13845, Tioga Center, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 13845, Tioga Center, New York is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Sidney, NY (ZIP Code 13845)

The residents of Sidney, NY, and surrounding areas (ZIP Code 13845) have a limited, yet crucial, selection of hospitals to consider for their healthcare needs. Evaluating the overall health of these facilities requires a multi-faceted approach, considering factors like quality of care, accessibility, specialized services, and patient experience. This review analyzes the key hospitals within a reasonable radius, providing an "Overall Health Score" assessment based on available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty offerings, and telehealth capabilities.

**Key Considerations for the 13845 Area**

The healthcare landscape near Sidney is primarily shaped by its rural nature. This means access to a wide range of specialized services can be limited, and residents often rely on larger regional hospitals for complex medical needs. Proximity to major cities like Binghamton and Albany plays a significant role in healthcare access. The availability of primary care physicians and specialists within the local community is also a crucial factor in overall health outcomes.

**Hospital Analysis: A Deep Dive**

**1. UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital (Norwich, NY)**

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, located approximately 25 miles from Sidney, serves as a primary healthcare provider for the region. This facility is part of the UHS (United Health Services) system, a well-established network in the Southern Tier of New York. While a CMS star rating is unavailable for this specific hospital, UHS as a whole is known for its comprehensive services.

Chenango Memorial offers a range of core services, including emergency care, inpatient medical and surgical units, and a labor and delivery unit. The hospital also has a robust outpatient service offering, including physical therapy, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory services. Telehealth is increasingly integrated into UHS's offerings, with virtual consultations available for certain specialties, although specific data on utilization within Chenango Memorial is not readily available. ER wait times can fluctuate, but generally reflect the typical wait times for a rural hospital, potentially exceeding the national average during peak hours. Patients should be prepared for potential wait times and consider urgent care alternatives for non-life-threatening conditions.

**Overall Health Score: 7/10** (Based on comprehensive services, affiliation with a larger network, and telehealth integration, offset by potential ER wait times and lack of specific CMS star rating.)

**2. A.O. Fox Hospital (Oneonta, NY)**

A.O. Fox Hospital, situated approximately 30 miles from Sidney, is another key healthcare provider for the area. This hospital is part of Bassett Healthcare Network, a system known for its commitment to rural healthcare. While A.O. Fox Hospital does not have a CMS star rating, Bassett Healthcare Network hospitals generally demonstrate a commitment to quality.

A.O. Fox offers a broad spectrum of services, including a 24-hour emergency department, medical-surgical units, and specialized services such as cardiology, orthopedics, and cancer care. The hospital has made significant investments in telehealth, offering virtual visits for a variety of specialties, including behavioral health and primary care. ER wait times vary, but the hospital strives to maintain efficient patient flow. A.O. Fox Hospital also has a strong focus on community outreach and education programs.

**Overall Health Score: 7.5/10** (Reflecting the comprehensive services, affiliation with a reputable network, and robust telehealth offerings.)

**3. Lourdes Hospital (Binghamton, NY)**

Lourdes Hospital, located approximately 45 miles from Sidney, is a larger regional hospital that offers a more extensive range of specialized services. This hospital is part of Ascension, a national Catholic healthcare system. Lourdes Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars, indicating an average performance based on the CMS criteria.

Lourdes Hospital provides a wide array of services, including advanced cardiac care, comprehensive cancer treatment, and specialized surgical procedures. The hospital has a well-equipped emergency department and offers a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services. Telehealth is available, although the specific utilization rates and specialty offerings within the Lourdes system are not readily available. ER wait times can be longer than at smaller, local hospitals, due to the higher patient volume.

**Overall Health Score: 7/10** (Reflecting the broader range of specialized services, but offset by a lower CMS star rating and potentially longer ER wait times.)

**4. Wilson Hospital (Johnson City, NY)**

Wilson Hospital, also located in the Binghamton area (approximately 50 miles from Sidney), is part of the UHS system. This hospital does not have a specific CMS star rating.

Wilson Hospital is a major regional hospital with a wide array of services, including a comprehensive cancer center, cardiac care, and advanced surgical capabilities. The hospital has a well-regarded emergency department and offers a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services. Telehealth is available, with virtual consultations offered for certain specialties. ER wait times can vary depending on the time of day and patient volume.

**Overall Health Score: 7/10** (Based on comprehensive services, affiliation with a larger network, and telehealth integration, offset by potential ER wait times and lack of specific CMS star rating.)

**Specialty Centers and Considerations**

For specialized care, residents of the 13845 area may need to travel to larger hospitals like Lourdes Hospital or Wilson Hospital in Binghamton, or further to Albany or Syracuse. Access to specialized services like neurosurgery, advanced cardiology, and pediatric specialists is often limited locally.

**Telehealth: A Growing Trend**

Telehealth is increasingly becoming a vital tool for healthcare access in rural areas. Both UHS and Bassett Healthcare Network have invested in telehealth platforms, offering virtual consultations for various specialties. This can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who have difficulty traveling long distances. The availability of telehealth services can reduce the need for in-person visits and improve patient convenience.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Metric**

ER wait times are a crucial factor in evaluating hospital accessibility. While specific real-time data for each hospital is not always readily available, residents should be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours. Checking online resources or calling the hospital before visiting the ER can help patients understand potential wait times. For non-life-threatening conditions, urgent care centers may offer a faster alternative.

**Patient Experience: An Important Factor**

Patient experience is a critical component of overall health. Factors like communication with healthcare providers, cleanliness of facilities, and overall satisfaction contribute to the patient experience. While specific patient satisfaction scores for each hospital are not readily available, reviewing online patient reviews can provide insights into the experiences of other patients.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

The hospitals near Sidney, NY (ZIP Code 13845) offer a range of healthcare services, with the larger regional hospitals providing more specialized care. UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital and A.O. Fox Hospital serve as primary providers, while Lourdes Hospital and Wilson Hospital offer more advanced services. Telehealth is becoming increasingly important for improving access to care. Residents should consider the specific services offered by each hospital, potential ER wait times, and their own healthcare needs when making their choices.

**Recommendations for Patients**

* **Establish a Primary Care Physician:** Having a primary care physician is essential for preventative care and referrals to specialists.
* **Understand Insurance Coverage:** Familiarize yourself with your insurance plan's network and coverage for specific hospitals and services.
* **Research Hospital Services:** Before needing care, research the services offered by each hospital in the area.
* **Consider Telehealth Options:** Explore telehealth options for convenient access to care, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations.
* **Plan for Travel:** Be prepared to travel to larger regional hospitals for specialized care.
* **Prepare for Potential Wait Times:** Be aware of potential ER wait times and consider urgent care alternatives for non-life-threatening conditions.
* **Review Patient Reviews:** Read online patient reviews to gain insights into the experiences of other patients.

The healthcare landscape near Sidney, NY, presents both opportunities and challenges. While access to specialized care may require travel, the availability of local hospitals and the growing use of telehealth provide valuable healthcare options for the residents of the 13845 area. The "Overall Health Score" for these hospitals reflects a balance of strengths and weaknesses, and patients should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences when choosing a healthcare provider.