13787, Harpursville, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 13787, Harpursville, New York is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Sidney, NY (ZIP Code 13787)

The health landscape surrounding Sidney, New York (ZIP code 13787), presents a mixed bag of options for residents seeking medical care. While the immediate area offers limited choices, a broader assessment reveals access to a range of hospitals, clinics, and specialty services, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This review analyzes key factors to provide an "Overall Health Score" for the region, considering hospital quality, accessibility, and the availability of specialized care.

**Immediate Area Overview:**

Within the immediate vicinity of Sidney, the primary healthcare provider is **A.O. Fox Hospital**, located in Oneonta, approximately 20 miles away. This hospital serves as the primary access point for emergency care, inpatient services, and a variety of outpatient clinics for residents of the area. There are also a few smaller, local clinics and primary care physician offices that serve the community.

**A.O. Fox Hospital: A Closer Look**

A.O. Fox Hospital, part of Bassett Healthcare Network, is a critical access hospital. This designation indicates a focus on providing essential services to rural communities. While it doesn't receive a star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the hospital's performance data is available through CMS. A.O. Fox Hospital offers a range of services, including:

* **Emergency Department:** The ER at A.O. Fox Hospital is a crucial resource for the community. While specific wait times fluctuate, it is essential to understand that rural hospitals often experience longer wait times than larger urban centers.
* **Inpatient Services:** The hospital provides inpatient care for a variety of medical conditions, including surgical procedures.
* **Specialty Clinics:** A.O. Fox Hospital offers various specialty clinics, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health.
* **Telehealth:** A.O. Fox Hospital, as part of Bassett Healthcare Network, has significantly expanded its telehealth offerings. Telehealth appointments provide access to specialists and primary care physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel.

**Beyond A.O. Fox: Expanding the Healthcare Horizon**

Residents of the 13787 ZIP code can also access healthcare facilities further afield, expanding their options for specialized care and treatment. Several hospitals within a reasonable driving distance offer different strengths and specializations.

**Bassett Medical Center (Cooperstown, NY): A Flagship Option**

Bassett Medical Center, also part of Bassett Healthcare Network, is a flagship hospital approximately 45 miles from Sidney. This facility offers a broader range of services and is often considered a regional referral center.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Bassett Medical Center holds a CMS star rating, reflecting its performance on various quality metrics. This rating provides a standardized measure of hospital quality, allowing for comparisons.
* **Specialized Services:** Bassett Medical Center boasts a comprehensive range of specialized services, including:
* **Heart Care:** The hospital has a dedicated cardiology department with advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities.
* **Cancer Care:** The Bassett Cancer Institute offers comprehensive cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
* **Neuroscience:** The hospital's neuroscience center provides care for neurological conditions.
* **Emergency Department:** Bassett Medical Center's ER is equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies. Wait times can vary, but the hospital's size and resources often result in shorter wait times compared to smaller facilities.
* **Telehealth:** Bassett Medical Center has a robust telehealth program, allowing patients to connect with specialists and primary care physicians remotely.

**Other Hospitals to Consider:**

* **Wilson Medical Center (Johnson City, NY):** Approximately 60 miles from Sidney, Wilson Medical Center, part of UHS, is a large hospital offering a wide array of services, including a Level II Trauma Center, which is critical for handling severe injuries. The hospital also has specialized services in areas like cardiology and oncology. While specific CMS star ratings can fluctuate, it is a major provider in the region.
* **Binghamton General Hospital (Binghamton, NY):** Also part of UHS, Binghamton General Hospital is another major hospital in the area, offering a wide range of services. Its proximity to other medical facilities in Binghamton makes it part of a larger healthcare ecosystem.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room wait times are a significant concern for patients. While data fluctuates, it's essential to understand the general trends. Smaller, rural hospitals like A.O. Fox Hospital may experience longer wait times, especially during peak hours. Larger hospitals like Bassett Medical Center and Wilson Medical Center, while often having shorter wait times, may still experience delays depending on the volume of patients and the severity of their conditions. Patients can check real-time wait times online through resources like the hospital websites or third-party platforms.

**Specialty Centers and Access to Specialized Care:**

The availability of specialty centers is crucial for patients with complex medical needs. Bassett Medical Center, with its comprehensive range of services, is a key resource for specialized care. Wilson Medical Center and Binghamton General Hospital also offer specialized services. For certain conditions, patients may need to travel further to access specialized care. For instance, highly specialized treatments, such as advanced cancer therapies or complex cardiac procedures, may require travel to larger medical centers in cities like Syracuse or Albany.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. A.O. Fox Hospital and Bassett Medical Center have embraced telehealth, providing patients with remote access to specialists and primary care physicians. This reduces the need for travel, improves access to care, and allows patients to receive consultations and follow-up appointments from the comfort of their homes. Telehealth services include virtual visits, remote monitoring, and online patient portals.

**Accessibility and Transportation Considerations:**

Accessibility is a key factor in healthcare. Residents of Sidney may face transportation challenges, particularly those without personal vehicles. Public transportation options are limited in the area. This can make it difficult for patients to access healthcare facilities, especially for those with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. The availability of ride-sharing services and community transportation programs can help mitigate these challenges.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The healthcare landscape surrounding Sidney, NY (ZIP code 13787), presents a mixed picture. While the immediate area offers limited options, residents have access to a range of hospitals and specialty services within a reasonable driving distance.

**Strengths:**

* **Access to Bassett Healthcare Network:** The presence of A.O. Fox Hospital and Bassett Medical Center provides access to a network of healthcare providers, offering a range of services and expertise.
* **Telehealth Expansion:** The increasing availability of telehealth services improves access to care, particularly for those in rural areas.
* **Specialty Services:** Bassett Medical Center and other regional hospitals offer specialized services, including cardiology, cancer care, and neuroscience.

**Weaknesses:**

* **Limited Immediate Options:** The immediate area offers limited choices, with A.O. Fox Hospital being the primary provider.
* **Transportation Challenges:** Limited public transportation and the need for travel can pose challenges for some residents.
* **Rural Healthcare Considerations:** Rural hospitals can face challenges like longer ER wait times and limited access to certain specialists.

**Overall Health Score:**

Considering the factors above, the "Overall Health Score" for residents of the 13787 ZIP code is **Good, with caveats.** While the area offers access to quality healthcare through the Bassett Healthcare Network and other regional hospitals, residents should be prepared for potential travel and longer wait times, particularly in the ER. The expansion of telehealth services is a positive development, improving access to care and reducing the need for travel. Residents should proactively research their healthcare options, understand the services available, and consider the potential challenges associated with accessing care in a rural environment. Continuous monitoring of hospital quality metrics, such as CMS star ratings, and the availability of specialized services is crucial for making informed healthcare decisions.