14481, Leicester, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 14481, Leicester, New York is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Canandaigua, NY (ZIP Code 14481)

The Finger Lakes region of New York State, encompassing the area around Canandaigua (ZIP Code 14481), presents a unique healthcare landscape. Residents have access to a blend of community hospitals, specialized centers, and telehealth options, all vying for the attention of patients seeking quality care. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like hospital quality, emergency room wait times, specialty services, and the availability of telehealth, to help residents make informed decisions.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The cornerstone of healthcare in the region is often considered to be the larger, flagship hospitals. These institutions typically offer a wider range of services and advanced technology. A crucial metric for evaluating these hospitals is the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Star Rating. This rating system, ranging from one to five stars, provides a publicly available measure of a hospital's overall quality based on various factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

**UR Medicine Thompson Health (Canandaigua, NY):** Located directly within the 14481 ZIP code, UR Medicine Thompson Health is a key player. While specific CMS star ratings fluctuate and can be found on the CMS website, this hospital serves as a primary access point for many residents. Thompson Health offers a comprehensive range of services, including a 24/7 emergency department, surgical suites, and various specialty clinics.

**Strong Memorial Hospital (Rochester, NY):** Approximately a 45-minute drive from Canandaigua, Strong Memorial Hospital, part of the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), is a major regional referral center. Strong consistently receives high ratings in various national rankings and boasts a five-star CMS rating. This reflects its commitment to providing high-quality care across a broad spectrum of medical specialties. Strong Memorial is a Level 1 trauma center, equipped to handle the most critical emergencies.

**Highland Hospital (Rochester, NY):** Also part of URMC, Highland Hospital is another option within a reasonable driving distance. While its CMS star rating may vary, Highland excels in certain areas, particularly in behavioral health and geriatric care. Highland Hospital offers a more community-focused approach, providing specialized services tailored to the needs of the local population.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:**

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor for patients requiring immediate medical attention. These wait times can vary significantly depending on the hospital, the time of day, and the severity of the patient's condition.

**UR Medicine Thompson Health:** As a local hospital, UR Medicine Thompson Health generally aims to provide relatively shorter wait times for less critical conditions. However, wait times can still fluctuate, especially during peak hours or during periods of high patient volume.

**Strong Memorial Hospital:** Due to its status as a Level 1 trauma center and its higher patient volume, Strong Memorial Hospital often experiences longer ER wait times. Patients with less severe conditions may face extended waits as the hospital prioritizes the most critical cases.

**Highland Hospital:** Highland Hospital's ER wait times can vary, but often fall somewhere between Thompson Health and Strong Memorial. It’s important to note that wait times are dynamic and can be checked on the hospital’s websites or through third-party apps that track real-time ER data.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Beyond general medical care, the availability of specialized services is a key consideration. The area around Canandaigua offers access to a range of specialty centers.

**Cancer Care:** The Wilmot Cancer Institute, affiliated with URMC, provides comprehensive cancer care, including diagnosis, treatment, and support services. While its main location is in Rochester, the institute often has satellite clinics and outreach programs in the surrounding areas, making access to cancer care more convenient for residents of Canandaigua.

**Cardiovascular Care:** Strong Memorial Hospital is a leading center for cardiovascular care, offering advanced cardiac procedures and treatments. UR Medicine Thompson Health also provides cardiology services, including diagnostic testing and consultations.

**Orthopedics:** Both Strong Memorial and UR Medicine Thompson Health offer orthopedic services, including joint replacements, sports medicine, and rehabilitation.

**Behavioral Health:** Highland Hospital is particularly known for its behavioral health services, providing inpatient and outpatient care for mental health and substance use disorders. UR Medicine Thompson Health also offers behavioral health services, including psychiatric evaluations and counseling.

**Telehealth Availability and Statistics:**

Telehealth has rapidly expanded in recent years, offering convenient access to healthcare services remotely. This is particularly beneficial for residents in rural areas, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists.

**UR Medicine:** UR Medicine has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual visits for a wide range of specialties, including primary care, cardiology, and mental health. Patients can schedule appointments online and receive care from the comfort of their homes. Telehealth statistics for UR Medicine, including the number of virtual visits and patient satisfaction rates, are often available on their website or in their annual reports.

**UR Medicine Thompson Health:** UR Medicine Thompson Health is also expanding its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring services. The availability of telehealth services can vary depending on the specialty and the patient's insurance coverage.

**Other Healthcare Providers:**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, the area around Canandaigua is served by a network of other healthcare providers, including:

**Primary Care Physicians:** Numerous primary care practices are located in and around Canandaigua, providing essential preventative care and managing chronic conditions.

**Urgent Care Centers:** Urgent care centers offer convenient access to care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, providing an alternative to the ER for less serious medical needs.

**Specialty Clinics:** Various specialty clinics, such as dermatology, gastroenterology, and endocrinology, are available in the area, providing specialized care for specific medical conditions.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

**Accessibility:** The proximity of UR Medicine Thompson Health offers convenient access to healthcare for residents of 14481. However, the availability of specialized services at Strong Memorial Hospital and Highland Hospital requires travel, which can be a barrier for some patients.

**Quality of Care:** Strong Memorial Hospital consistently demonstrates high-quality care, reflected in its CMS star rating and national rankings. UR Medicine Thompson Health and Highland Hospital also provide quality care, but their performance may vary depending on the specific services.

**Wait Times:** ER wait times can be a significant concern, especially at Strong Memorial Hospital. Patients should be aware of potential wait times and consider alternative options, such as urgent care centers, for less critical conditions.

**Specialty Services:** The area offers access to a wide range of specialty services, including cancer care, cardiovascular care, orthopedics, and behavioral health. Patients should research the specific services offered by each hospital and clinic to ensure they meet their individual needs.

**Telehealth:** The availability of telehealth services is a major advantage, providing convenient access to care and reducing the need for travel. Patients should explore the telehealth options offered by UR Medicine and other providers.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near Canandaigua (ZIP Code 14481) provides a diverse range of options. While UR Medicine Thompson Health serves as a local hub, Strong Memorial Hospital offers advanced care and specialized services. Residents should carefully consider their individual healthcare needs, including the severity of their condition, their preferred level of care, and their willingness to travel. By researching hospital quality, ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth options, residents can make informed decisions and navigate the healthcare system effectively. The "Overall Health Score" for this area is positive, reflecting the availability of quality healthcare options, but patients must proactively research their choices to ensure they receive the best possible care.