44643, Magnolia, Ohio Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 44643, Magnolia, Ohio is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Asthma Score: Navigating Asthma Care Near Minerva, Ohio (ZIP Code 44643)**

Living with asthma demands consistent, reliable medical care. For residents of Minerva, Ohio (ZIP code 44643), access to quality healthcare is paramount. This review assesses the asthma care landscape near Minerva, focusing on hospital performance, specialized services, and accessibility, providing an "Asthma Score" assessment to help patients make informed decisions.

**Proximity and Hospital Options**

Minerva, a rural community, is geographically situated with a few key hospital options within a reasonable driving distance. The closest hospitals, and therefore the primary considerations for asthma care, include Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio, and Mercy Medical Center, also in Canton. These hospitals offer a range of services, including emergency care, pulmonology departments, and specialized asthma management programs.

**Aultman Hospital: A Canton Flagship**

Aultman Hospital, located in Canton, is a major healthcare provider for the region. It's a non-profit hospital with a long history and a strong reputation. Aultman's size and scope mean it offers a comprehensive range of services, including a dedicated pulmonary department.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:** Aultman Hospital holds a respectable, but not top-tier, CMS star rating. This rating, assigned by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is a widely used indicator of overall hospital quality. The rating considers factors like patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. Aultman’s rating fluctuates, so patients should consult the most recent CMS data for the most up-to-date information.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times are a crucial factor for asthma patients experiencing acute exacerbations. Aultman's ER wait times are generally within the national average, but can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the volume of patients. Patients should use online tools like the hospital's website or third-party platforms to check current ER wait times before heading to the hospital.

**Pulmonary Services and Asthma Management:** Aultman's pulmonary department provides a range of services, including diagnostic testing (such as spirometry and lung function tests), treatment for asthma and other respiratory conditions, and pulmonary rehabilitation. The hospital offers asthma education programs to help patients manage their condition effectively.

**Specialty Centers and Resources:** Aultman has specialized centers that may be relevant to asthma patients, such as allergy and immunology clinics. These clinics can provide diagnosis and treatment for allergies, which are often triggers for asthma.

**Mercy Medical Center: Another Canton Option**

Mercy Medical Center, also located in Canton, is another important healthcare provider for the Minerva area. It is a Catholic hospital with a strong emphasis on patient-centered care.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance:** Mercy Medical Center also has a CMS star rating. Like Aultman, patients should consult the most recent CMS data to determine the current rating. The hospital's performance is constantly evaluated, and ratings can change.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** Mercy Medical Center's ER wait times are generally competitive with Aultman's. Again, patients should utilize online resources to check current wait times before visiting the ER.

**Pulmonary Services and Asthma Management:** Mercy Medical Center has a pulmonary department that provides similar services to Aultman, including diagnostic testing, treatment, and pulmonary rehabilitation. The hospital also offers asthma education programs.

**Specialty Centers and Resources:** Mercy Medical Center also has specialty centers that may be beneficial for asthma patients, such as allergy clinics.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Both Aultman and Mercy Medical Center offer telehealth services, which can be particularly useful for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education.

**Telehealth Statistics:** The availability and utilization of telehealth services vary. Patients should inquire directly with each hospital about the specific telehealth options available, including the types of appointments offered, the platforms used, and the insurance coverage. Telehealth can provide convenient access to care, reducing the need for in-person visits, especially for routine check-ups and medication refills.

**Accessibility and Transportation**

Accessibility is a key consideration for patients in rural areas. The distance to Canton hospitals from Minerva can be a barrier, particularly for those without reliable transportation. Patients should consider the travel time, traffic conditions, and the availability of public transportation or ride-sharing services.

**Asthma Score Assessment**

Evaluating the hospitals near Minerva, Ohio, involves considering various factors.

**Aultman Hospital:** Aultman offers a comprehensive range of services, a dedicated pulmonary department, and specialized clinics. Its CMS star rating provides a general indication of quality. ER wait times are typically within the national average. The hospital's size and resources make it a strong contender for asthma care.

**Mercy Medical Center:** Mercy Medical Center also provides a solid foundation for asthma care, with a pulmonary department and specialized clinics. Its CMS star rating is a key factor in evaluating its performance. ER wait times are comparable to Aultman's. The hospital's patient-centered approach is a significant advantage.

**Overall Assessment:**

For residents of Minerva, Ohio (44643), both Aultman Hospital and Mercy Medical Center in Canton are viable options for asthma care. The "Asthma Score" assessment is based on the factors discussed above.

**Recommendations:**

* **Consult the most recent CMS star ratings** for both hospitals.
* **Check current ER wait times** using online tools before visiting the ER.
* **Inquire about telehealth options** for convenient follow-up care.
* **Consider travel time and transportation options** when choosing a hospital.
* **Discuss individual needs and preferences** with your primary care physician to determine the best fit for your asthma care.

This review provides a starting point for patients in the Minerva area to assess their healthcare options. The best choice will depend on individual needs, preferences, and the most up-to-date information available.