14614, Rochester, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 14614, Rochester, New York is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near 14614 (Rochester, NY)

The quest for quality healthcare is a paramount concern for residents of the 14614 ZIP code in Rochester, New York. This review analyzes the key hospitals serving this area, providing an "Overall Health Score" based on a variety of factors, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, telehealth capabilities, and more. This information aims to empower informed healthcare decisions.

**The Landscape: Key Players in the Rochester Healthcare Ecosystem**

The primary healthcare providers in the vicinity of 14614 are dominated by two major health systems: University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) and Rochester Regional Health (RRH). These systems operate multiple hospitals and outpatient facilities, offering a comprehensive range of services. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each is crucial for navigating the local healthcare landscape.

**University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC)**

URMC is a significant player, encompassing several hospitals and specialized centers. Its flagship hospital, Strong Memorial Hospital, is a Level I trauma center and a major teaching hospital.

**Strong Memorial Hospital: A Deep Dive**

Strong Memorial Hospital consistently ranks highly in national surveys. The hospital’s CMS star rating provides a snapshot of overall quality. The most recent data shows Strong Memorial with a 4-star rating from CMS. This rating is based on a complex scoring system that considers patient outcomes, safety of care, readmission rates, and patient experience.

**ER Wait Times at Strong Memorial:**

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor for many patients. Strong Memorial’s ER wait times fluctuate, but generally, the hospital strives to keep them within acceptable limits. Real-time wait time information is often available on the hospital's website or through online tools, allowing patients to gauge potential wait times before arriving. The average wait time is around 30 minutes, but this can vary greatly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and severity of cases being treated.

**Specialty Centers at Strong Memorial:**

Strong Memorial boasts numerous specialized centers, including the Wilmot Cancer Institute, the Golisano Children's Hospital, and the UR Medicine Heart & Vascular Center. The Wilmot Cancer Institute is a nationally recognized cancer center offering cutting-edge treatments and research. The Golisano Children's Hospital provides comprehensive pediatric care, and the Heart & Vascular Center offers advanced cardiac and vascular procedures.

**Telehealth at Strong Memorial:**

URMC has invested significantly in telehealth services. Telehealth offerings include virtual visits for primary care, specialist consultations, and remote monitoring programs. This expansion of telehealth has been particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas and those with mobility limitations. The availability of telehealth has increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, providing more convenient access to care.

**Rochester Regional Health (RRH)**

Rochester Regional Health operates several hospitals in the area, including Rochester General Hospital and Unity Hospital.

**Rochester General Hospital: A Detailed Look**

Rochester General Hospital is another major hospital serving the 14614 area. It is a Level II trauma center and provides a wide range of medical services.

**CMS Star Rating at Rochester General:**

Rochester General Hospital's CMS star rating is a key indicator of its overall quality. The most recent data shows the hospital with a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality metrics.

**ER Wait Times at Rochester General:**

ER wait times at Rochester General are a significant factor for patients. The hospital works to keep wait times as low as possible. Real-time wait time information is often available on the hospital's website or through online tools. The average wait time is around 40 minutes, but this can vary.

**Specialty Centers at Rochester General:**

Rochester General Hospital features several specialized centers, including the Sands Cancer Center and the Lipson Center for Oncology and Hematology. These centers offer specialized care for cancer patients.

**Telehealth at Rochester General:**

Rochester Regional Health has also expanded its telehealth services. Telehealth options at Rochester General include virtual visits for various specialties and remote monitoring programs. This expansion has improved access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations.

**Unity Hospital: A Community Focus**

Unity Hospital, part of the RRH system, is located in the 14624 zip code, but serves many patients from 14614. It is known for its focus on community health and offers a range of services, including a strong focus on women's health and behavioral health.

**CMS Star Rating at Unity Hospital:**

Unity Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.

**ER Wait Times at Unity Hospital:**

ER wait times at Unity Hospital are generally shorter than at the larger trauma centers. The average wait time is around 25 minutes.

**Specialty Centers at Unity Hospital:**

Unity Hospital offers specialized services, including a comprehensive women's health program and a behavioral health unit.

**Telehealth at Unity Hospital:**

Unity Hospital offers telehealth services, including virtual visits for some specialties.

**Other Considerations: Beyond the Big Hospitals**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, the 14614 area is served by numerous outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, and specialized practices. These facilities provide a range of services, including primary care, specialist consultations, and diagnostic testing.

**Urgent Care Centers:**

Urgent care centers offer a convenient option for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Several urgent care centers are located near 14614, providing quick access to medical care. Wait times at urgent care centers are typically shorter than at hospital ERs.

**Outpatient Clinics:**

Numerous outpatient clinics provide specialized care, including cardiology, dermatology, and orthopedics. These clinics offer a more focused approach to patient care.

**Mental Health Services:**

Mental health services are available in the area, including outpatient therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care. Access to mental health services is an essential component of overall health.

**Factors Influencing the Overall Health Score:**

Several factors influence the overall health score for hospitals near 14614. These include:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** A higher CMS star rating indicates higher quality care.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter ER wait times are generally preferred.
* **Specialty Center Availability:** Access to specialized care is crucial for specific health needs.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth services enhance access to care and convenience.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient experience surveys provide valuable insights into the quality of care.
* **Hospital Safety Grades:** Organizations like Leapfrog provide hospital safety grades, which assess patient safety.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like The Joint Commission indicates adherence to quality standards.

**Overall Health Score Summary and Recommendations:**

Based on the available data, the hospitals near 14614 offer a range of healthcare options. Strong Memorial Hospital (URMC) generally scores higher in terms of CMS star ratings and the breadth of specialty services. Rochester General Hospital (RRH) also provides comprehensive care, and Unity Hospital offers a community-focused approach.

**Recommendations:**

* **Research Specific Needs:** Patients should research hospitals based on their specific healthcare needs.
* **Consider CMS Ratings:** CMS star ratings provide a valuable benchmark for overall quality.
* **Check ER Wait Times:** Before going to the ER, check real-time wait times.
* **Explore Telehealth Options:** Telehealth can provide convenient access to care.
* **Consider Specialty Needs:** If specialized care is needed, research the availability of specialty centers.
* **Read Patient Reviews:** Patient reviews can provide insights into the patient experience.
* **Consult with a Primary Care Physician:** Your primary care physician can provide personalized recommendations.

The healthcare landscape near 14614 is dynamic. Continuous monitoring of quality metrics, patient feedback, and advancements in medical technology is crucial for making informed healthcare decisions. This review provides a starting point for understanding the available options and navigating the healthcare system.