14504, Manchester, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 14504, Manchester, New York is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Canandaigua, NY (ZIP Code 14504)

Choosing the right hospital is a crucial decision, especially when facing a health crisis. This review analyzes the healthcare landscape near Canandaigua, NY (ZIP Code 14504), providing an "Overall Health Score" based on factors including quality ratings, emergency room performance, specialized services, and telehealth accessibility. This analysis aims to empower residents with the information needed to make informed healthcare choices.

**Flagship Hospitals and Quality Ratings:**

The healthcare ecosystem near Canandaigua is primarily anchored by two major players: UR Medicine Thompson Health and Strong Memorial Hospital. Strong Memorial, located in Rochester, is the flagship hospital of the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). It serves as a regional referral center and boasts a comprehensive range of specialties. UR Medicine Thompson Health, located directly in Canandaigua, offers a more community-focused approach, providing a broad spectrum of services closer to home.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a snapshot of overall quality. Strong Memorial Hospital holds a respectable, but not exceptional, 3-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects its performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, readmission rates, and timely and effective care. Thompson Health does not have a CMS star rating, as it does not meet the minimum requirements for the CMS Hospital Compare program.

**Emergency Room Performance: A Critical Metric:**

Emergency room (ER) wait times are often a primary concern for patients seeking immediate care. Strong Memorial Hospital’s ER, as a Level 1 Trauma Center, handles a high volume of cases, which can sometimes translate to longer wait times. Data from the CMS Hospital Compare website indicates that Strong Memorial’s median ER wait time for patients admitted to the hospital is around 2 hours, which is longer than the national average. The median time for patients discharged from the ER is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

UR Medicine Thompson Health’s ER is generally known for shorter wait times, reflecting its community-based focus and lower patient volume. While specific, publicly available data on Thompson Health’s ER wait times is limited, anecdotal evidence and patient reviews suggest a more efficient experience. Patients in the Canandaigua area often report shorter wait times at Thompson Health compared to the larger, more complex ER at Strong Memorial.

**Specialty Centers and Advanced Care:**

Strong Memorial Hospital excels in specialized care, boasting a wide array of centers and programs. The hospital is home to the Wilmot Cancer Institute, a nationally recognized cancer center providing comprehensive cancer treatment and research. Strong also features specialized centers for cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics, offering advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options. The Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong provides specialized pediatric care, including intensive care, surgery, and a range of pediatric subspecialties.

UR Medicine Thompson Health offers a more focused approach to specialized care, with a strong emphasis on services relevant to the local community. It has a comprehensive cardiac program, including interventional cardiology. Thompson Health also provides specialized services in orthopedics, women's health, and oncology, partnering with the Wilmot Cancer Institute for cancer care.

**Telehealth Accessibility: Expanding Healthcare Horizons:**

Telehealth has rapidly transformed healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Strong Memorial Hospital has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and access to specialists for patients across a wide geographic area. This is especially important for residents in the Canandaigua region who may need access to specialists not readily available locally.

UR Medicine Thompson Health has also embraced telehealth, providing virtual visits and remote monitoring options. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and mental health services, improving access to care for residents of Canandaigua and surrounding communities. The hospital's telehealth offerings are designed to improve patient convenience and reduce the need for travel.

**Specific Services and Programs:**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, the region offers access to a variety of specialized services. The F.F. Thompson Hospital offers a comprehensive program for behavioral health, including inpatient and outpatient mental health services. The hospital also provides rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Strong Memorial Hospital has a strong focus on transplant services, offering kidney, liver, heart, and lung transplants. The hospital also has a dedicated stroke center, providing rapid assessment and treatment for stroke patients.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient experience is a critical factor in overall healthcare quality. Both Strong Memorial Hospital and UR Medicine Thompson Health are committed to improving patient satisfaction. Strong Memorial’s patient satisfaction scores, as reported by CMS, are generally in line with the national average. Thompson Health consistently receives high marks for patient satisfaction in surveys and patient reviews.

**Financial Considerations and Insurance Coverage:**

Understanding insurance coverage and associated costs is essential. Both Strong Memorial Hospital and Thompson Health accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. Patients are encouraged to verify their coverage with their insurance provider before receiving care. The financial assistance programs are available to patients who qualify.

**Community Health and Wellness Initiatives:**

Both hospitals actively engage in community health and wellness initiatives. Strong Memorial Hospital has outreach programs focused on chronic disease prevention, health education, and community partnerships. Thompson Health sponsors community events and provides health screenings and educational programs.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Evaluating healthcare options requires a nuanced approach, considering various factors. Based on the available data and analysis, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare near Canandaigua, NY (ZIP Code 14504) can be summarized as follows:

* **Strong Memorial Hospital:** Receives a solid score due to its comprehensive specialty services, advanced technology, and research capabilities. However, the 3-star CMS rating and longer ER wait times slightly detract from its overall score.
* **UR Medicine Thompson Health:** Earns a positive score for its community-focused approach, shorter ER wait times, and strong patient satisfaction. Its more limited range of specialized services compared to Strong Memorial slightly lowers its overall score.

**Conclusion:**

Residents of the Canandaigua area have access to a solid healthcare system, anchored by Strong Memorial Hospital and UR Medicine Thompson Health. The best choice for an individual depends on their specific healthcare needs. For complex medical conditions or specialized care, Strong Memorial Hospital offers a wider range of options. For convenient, community-focused care with shorter wait times, UR Medicine Thompson Health is an excellent choice. Utilizing the information provided in this review, patients can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs, ensuring they receive the best possible care.