13790, Johnson City, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 13790, Johnson City, New York is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 13790

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape surrounding the 13790 ZIP code, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services. We'll delve into key performance indicators, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, and the availability of telehealth options, to offer a clear picture of the region's healthcare offerings.

**Defining the Geographic Scope**

The 13790 ZIP code encompasses the town of Walton, New York, and its surrounding areas in Delaware County. Healthcare access in this rural region often requires considering facilities within a reasonable driving distance, extending the search to include hospitals in neighboring counties and even into the Southern Tier region of New York State. This review will primarily focus on hospitals within a 50-mile radius, acknowledging that residents may travel further for specialized care.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a valuable metric for hospital quality through its Star Rating system. This system assesses hospitals based on various factors, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While the number of hospitals in the immediate vicinity of 13790 is limited, residents may need to travel to access higher-rated facilities.

One hospital that frequently serves the area is Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, approximately 40 miles from Walton. Bassett Medical Center holds a respectable CMS star rating, reflecting its commitment to quality care. This hospital is a major regional provider, offering a wide range of services. It is a teaching hospital affiliated with Columbia University, indicating a commitment to research and advanced medical practices.

Another significant hospital to consider is UHS Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, NY, roughly 60 miles away. While it is outside the immediate 50-mile radius, it is a major regional hospital that serves patients in the area. It's important to note that CMS star ratings can fluctuate, so patients should consult the most current data on the CMS website.

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

Emergency room wait times are a crucial consideration, especially in rural areas where timely access to care is paramount. Unfortunately, consistent, publicly available data on ER wait times for individual hospitals can be difficult to obtain. However, resources like the Healthgrades website and hospital websites themselves may provide some insight.

Bassett Medical Center, as a larger facility, typically experiences moderate wait times. However, during peak hours or periods of high patient volume, wait times can increase. Patients should be prepared for potential delays, especially for non-life-threatening conditions.

UHS Wilson Medical Center, serving a larger population, may also experience variable ER wait times. Patients should check online resources or call the hospital directly to inquire about current wait times if possible.

**Specialty Centers and Specialized Care**

The availability of specialized medical services is a critical factor in assessing overall healthcare quality. Residents of the 13790 area may need to travel to access specialized care.

Bassett Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of specialties, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital has a well-regarded cancer center and a robust cardiology program. They also have a strong focus on rural health initiatives, which can be beneficial to the population in the area.

UHS Wilson Medical Center also provides a wide array of specialty services, including cardiology, neurosurgery, and a Level II Trauma Center. This facility is a major regional referral center.

For highly specialized care, such as advanced cardiac procedures or complex cancer treatments, residents may need to travel further to larger medical centers in Syracuse or Albany.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas, to improve access to care and reduce travel burdens. Both Bassett Medical Center and UHS Wilson Medical Center have embraced telehealth initiatives.

Bassett Medical Center has a well-developed telehealth program, offering virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of patients with chronic conditions, and behavioral health services. This is particularly valuable for residents in remote areas who may have difficulty traveling to appointments.

UHS Wilson Medical Center also provides telehealth services, including virtual visits with primary care physicians and specialists. The hospital is actively expanding its telehealth offerings to meet the growing demand for remote healthcare.

**Hospital Affiliations and Networks**

Hospital affiliations and network memberships can significantly impact access to care and the coordination of services. Both Bassett Medical Center and UHS Wilson Medical Center are part of larger healthcare networks.

Bassett Medical Center is part of the Bassett Healthcare Network, which includes several hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers in the region. This network structure allows for better coordination of care, shared resources, and streamlined referrals.

UHS Wilson Medical Center is part of the United Health Services system, which includes hospitals, medical groups, and other healthcare facilities. This network provides access to a broader range of services and specialists.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction**

Patient experience and satisfaction are crucial indicators of healthcare quality. While objective data on patient satisfaction can be difficult to obtain, resources like the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey can provide insights.

Both Bassett Medical Center and UHS Wilson Medical Center participate in the HCAHPS survey, which assesses patients' experiences with various aspects of their care, including communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and cleanliness of the hospital environment. Patients are encouraged to review the results of these surveys on the CMS website.

**Accessibility and Transportation Considerations**

Accessibility and transportation challenges are significant factors in rural healthcare. Residents of the 13790 area may face difficulties accessing healthcare services due to limited public transportation options and long travel distances.

Hospitals in the region often offer transportation assistance programs or partner with local organizations to provide transportation services to patients. Patients should inquire about transportation options when scheduling appointments.

**Financial Considerations and Insurance Coverage**

Financial considerations, including insurance coverage and the cost of care, are essential aspects of healthcare access. Patients should verify their insurance coverage and understand their out-of-pocket expenses before seeking medical care.

Hospitals in the area typically accept a wide range of insurance plans. Patients should contact the hospitals directly to confirm their insurance coverage.

**Community Health and Preventative Care**

Beyond hospital services, community health initiatives and preventative care programs play a vital role in the overall health of the population. Local health departments and community organizations often offer various programs, including health screenings, vaccinations, and health education.

Patients are encouraged to participate in preventative care programs and to consult with their primary care physicians regularly.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

The healthcare landscape surrounding the 13790 ZIP code presents a mixed picture. While the immediate area may have limited hospital options, residents have access to quality care at Bassett Medical Center and, to a lesser degree, UHS Wilson Medical Center. Both facilities offer a broad range of services and specialty care. The availability of telehealth services is a significant advantage for residents in this rural area.

However, challenges remain. ER wait times can be a concern, and access to highly specialized care may require travel. Transportation and financial considerations can also pose barriers to care.

Overall, residents of the 13790 area have access to reasonable healthcare options. However, they should be prepared to travel for specialized care and be proactive in seeking preventative care and utilizing telehealth options to optimize their health outcomes. Patients should always verify the most current data, including CMS star ratings and ER wait times, before making healthcare decisions.