44423, Hanoverton, Ohio Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 44423, Hanoverton, Ohio is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare for Asthma Near Cortland, OH (44423)

Living with asthma requires vigilant healthcare, and finding the right hospital is crucial. This review analyzes the available options near Cortland, Ohio (ZIP code 44423), focusing on factors relevant to asthma patients, including hospital quality, emergency room access, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities.

**The Landscape: A Regional Perspective**

The healthcare landscape surrounding Cortland, Ohio, is primarily defined by the presence of larger hospital systems in nearby cities. While Cortland itself doesn't boast a major hospital, residents have access to facilities in Youngstown, Warren, and Akron, each offering varying levels of asthma care. This review will consider hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, focusing on those that consistently demonstrate a commitment to respiratory health.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings: A Measure of Overall Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a general overview of quality. These ratings consider various factors, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While not specifically asthma-focused, a higher star rating often indicates a hospital-wide commitment to quality, which can positively impact asthma care.

**Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** Located approximately 20 minutes from Cortland, St. Elizabeth Youngstown is a major player in the region. It's a large, comprehensive hospital with a robust emergency department. While its CMS star rating fluctuates, it generally hovers around 3 stars. This hospital boasts a dedicated pulmonary department and respiratory therapy services.

**Akron Children's Hospital:** While not directly in the Cortland area, Akron Children's Hospital, with its main campus in Akron, is a strong option for pediatric asthma patients. This hospital consistently receives high ratings and is a leader in pediatric care. It offers specialized asthma clinics, comprehensive pulmonary services, and a dedicated pediatric emergency department.

**Emergency Room Access: Critical for Asthma Patients**

Asthma attacks can be unpredictable, making quick access to emergency care paramount. ER wait times are a crucial consideration. These times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the overall volume of patients.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown:** ER wait times at St. Elizabeth Youngstown can fluctuate. According to publicly available data, wait times can range from under an hour to over two hours, especially during peak hours. It's advisable to check current wait times through online resources or hospital websites before heading to the ER.

**Akron Children's Hospital:** Akron Children's Hospital, with its focus on pediatric care, usually has a shorter ER wait time for children. However, this can also vary depending on the volume of patients. Parents should check current wait times online or by phone.

**Specialty Centers and Pulmonary Expertise: Beyond the Basics**

Beyond general emergency care, the availability of specialized pulmonary services and dedicated asthma clinics is essential for optimal asthma management.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown:** St. Elizabeth Youngstown has a pulmonary department with pulmonologists and respiratory therapists. They offer diagnostic testing, treatment for various respiratory conditions, and asthma management programs.

**Akron Children's Hospital:** Akron Children's Hospital excels in this area, offering specialized asthma clinics staffed by pediatric pulmonologists, nurses, and respiratory therapists. These clinics provide comprehensive asthma education, individualized treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring.

**Telehealth Capabilities: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. It allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, facilitating follow-up appointments, medication management, and asthma education.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown:** St. Elizabeth Youngstown offers some telehealth services, including virtual visits with certain specialists. The availability of telehealth for asthma management may vary, so it's crucial to inquire directly with the pulmonary department.

**Akron Children's Hospital:** Akron Children's Hospital has a robust telehealth program, including virtual asthma follow-up appointments and educational sessions. This allows for convenient access to care, especially for patients living further away.

**Respiratory Therapy Services: A Cornerstone of Asthma Management**

Respiratory therapists play a vital role in asthma care, providing breathing treatments, education on inhaler techniques, and support during exacerbations.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown:** St. Elizabeth Youngstown has a well-equipped respiratory therapy department, providing services in the ER, inpatient units, and outpatient settings. They offer a range of treatments and support for asthma patients.

**Akron Children's Hospital:** Akron Children's Hospital's respiratory therapy department is highly regarded, with specialized expertise in pediatric asthma care. They provide comprehensive respiratory care, including nebulizer treatments, chest physiotherapy, and education on asthma management techniques.

**Hospital Networks and Affiliations: Considerations for Continuity of Care**

The hospital's affiliation with larger healthcare networks can influence access to specialists, research, and advanced treatments.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown:** St. Elizabeth Youngstown is part of the Mercy Health system, a large regional network. This affiliation can provide access to a wider range of specialists and resources.

**Akron Children's Hospital:** Akron Children's Hospital is an independent, not-for-profit hospital. It has affiliations with other healthcare providers in the region, allowing for seamless referrals and coordinated care.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction: The Human Element**

Patient reviews and satisfaction scores offer valuable insights into the overall experience of receiving care. Websites like Healthgrades and U.S. News & World Report provide patient ratings and reviews.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown:** Patient reviews for St. Elizabeth Youngstown are mixed. Some patients praise the staff's responsiveness and expertise, while others express concerns about wait times and communication.

**Akron Children's Hospital:** Akron Children's Hospital consistently receives high marks for patient satisfaction, particularly for its pediatric care and family-centered approach.

**Medication Availability and Pharmacy Services: Ensuring Access to Essential Drugs**

Easy access to asthma medications is crucial. The availability of on-site pharmacies and the hospital's formulary (the list of medications available) are important factors.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown:** St. Elizabeth Youngstown has an on-site pharmacy, ensuring convenient access to prescribed medications. They typically carry a wide range of asthma medications.

**Akron Children's Hospital:** Akron Children's Hospital also has an on-site pharmacy, making it easy for patients to fill prescriptions. They are well-stocked with pediatric asthma medications.

**Cost and Insurance Coverage: Navigating the Financial Landscape**

The cost of healthcare can be a significant concern. Patients should verify their insurance coverage with the hospital and understand their out-of-pocket expenses.

**St. Elizabeth Youngstown:** St. Elizabeth Youngstown accepts a wide range of insurance plans. Patients should contact their insurance provider to confirm coverage.

**Akron Children's Hospital:** Akron Children's Hospital also accepts most major insurance plans. Patients should verify their coverage and understand their financial responsibilities.

**Recommendations for Asthma Patients Near Cortland, OH (44423)**

For adults, Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital offers a reasonable option for asthma care, with a dedicated pulmonary department and respiratory therapy services. However, patients should be prepared for potential ER wait times.

For pediatric asthma patients, Akron Children's Hospital is the preferred choice. Its specialized asthma clinics, experienced pediatric pulmonologists, and high patient satisfaction scores make it a leader in pediatric respiratory care. The hospital's robust telehealth program further enhances access to care.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Choices**

Choosing the right hospital for asthma care is a personal decision. This review provides information on key factors to consider, including hospital quality, ER access, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities. Patients near Cortland, Ohio, should carefully evaluate their needs, preferences, and insurance coverage to make the best decision for their health. Remember to check current wait times, confirm insurance coverage, and discuss your specific needs with your primary care physician.