13834, Portlandville, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 13834, Portlandville, New York is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Norwich, NY (ZIP Code 13834)

Navigating healthcare can feel like traversing a complex maze. For residents of Norwich, New York, and the surrounding ZIP code 13834, understanding the local hospital landscape is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty services, and telehealth availability, to help you make informed decisions about your care.

**The Anchor: UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital**

The primary hospital serving Norwich is UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, located directly within the town. This is the hospital most residents will turn to first. It is a critical access hospital, which means it receives specific federal funding to support rural healthcare. The hospital is part of the United Health Services (UHS) system, which operates several hospitals and healthcare facilities across the region.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Mixed Bag**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a snapshot of overall quality. Unfortunately, UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital does not currently have a CMS star rating. This doesn't automatically equate to poor quality, but it does mean there is no readily available, standardized, public benchmark to compare it against. It is important to note that CMS star ratings are not the only measure of quality, and other factors should be considered.

**Emergency Room Dynamics: Wait Times and Capacity**

Emergency room (ER) wait times are a critical concern for anyone needing immediate care. Unfortunately, specific, real-time ER wait time data for UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital is not readily available through public sources like the CMS Hospital Compare website or other widely used platforms. Patients should contact the hospital directly or check local news sources for any updates on ER capacity, especially during peak seasons or times of increased demand.

**Specialty Services: Breadth and Depth**

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital offers a range of specialty services to meet the community's needs. These include general surgery, cardiology, orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, and a dedicated cancer care center. The hospital also provides rehabilitation services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. For more complex cases, patients may be referred to larger hospitals within the UHS system or to facilities in larger cities like Syracuse or Binghamton.

**Telehealth Integration: Connecting Remotely**

Telehealth is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital offers telehealth services, allowing patients to connect with providers remotely for consultations, follow-up appointments, and certain types of care. The specific types of telehealth services available and the specialties that offer them can vary. Patients should inquire directly with the hospital about the availability of telehealth options that meet their needs.

**Beyond Norwich: Exploring Regional Options**

While UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital is the local hub, residents may also consider hospitals in neighboring areas. This includes hospitals in the Binghamton and Syracuse areas, which offer a wider range of specialized services and may be necessary for certain medical conditions.

**Upstate University Hospital, Syracuse: A Regional Powerhouse**

Located approximately 90 miles from Norwich, Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse is a major regional medical center. It is a teaching hospital affiliated with the State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University. Upstate University Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. The hospital offers a comprehensive array of specialties, including advanced cardiac care, neurology, oncology, and transplant services. It also has a Level 1 trauma center, indicating its capacity to handle the most severe emergency cases.

**Upstate's ER Performance:**

Upstate University Hospital's emergency room is a high-volume facility. Publicly available data on ER wait times can fluctuate, but it is generally advisable to check the hospital's website or other sources for real-time information.

**Telehealth at Upstate:**

Upstate University Hospital has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other services across numerous specialties. This can be particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas who may have difficulty traveling to Syracuse for appointments.

**Binghamton's Hospitals: Another Option**

Binghamton, located approximately 50 miles from Norwich, also provides access to several hospitals.

**Lourdes Hospital, Binghamton:**

Lourdes Hospital is another option for residents in the Norwich area. It is part of the Ascension healthcare system. Lourdes Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. It offers a range of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and cancer care. The hospital has a dedicated emergency department.

**ER and Telehealth at Lourdes:**

ER wait times at Lourdes can vary. Patients should check the hospital's website or other resources for up-to-date information. Lourdes Hospital also offers telehealth services, allowing patients to access care remotely.

**Wilson Medical Center, Johnson City:**

Wilson Medical Center, located in Johnson City, just outside of Binghamton, is another hospital within the UHS system. Wilson Medical Center has a 3-star CMS rating. It offers a variety of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and emergency care.

**ER and Telehealth at Wilson:**

ER wait times at Wilson Medical Center can vary. Patients should check the hospital's website or other resources for up-to-date information. Wilson Medical Center also offers telehealth services.

**Considerations for Choosing a Hospital**

Choosing the right hospital involves considering several factors:

* **Specialty Needs:** Does the hospital offer the specific services you require?
* **Emergency Care:** What are the ER wait times, and does the hospital have a trauma center if needed?
* **Quality Ratings:** While not the only measure, CMS star ratings can provide a general indication of quality.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Can you access care remotely, which can be especially convenient for follow-up appointments or consultations?
* **Location and Travel:** How far are you willing to travel for care?
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital is within your insurance network.
* **Personal Preferences:** Consider factors like patient reviews and your comfort level with the hospital's environment.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary**

For residents of Norwich, NY (ZIP code 13834), UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital serves as the primary healthcare provider. While it does not have a CMS star rating, it offers essential services and is a critical resource for the community. For more specialized care or in the event of an emergency, hospitals in Binghamton and Syracuse, such as Upstate University Hospital, Lourdes Hospital, and Wilson Medical Center, provide additional options. The availability of telehealth services at these hospitals expands access to care, especially for those in rural areas. The "Overall Health Score" for the Norwich area is good, but it is crucial to understand the limitations of local resources and to consider regional options when necessary. Patients should actively research their healthcare options, understand their needs, and make informed decisions about where to receive care.