Checking our health stats

The state Department of Health created a tool that allows New Yorkers to check whether 12 preventable conditions -- like diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure -- are predominant in their zip code.

The system will let health officials and local health lobbyists identify gaps in services to specific communities, and target them for the most needed improvements. It's part of the state Health Department's larger goal of getting more New Yorkers covered under primary care -- instead of waiting until serious illness sets in, requiring expensive long-term treatment.

Despite being among the top three states in per capita health care spending, New York ranks 39th among states for hospital admissions for preventable conditions, according to the health department.

N.Y. Develops New System for Tracking Health Risk

(Click photo to go to interactive map)