13794, Killawog, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 13794, Killawog, New York is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 13794

This review provides an in-depth analysis of healthcare options available to residents near ZIP code 13794, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services. The assessment considers factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty center offerings, and telehealth availability to offer a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" perspective.

**Defining the Landscape: Key Hospitals and Their Reach**

The region surrounding 13794, nestled in the Southern Tier of New York State, is primarily served by a network of hospitals with varying levels of specialization and reach. While the exact definition of "near" can fluctuate, this review concentrates on facilities within a reasonable driving distance, factoring in the rural nature of the area. This includes hospitals in Binghamton, Norwich, and Oneonta, which are likely to be primary healthcare destinations for residents.

**The CMS Star Rating: A Snapshot of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings provide a readily accessible, albeit simplified, measure of hospital quality. These ratings, ranging from one to five stars, are based on a variety of factors, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. It's crucial to remember that these ratings are not the sole determinant of a hospital's worth but offer a valuable comparative tool.

**Specific Hospital Analysis:**

**United Health Services (UHS) Hospitals (Binghamton):** UHS operates several hospitals in the Binghamton area, including UHS Binghamton General Hospital and UHS Wilson Medical Center. These hospitals are likely to be the primary healthcare providers for many residents near 13794. Checking their current CMS star ratings is essential, as these can change. Information on their specific ratings and any recent changes should be readily available on the CMS Hospital Compare website.

**Chenango Memorial Hospital (Norwich):** Chenango Memorial Hospital serves the Norwich area and is another potential healthcare option for residents. Its CMS star rating, if available, should be checked to assess its overall quality.

**A.O. Fox Hospital (Oneonta):** A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta is another important regional hospital. Its CMS star rating, along with its specific service offerings, is crucial for residents in the western part of the region.

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

ER wait times are a significant concern for many patients. Long waits can exacerbate medical conditions and create unnecessary stress. The average ER wait times at each hospital should be researched. Data from sources like the CMS Hospital Compare website and other publicly available sources can provide these figures. It's important to note that wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the overall volume of patients.

**Specialty Centers: Accessing Specialized Care**

The availability of specialized care is a crucial factor in assessing a hospital's overall quality. This includes centers for cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, and other specialized areas.

**Cardiology:** Access to a reputable cardiology center is vital for individuals with heart conditions. The presence of interventional cardiology services, such as angioplasty and stenting, is a key indicator of advanced care.

**Oncology:** Cancer care is another critical specialty. The availability of comprehensive cancer centers, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology, is essential for local residents.

**Neurology:** For neurological conditions, the presence of a dedicated neurology department, with access to advanced imaging and treatment options, is crucial.

**Orthopedics:** Orthopedic services, including joint replacement, sports medicine, and fracture care, are essential for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.

**Other Specialties:** The availability of other specialized services, such as women's health, pediatrics, and behavioral health, should also be considered.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Gap in Rural Healthcare**

Telehealth services are increasingly important, particularly in rural areas where access to specialists may be limited. The availability of telehealth consultations, remote patient monitoring, and virtual visits can significantly improve access to care.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Hospitals should be assessed on their telehealth capabilities, including the types of services offered, the technology used, and the ease of access for patients.

**Specific Telehealth Programs:** Information on specific telehealth programs, such as virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of chronic conditions, and mental health services, is crucial.

**Patient Experience: The Human Element**

Patient experience is a crucial aspect of overall healthcare quality. Patient satisfaction scores, often measured through surveys like the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

**HCAHPS Scores:** Reviewing the HCAHPS scores for each hospital provides insight into patient satisfaction with aspects such as communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of hospital staff, and the cleanliness and quietness of the hospital environment.

**Patient Reviews:** Searching online for patient reviews on platforms like Google Reviews, Healthgrades, and Yelp can offer additional insights into the patient experience.

**Accessibility and Convenience: Navigating the Healthcare System**

Accessibility and convenience are important factors, especially in a rural area.

**Location and Transportation:** The proximity of hospitals to the 13794 ZIP code and the availability of transportation options, including public transportation and ambulance services, should be considered.

**Insurance Acceptance:** The acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, is crucial for ensuring access to care.

**Language Services:** The availability of language services, such as interpreters, is important for patients who do not speak English.

**Cost and Affordability:** Healthcare costs can be a significant burden for patients. The transparency of pricing and the availability of financial assistance programs should be considered.

**Community Health Needs Assessment:**

Reviewing the Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) for the hospitals serving the area can offer valuable insights. These assessments, conducted by hospitals in collaboration with community stakeholders, identify the most pressing health needs of the local population. This can help to understand the specific health challenges faced by residents near 13794 and how hospitals are addressing them.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near 13794 should be a composite of the factors discussed above. This score should reflect the quality of care, accessibility, and the availability of specialized services.

**Weighting the Factors:**

The weighting of each factor will depend on individual priorities. For example, someone with a chronic heart condition may prioritize cardiology services and ER wait times, while someone with young children may prioritize pediatric care and patient experience.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions**

Choosing a hospital is a personal decision. Residents near 13794 should carefully consider their individual healthcare needs and preferences when evaluating the available options. By researching the factors outlined in this review, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty center offerings, telehealth availability, and patient experience, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare. This review provides a starting point for that process, encouraging a deeper dive into the specific hospitals and services that best meet individual needs. It is crucial to consult with healthcare providers and conduct thorough research to ensure the best possible healthcare outcomes.