14549, Silver Lake, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 14549, Silver Lake, New York is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Macedon, NY (ZIP Code 14549)

The quest for quality healthcare is a universal concern. For residents of Macedon, New York (ZIP code 14549), access to excellent medical facilities is paramount. This review provides an in-depth look at the hospitals and healthcare options available in the vicinity, offering an "Overall Health Score" based on a variety of factors, including quality ratings, wait times, specialty services, and telehealth availability. This score aims to guide informed decisions regarding healthcare needs, from routine check-ups to specialized treatments.

**Proximity and Primary Options:**

Macedon, a town in Wayne County, benefits from its location near the larger metropolitan area of Rochester, NY. This proximity significantly expands healthcare choices. While no hospitals are *directly* within the 14549 ZIP code, several facilities are readily accessible within a reasonable driving distance, making them primary options for residents.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals across the nation, offering a standardized measure of quality. This rating considers factors such as patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.

**Strong Contenders:**

* **Strong Memorial Hospital (Rochester, NY):** Located approximately 20-25 minutes from Macedon, Strong Memorial Hospital, part of the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), consistently ranks as a leading healthcare provider in the region. As of the latest data, Strong Memorial boasts a **4-star CMS rating**. This indicates above-average performance in several key areas. URMC is a major academic medical center, offering a wide range of specialties and cutting-edge treatments. Strong Memorial is known for its comprehensive cancer care, cardiology, and neurology departments.

* **Rochester General Hospital (Rochester, NY):** Another key player in the Rochester healthcare landscape, Rochester General Hospital, part of Rochester Regional Health, is also within a convenient driving distance. Rochester General's current CMS rating is **3 stars**. This signifies an average performance, but the hospital still provides vital services to the community. Rochester General is particularly recognized for its orthopedic and maternity services.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor:**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial aspect of patient experience. Long waits can exacerbate existing medical conditions and cause significant stress. While specific wait times fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and patient volume, it's essential to consider the average wait times at each hospital.

* **Strong Memorial Hospital:** As a Level I trauma center, Strong Memorial often experiences higher ER volumes. However, the hospital strives to maintain efficient triage processes to manage patient flow. Patients can expect wait times that vary, but generally, the hospital works to keep them as short as possible.

* **Rochester General Hospital:** Rochester General's ER is also a busy facility. Patients may experience wait times that fluctuate based on the volume of patients.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

The availability of specialized medical services is a significant factor in assessing a hospital's overall health score. Access to specialists and advanced treatments can be crucial for managing complex medical conditions.

* **Strong Memorial Hospital:** As a major academic medical center, Strong Memorial excels in various specialties. It boasts comprehensive cancer centers, cardiology programs, neurology and neurosurgery departments, transplant services, and a dedicated pediatric hospital (Golisano Children's Hospital). The hospital also has a strong research component, which often translates into access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials.

* **Rochester General Hospital:** Rochester General offers a range of specialized services, including orthopedic surgery, cardiac care, maternity services, and a comprehensive stroke center. The hospital also houses a behavioral health center.

**Telehealth Availability: Expanding Access:**

Telehealth has revolutionized healthcare delivery, offering remote consultations, monitoring, and follow-up care. This is particularly valuable for patients in rural areas or those with mobility issues.

* **Strong Memorial Hospital:** URMC has made significant investments in telehealth services. Patients can access virtual appointments with various specialists, including primary care physicians, cardiologists, and mental health professionals. The telehealth platform offers convenience and improved access to care.

* **Rochester General Hospital:** Rochester Regional Health, which includes Rochester General, also offers telehealth services. Patients can utilize virtual visits for certain appointments and follow-up care.

**Other Considerations:**

* **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. While not directly reflected in the CMS star rating, patient satisfaction data can offer a glimpse into the quality of care and the hospital's responsiveness to patient needs.

* **Community Health Needs:** The specific health needs of the Macedon community should be considered. Factors such as the prevalence of chronic diseases, access to preventative care, and mental health services all play a role in determining the overall health score.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the factors discussed above, the following "Overall Health Score" is assigned to the primary hospitals serving the 14549 ZIP code area:

* **Strong Memorial Hospital:** **4.5 out of 5 stars.** Strong Memorial's higher CMS rating, comprehensive specialty services, and robust telehealth offerings contribute to its high score. The hospital's proximity and academic affiliation make it a strong choice for residents of Macedon.

* **Rochester General Hospital:** **3.5 out of 5 stars.** Rochester General provides essential services and is a convenient option for residents. While its CMS rating is lower than Strong Memorial's, the hospital still offers a range of specialty services and access to care.

**Recommendations for 14549 Residents:**

* **For complex medical needs or specialized care:** Strong Memorial Hospital is recommended due to its higher CMS rating, comprehensive specialty centers, and access to cutting-edge treatments.

* **For routine care and less complex medical needs:** Rochester General Hospital offers a viable option, particularly for those seeking services in orthopedics, maternity, or behavioral health.

* **Consider Telehealth:** Utilize telehealth options offered by both hospitals to increase access to care, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations.

* **Check ER Wait Times:** Before heading to the ER, check online or call the hospital to get an estimate of current wait times.

* **Research Patient Satisfaction:** Explore patient reviews and satisfaction scores to get a sense of the overall patient experience at each hospital.

**Conclusion:**

Residents of Macedon, NY (ZIP code 14549) have access to a solid healthcare infrastructure. Strong Memorial Hospital emerges as a top choice due to its high quality ratings and comprehensive services. Rochester General Hospital provides a convenient alternative with a range of specialties. By considering these factors and utilizing available resources, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensure access to the best possible medical care. This "Overall Health Score" review provides a starting point for navigating the healthcare landscape and prioritizing health and well-being.