13815, Norwich, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 13815, Norwich, New York is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 13815

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near ZIP code 13815 (Norwich, NY), focusing on key metrics like quality of care, accessibility, and patient experience. This information is designed to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The area surrounding Norwich, NY, is primarily served by a network of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers. The availability of specialized services and the overall quality of care can vary significantly. This review will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the major players, offering a comprehensive overview for residents.

**Chenango Memorial Hospital (Norwich, NY):**

Chenango Memorial Hospital (CMH) is a central healthcare provider for the Norwich area. As a community hospital, it offers a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, and various specialty clinics. CMH is part of the UHS (United Health Services) system, which can provide some benefits in terms of resource sharing and standardized protocols.

**CMS Star Rating:** CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star ratings are a valuable tool for assessing hospital quality. CMH currently holds a **3-star rating** from CMS. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across several categories, including patient experience, readmission rates, safety of care, and timely and effective care. A 3-star rating indicates average performance compared to other hospitals nationwide.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:** Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor in patient satisfaction and overall health outcomes. CMH's ED wait times fluctuate, but generally, patients can expect to be seen by a provider within a reasonable timeframe. It's advisable to check current wait times on the hospital's website or through online resources before visiting the ED, especially during peak hours.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** CMH offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. They also have a surgical unit, providing both inpatient and outpatient procedures. The hospital is continuously working to expand its services and improve its facilities to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the community.

**Telehealth Initiatives:** Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. CMH has embraced telehealth to some extent, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. These initiatives can improve access to care, especially for patients who have difficulty traveling to the hospital.

**Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction is a key indicator of hospital quality. CMH's patient satisfaction scores, as measured by surveys like the HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) survey, are generally in line with the national average. The hospital is committed to improving the patient experience and actively seeks feedback from patients to identify areas for improvement.

**Overall Health Score for Chenango Memorial Hospital: 7/10**

**UHS Wilson Medical Center (Johnson City, NY):**

UHS Wilson Medical Center is a larger, regional hospital located approximately 40 miles from Norwich. As a flagship hospital within the UHS system, it offers a broader range of services and often has more specialized resources than smaller community hospitals.

**CMS Star Rating:** UHS Wilson Medical Center currently holds a **3-star rating** from CMS. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality metrics.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:** The ED at UHS Wilson Medical Center typically handles a higher volume of patients than CMH. This can lead to longer wait times, especially during peak hours. Patients should be prepared for potentially longer wait times and consider alternative urgent care options for less serious conditions.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** UHS Wilson Medical Center boasts a comprehensive array of specialty centers, including a heart and vascular institute, a cancer center, and a comprehensive stroke center. They also have advanced surgical capabilities and a dedicated intensive care unit. This makes it a good choice for patients requiring specialized care.

**Telehealth Initiatives:** UHS Wilson Medical Center has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services. This is a significant advantage for patients who may find it difficult to travel to the hospital for routine appointments.

**Patient Experience:** UHS Wilson Medical Center's patient satisfaction scores are generally comparable to the national average. The hospital is committed to providing a positive patient experience and continuously works to improve its services.

**Overall Health Score for UHS Wilson Medical Center: 7.5/10**

**Other Healthcare Providers and Considerations:**

**Primary Care Physicians and Clinics:** Access to primary care physicians (PCPs) is essential for preventive care and managing chronic conditions. The Norwich area has a network of PCPs, including those affiliated with CMH and independent practices. It is important to establish a relationship with a PCP for ongoing healthcare needs.

**Urgent Care Centers:** Urgent care centers provide an alternative to the ED for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. These centers offer convenient access to care and can help reduce ED wait times.

**Specialty Clinics:** The Norwich area has a variety of specialty clinics, including those focused on cardiology, orthopedics, and other specialties. Patients may need to travel to larger regional centers like UHS Wilson Medical Center for certain specialized services.

**Mental Health Services:** Access to mental health services is a critical component of overall health. The Norwich area has mental health providers, but wait times for appointments can sometimes be lengthy. Patients should seek help from their PCP or mental health professionals.

**Factors Influencing the Overall Health Score:**

Several factors influence the overall health score of hospitals and healthcare providers. These include:

* **Quality of Care:** Measured by CMS star ratings, readmission rates, and other quality metrics.
* **Accessibility:** Including wait times, distance to the hospital, and availability of appointments.
* **Patient Experience:** Measured by patient satisfaction surveys and feedback.
* **Specialty Services:** The availability of specialized care and advanced medical technologies.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** The availability of virtual consultations and remote monitoring services.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 13815 offers a range of options for residents. Chenango Memorial Hospital serves as a primary provider, offering essential services. UHS Wilson Medical Center, located a bit further away, provides a broader range of specialized care. Patients should carefully consider their individual healthcare needs, insurance coverage, and preferences when choosing a healthcare provider. This review provides a starting point for making informed decisions, but patients should always consult with their physicians and conduct their own research to determine the best healthcare options for their specific circumstances. The overall health scores are subjective and should be used in conjunction with other information to make informed decisions.