13747, Colliersville, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 13747, Colliersville, New York is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 13747

This review provides an in-depth analysis of the healthcare landscape surrounding ZIP code 13747, focusing on hospital performance, accessibility, and available services. We'll delve into key metrics, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized care offerings, and telehealth adoption, to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" for residents in the area.

**Defining the Scope:**

ZIP code 13747 primarily encompasses the town of Greene, New York, and its surrounding communities in Chenango County. This review will prioritize hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, considering factors like patient accessibility and the availability of specialized care. While the exact definition of "near" can vary, we'll focus on facilities within a 50-mile radius, acknowledging that residents may travel further for specific treatments.

**Flagship Hospitals and 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 offer a valuable, albeit imperfect, snapshot of a hospital's overall quality.

**Chenango Memorial Hospital (Norwich, NY):** Located approximately 20 miles from Greene, Chenango Memorial Hospital (CMH) is a critical access hospital. As a critical access hospital, it is not assigned a CMS star rating. However, CMH is part of UHS (United Health Services), which operates several hospitals in the region. CMH offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgical services, and a labor and delivery unit.

**UHS Binghamton General Hospital (Binghamton, NY):** Approximately 40 miles from Greene, UHS Binghamton General Hospital is a larger, regional facility. This hospital is also part of the UHS system. As a large hospital, Binghamton General Hospital is assigned a CMS star rating. It is important to note that CMS ratings can fluctuate. The most recent publicly available data should be consulted for the most up-to-date information. UHS Binghamton General Hospital offers a comprehensive range of services, including specialized care in cardiology, oncology, and trauma.

**Wilson Medical Center (Johnson City, NY):** Also within the UHS system and roughly 45 miles from Greene, Wilson Medical Center is another significant hospital in the region. Like Binghamton General, Wilson Medical Center has a CMS star rating. The specific rating and the factors contributing to it should be reviewed on the CMS website. Wilson provides a wide array of services, including advanced surgical procedures and specialized clinics.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor:**

Emergency room (ER) wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's responsiveness and efficiency. Long wait times can be detrimental to patient outcomes, especially in time-sensitive situations.

Data on ER wait times can vary depending on the source and the specific time period. However, several online platforms and hospital websites provide real-time or average wait time information. It is recommended that patients check these resources before heading to the ER.

Generally, the larger hospitals, such as UHS Binghamton General and Wilson Medical Center, may experience longer wait times than smaller facilities like Chenango Memorial Hospital, particularly during peak hours. Factors influencing wait times include the volume of patients, the severity of their conditions, and staffing levels.

**Specialty Centers and Specialized Care:**

The availability of specialized care is a key consideration for residents with specific medical needs.

**Cardiology:** Both UHS Binghamton General and Wilson Medical Center have established cardiology programs, offering services such as diagnostic testing, interventional procedures, and cardiac rehabilitation.

**Oncology:** The region benefits from comprehensive cancer care. UHS Binghamton General and Wilson Medical Center offer oncology services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology.

**Orthopedics:** Both UHS Binghamton General and Wilson Medical Center provide orthopedic services, including joint replacement, sports medicine, and fracture care.

**Women's Health:** Chenango Memorial Hospital has a labor and delivery unit, and UHS Binghamton General and Wilson Medical Center offer comprehensive women's health services, including obstetrics, gynecology, and specialized programs.

**Mental Health:** Mental health services are crucial. UHS Binghamton General and Wilson Medical Center have mental health programs, including inpatient and outpatient services.

**Telehealth Adoption and Accessibility:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. It expands access to care and allows patients to consult with providers remotely.

UHS has made significant investments in telehealth services, offering virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and other telehealth solutions. The availability of telehealth services can vary depending on the specialty and the provider.

**Access to Care: Transportation and Socioeconomic Factors:**

Access to healthcare is not solely determined by the availability of hospitals and services. Transportation and socioeconomic factors play a significant role.

**Transportation:** Residents of Greene and surrounding areas may face transportation challenges, particularly those without personal vehicles or with limited access to public transportation.

**Socioeconomic Factors:** Income levels, insurance coverage, and health literacy can impact a person's ability to access and navigate the healthcare system.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

**Strengths:** The area benefits from the presence of UHS, a large healthcare system with multiple hospitals offering a wide range of services. The availability of specialty centers in cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics is a significant advantage. The increasing adoption of telehealth services enhances access to care.

**Weaknesses:** The CMS star ratings can fluctuate, so it is important to stay informed. ER wait times can be a concern, particularly at larger hospitals. Transportation and socioeconomic factors can create barriers to care for some residents.

**Recommendations:**

* **Research and Compare:** Before seeking medical care, patients should research the available options, compare hospital performance metrics, and consider their individual needs.
* **Check ER Wait Times:** Utilize online resources to check ER wait times before heading to the emergency room.
* **Explore Telehealth:** Inquire about telehealth options, which can provide convenient access to care.
* **Address Transportation Challenges:** Explore transportation options for medical appointments.
* **Prioritize Preventive Care:** Focus on preventive care measures, such as regular checkups and screenings, to maintain overall health.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 13747 offers a mix of strengths and challenges. The presence of UHS hospitals provides access to a broad range of services, including specialized care. However, residents should be aware of potential ER wait times and consider the impact of transportation and socioeconomic factors. By actively researching their options, utilizing available resources, and prioritizing preventive care, residents can navigate the healthcare system effectively and improve their overall health outcomes. The "Overall Health Score" for this area is, therefore, **Good**, with the caveat that individual experiences and access can vary significantly based on specific needs and circumstances. Ongoing monitoring of hospital performance, ER wait times, and telehealth availability is essential to stay informed and make informed healthcare decisions.