:** Seek guidance from your primary care physician, who can provide personalized recommendations.
* **Consider ER Wait Times:** Be aware of potential ER wait times, especially in urgent situations.
* **Check Hospital Websites:** Review hospital websites for information on services, accreditations, and Community Health Needs Assessments.

This "Overall Health Score" provides a starting point for evaluating hospitals near Deposit, NY. Individual healthcare needs vary, so it is essential to conduct thorough research and consult with healthcare professionals to make informed decisions.