14548, Shortsville, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 14548, Shortsville, New York is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 14548

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near the 14548 ZIP code (which encompasses Newark, New York, and surrounding areas), focusing on key metrics to help you make informed decisions. This score is not a definitive ranking, but rather a composite of publicly available data, offering a snapshot of each facility's strengths and weaknesses.

**Methodology:**

The "Overall Health Score" considers factors like: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Star Ratings (reflecting overall quality), emergency room wait times (a crucial indicator of access and efficiency), the presence of specialized centers (demonstrating expertise), and telehealth availability (highlighting modern accessibility). Data sources include CMS, hospital websites, and publicly available reports.

**The Contenders:**

The primary hospitals serving the 14548 area are Newark-Wayne Community Hospital and Strong Memorial Hospital (in Rochester, NY, but often a regional draw). While other smaller facilities and urgent care centers exist, this review concentrates on these two major players.

**Newark-Wayne Community Hospital:**

Newark-Wayne Community Hospital, a part of the Rochester Regional Health system, serves as the primary community hospital for Newark. It offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialized clinics.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Newark-Wayne Community Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This indicates an average performance in comparison to other hospitals nationwide. CMS Star Ratings are based on a variety of factors, including patient outcomes, patient experience, and efficiency.
* **Emergency Room:** The hospital’s ER is a vital point of access. Publicly available data on wait times can fluctuate, but it is important to check current wait times on the hospital's website or through services like Google Maps before arriving. Shorter wait times generally indicate a more efficient ER.
* **Specialty Centers:** Newark-Wayne Community Hospital offers specialized services including a cardiac rehabilitation program, a wound care center, and a comprehensive cancer care program. The hospital is affiliated with the Sands Cancer Center, providing oncology services.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth services are increasingly important. Newark-Wayne likely offers some telehealth options, particularly for follow-up appointments and certain specialist consultations. Check the Rochester Regional Health website for specific telehealth availability and services offered by Newark-Wayne.
* **Overall Health Score (Newark-Wayne):** Considering its community focus, the 3-star CMS rating, and the availability of key services, Newark-Wayne Community Hospital provides a solid foundation of care for the local population. However, the average CMS rating suggests potential areas for improvement, and patients should be aware of the potential for longer wait times, depending on the time of day and the severity of their condition.

**Strong Memorial Hospital (Rochester, NY):**

Strong Memorial Hospital, part of the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), is a major regional referral center located in Rochester, approximately a 30-minute drive from Newark. It offers a comprehensive range of advanced medical services and is a teaching hospital.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Strong Memorial Hospital consistently receives a high CMS Star Rating, often achieving 4 or 5 stars. This indicates a high level of quality and patient satisfaction. The higher rating reflects its advanced capabilities and expertise.
* **Emergency Room:** Strong Memorial Hospital's ER is one of the busiest in the region. Wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. Check the hospital's website or other real-time tracking services for current wait times. The hospital’s ER is equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, including trauma cases.
* **Specialty Centers:** Strong Memorial Hospital boasts a vast array of specialty centers, including the Wilmot Cancer Institute, the Golisano Children's Hospital, the Strong Memorial Heart & Vascular Center, and the Comprehensive Stroke Center. These centers offer cutting-edge treatments and research opportunities. The hospital is a major center for organ transplantation.
* **Telehealth:** URMC is a leader in telehealth. Strong Memorial Hospital offers extensive telehealth services, including virtual appointments with specialists, remote monitoring programs, and online patient portals. This makes it easier for patients to access care, especially for follow-up appointments or consultations.
* **Overall Health Score (Strong Memorial):** Strong Memorial Hospital's high CMS rating, extensive specialty centers, and robust telehealth offerings make it a top choice for complex medical needs. While the drive from Newark adds travel time, the advanced capabilities and expertise of the hospital often outweigh the inconvenience, especially for patients requiring specialized care.

**Comparing the Options:**

Choosing the right hospital depends on your individual needs. For routine care and less complex medical issues, Newark-Wayne Community Hospital is a convenient option. However, for serious illnesses, complex procedures, or specialized care, Strong Memorial Hospital offers a higher level of expertise and a wider range of services.

**Other Considerations:**

* **Insurance Coverage:** Always confirm that the hospital and its providers are in your insurance network. This can significantly impact your out-of-pocket costs.
* **Physician Referrals:** If you need specialized care, your primary care physician can provide referrals to specialists at either hospital.
* **Patient Reviews:** Online patient reviews can offer valuable insights into the experiences of other patients. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals can provide this information, but remember to interpret them with caution, as individual experiences can vary.
* **Hospital Websites:** The official websites of both hospitals are excellent resources for detailed information about services, physician directories, and patient resources.

**Emergency Preparedness:**

In a medical emergency, time is critical. Knowing the location of the nearest emergency room and having a plan for transportation is essential. Both Newark-Wayne Community Hospital and Strong Memorial Hospital have well-equipped emergency departments.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near the 14548 ZIP code highlights the strengths of both Newark-Wayne Community Hospital and Strong Memorial Hospital. Newark-Wayne provides essential community-based care, while Strong Memorial offers advanced specialty services. Your choice should be based on your specific medical needs, insurance coverage, and personal preferences. By considering the factors outlined in this review, you can make a more informed decision about where to receive the best possible care. Remember to always consult with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.