13846, Treadwell, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 13846, Treadwell, New York is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 13846 (Oneonta, NY)

The quest for quality healthcare in the vicinity of Oneonta, NY (ZIP code 13846) reveals a landscape dominated by a single major player, Bassett Healthcare Network, with its flagship hospital, A.O. Fox Hospital, serving as the primary healthcare hub. This review provides an overall health score assessment, considering various factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, telehealth capabilities, and other crucial metrics. The goal is to offer a comprehensive picture to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**A.O. Fox Hospital: The Cornerstone of Care**

A.O. Fox Hospital, located in Oneonta, is the central component of the Bassett Healthcare Network. This hospital is a critical access hospital, a designation that reflects its role in providing essential services to a rural population. Its CMS star rating, a widely used metric for hospital quality, is currently unavailable. This lack of a star rating doesn’t necessarily indicate poor performance, but it does mean that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has not published a rating for this facility. This could be due to various factors, including the hospital’s size or the specific services offered.

**Emergency Room Performance: A Critical Factor**

Emergency room wait times are a significant concern for many patients. While specific, publicly available data for A.O. Fox Hospital's ER wait times is not readily available, it is crucial to consider this factor when assessing healthcare options. Longer wait times can lead to increased patient anxiety and potentially delay critical treatment. The Bassett Healthcare Network website and local sources should be consulted for the most up-to-date information on ER wait times.

**Specialty Centers and Services: Meeting Diverse Needs**

A.O. Fox Hospital offers a range of specialty services to cater to the diverse healthcare needs of the community. These include cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health services. The availability of these specialized centers within the local healthcare system reduces the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment. The quality of these specialty services, including the expertise of the medical staff and the availability of advanced technology, should be considered. Information on specific accreditations and awards received by these centers can be found on the Bassett Healthcare Network website.

**Telehealth Integration: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, especially in rural areas where access to specialists can be limited. Bassett Healthcare Network has invested in telehealth capabilities, allowing patients to access virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This technology can improve access to care, reduce travel time, and provide convenient options for follow-up appointments. The extent of the telehealth services offered by A.O. Fox Hospital, including the specialties available through telehealth and the ease of use of the platform, are important factors to consider.

**Bassett Healthcare Network: A Broader Perspective**

Beyond A.O. Fox Hospital, the Bassett Healthcare Network encompasses a network of affiliated hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers across the region. This integrated network aims to provide a comprehensive continuum of care, from primary care to specialized services. The network's overall performance and the coordination of care between its various facilities are crucial factors in assessing the overall health score. Information on the network's performance metrics, patient satisfaction scores, and community health initiatives can provide a broader perspective on its impact on the region's health.

**Other Healthcare Options: Exploring Alternatives**

While A.O. Fox Hospital is the primary healthcare provider in the area, it's important to consider other healthcare options. These might include smaller clinics, urgent care centers, and specialists who may be affiliated with other healthcare systems. Investigating these alternatives can help patients find the best fit for their individual needs and preferences.

**Specific Considerations: Analyzing Key Metrics**

* **Patient Satisfaction:** 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. These scores reflect patients' perceptions of the care they receive, including communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and the cleanliness of the hospital environment.

* **Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs):** HAIs are a serious concern in healthcare. Data on infection rates, such as those for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and surgical site infections (SSIs), can indicate the hospital's commitment to infection control practices.

* **Readmission Rates:** Readmission rates, which measure the percentage of patients who are readmitted to the hospital within a certain timeframe after discharge, can reflect the quality of care provided and the effectiveness of discharge planning.

* **Preventive Care:** The availability of preventive care services, such as screenings and vaccinations, is crucial for maintaining good health. Information on the hospital's preventive care programs and their participation in community health initiatives can provide insights into its commitment to promoting wellness.

**Factors Influencing the Overall Health Score**

Several factors contribute to the overall health score for hospitals near ZIP code 13846. These include:

* **Quality of Care:** This encompasses a wide range of factors, including the expertise of medical staff, the availability of advanced technology, and the adherence to evidence-based practices.
* **Patient Safety:** This involves measures to prevent medical errors, reduce infections, and ensure patient well-being.
* **Access to Care:** This refers to the ease with which patients can obtain the healthcare services they need, including factors like wait times, appointment availability, and the availability of telehealth services.
* **Patient Experience:** This focuses on the patient's overall experience, including communication with healthcare providers, the cleanliness of the environment, and the responsiveness of staff.
* **Community Health:** This considers the hospital's role in promoting community health, including its participation in health education programs and its efforts to address health disparities.

**The Importance of Local Resources and Information**

When assessing healthcare options, it is essential to consult local resources and information. This includes the Bassett Healthcare Network website, local news sources, and community health organizations. These resources can provide up-to-date information on hospital performance, patient satisfaction scores, and other relevant metrics.

**Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective**

The overall health score for hospitals near ZIP code 13846 is primarily influenced by the performance of A.O. Fox Hospital and the broader Bassett Healthcare Network. While the lack of a CMS star rating for A.O. Fox Hospital requires further investigation, the hospital's role as a critical access hospital and its provision of essential services to a rural population are significant. The availability of specialty centers, telehealth capabilities, and the network's commitment to community health initiatives are also important factors. Residents should carefully consider the factors discussed in this review, consult local resources, and make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and staying informed about the latest developments is crucial for ensuring access to quality care.