14619, Rochester, New York Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 14619, Rochester, New York is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Rochester, NY (14619)

The quest for optimal healthcare often begins with proximity. For residents of the 14619 ZIP code, encompassing parts of Rochester, New York, a robust healthcare landscape is readily accessible. This review offers an "Overall Health Score" assessment of the prominent hospitals in the area, considering factors like quality ratings, wait times, specialty offerings, and telehealth capabilities. This aims to provide a clear picture for informed healthcare decisions.

**Defining the Landscape:**

The 14619 area benefits from the presence of several major healthcare providers, including flagship hospitals and community facilities. These institutions cater to a diverse range of medical needs, from routine check-ups to complex surgeries. The "Overall Health Score" considers the following key areas: patient safety, quality of care, patient experience, and access to services.

**Strong Contenders: University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC)**

The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) stands as a central figure in the region's healthcare ecosystem. Its flagship hospital, Strong Memorial Hospital, is a major teaching hospital and a Level I trauma center. Strong Memorial Hospital is consistently recognized for its comprehensive services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Strong Memorial Hospital has received a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). While not the highest possible rating, it indicates an average performance across various quality metrics. This rating reflects the hospital's performance in areas like mortality, safety of care, readmission rates, patient experience, and timely and effective care.
* **ER Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times at Strong Memorial Hospital can fluctuate. Data from the CMS Hospital Compare website provides a benchmark, but it is essential to check real-time wait times using online tools or by calling the hospital directly. The goal is to provide timely care, but wait times can vary based on the volume of patients and the severity of their conditions.
* **Specialty Centers:** URMC boasts a wide array of specialty centers. These include the Wilmot Cancer Institute, a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center offering advanced cancer treatment and research. The Golisano Children's Hospital provides specialized pediatric care, including a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and a pediatric emergency department. URMC also houses the Flaum Eye Institute, a leading center for ophthalmology.
* **Telehealth:** URMC has significantly expanded its telehealth offerings. Telehealth services are available for various specialties, including primary care, behavioral health, and chronic disease management. This expansion has improved access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Telehealth services include virtual visits, remote patient monitoring, and online consultations.

**Another Major Player: Rochester Regional Health (RRH)**

Rochester Regional Health (RRH) is another significant healthcare system in the region, with several hospitals and outpatient facilities.

* **Rochester General Hospital:** This hospital is a major component of RRH. It offers a broad range of medical services and is known for its comprehensive cardiac care program.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Rochester General Hospital also holds a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Rochester General Hospital, like Strong Memorial, can vary. It is always best to check the most up-to-date information on wait times.
* **Specialty Centers:** Rochester General Hospital features specialized centers, including a comprehensive stroke center and a bariatric surgery program.
* **Telehealth:** RRH has implemented telehealth services, offering virtual visits and remote monitoring options. The system is committed to expanding its telehealth capabilities to improve patient access.

* **Unity Hospital:** Located in nearby Greece, NY, Unity Hospital is another key part of the RRH network.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Unity Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Unity Hospital are generally competitive.
* **Specialty Centers:** Unity Hospital focuses on services like orthopedics and women's health.
* **Telehealth:** Unity Hospital offers telehealth services to improve patient access.

**Community Hospitals and Outpatient Care:**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, the 14619 area benefits from a network of community hospitals and outpatient facilities. These facilities provide essential services, including primary care, urgent care, and specialized treatments.

* **Highland Hospital:** Affiliated with URMC, Highland Hospital is a community hospital with a focus on behavioral health, women's health, and geriatric care. It offers a more intimate setting for patients.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Highland Hospital has a 4-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Highland Hospital are typically shorter than those at larger hospitals.
* **Specialty Centers:** Highland Hospital has a strong focus on behavioral health services and women's health.
* **Telehealth:** Highland Hospital is expanding its telehealth services.

**Assessing Access and Patient Experience:**

Access to care is a critical component of the "Overall Health Score." Factors like insurance acceptance, appointment availability, and transportation options are essential considerations. Patient experience, including communication, empathy, and respect, also plays a significant role.

* **Insurance Coverage:** Both URMC and RRH accept a wide range of insurance plans. It is always advisable to verify insurance coverage with the specific hospital and provider.
* **Appointment Availability:** Appointment availability can vary depending on the specialty and the provider. Patients should plan ahead and schedule appointments as early as possible.
* **Transportation:** Public transportation options are available in the Rochester area. Both URMC and RRH offer parking facilities.

**Telehealth: A Growing Factor:**

Telehealth is transforming healthcare delivery. The expansion of telehealth services provides patients with greater flexibility and convenience. Virtual visits, remote monitoring, and online consultations can improve access to care, particularly for those with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. URMC and RRH have made significant investments in telehealth, reflecting its growing importance.

**Analyzing the Data: Overall Health Score Assessment**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for the hospitals near the 14619 ZIP code is generally positive. The presence of URMC and RRH, with their comprehensive services and specialty centers, provides a strong foundation for healthcare in the area. The CMS star ratings, while not uniformly high, indicate a baseline level of quality. The increasing availability of telehealth services further enhances access to care.

**Factors to Consider:**

* **CMS Star Ratings:** While useful, CMS star ratings are not the only measure of quality. Patients should consider other factors, such as patient reviews, physician expertise, and the specific needs of their condition.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can fluctuate. Patients should check real-time wait times and consider urgent care options for non-life-threatening conditions.
* **Specialty Needs:** Patients with specific medical needs should research the specialty centers and expertise available at each hospital.
* **Patient Preferences:** Patient preferences, such as hospital size, location, and patient experience, are essential considerations.

**Recommendations:**

Residents of the 14619 ZIP code have access to a robust healthcare ecosystem. URMC and RRH are the primary providers, offering a comprehensive range of services. Highland Hospital provides a more community-focused experience. Patients should research their options, consider their individual needs, and make informed decisions about their healthcare. Utilizing online resources, consulting with primary care physicians, and directly contacting hospitals for information are recommended steps. The expansion of telehealth services is a positive development, offering increased access and convenience. Overall, the healthcare landscape near 14619 provides a solid foundation for maintaining and improving health.