44687, Walnut Creek, Ohio Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 44687, Walnut Creek, Ohio is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Care in the Vicinity of Wooster, Ohio (44687): A Hospital Review

Navigating the healthcare landscape, especially when managing a chronic condition like asthma, requires informed decisions. This review provides a factual overview of hospital options near Wooster, Ohio (ZIP code 44687), focusing on key metrics relevant to asthma sufferers. We'll examine hospital ratings, emergency room (ER) wait times, specialized asthma centers, and telehealth capabilities, offering a comprehensive snapshot for patients and their families.

**Proximity and Primary Options:**

The immediate vicinity of Wooster offers a few primary hospital options. The closest major medical center is **Wooster Community Hospital**, part of University Hospitals. Further afield, but still within a reasonable driving distance, are hospitals in Canton and Akron, offering a broader range of specialized services.

**Wooster Community Hospital: A Local Hub**

Wooster Community Hospital, a University Hospitals affiliate, serves as a vital healthcare provider for the Wooster community. While it doesn't have a dedicated, standalone "Asthma Center" in the traditional sense, its respiratory therapy department plays a crucial role in asthma management. This department provides diagnostic testing, medication administration, and patient education.

Unfortunately, CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star ratings for Wooster Community Hospital are not readily available at the time of this review. These ratings, based on a variety of quality measures, are a valuable tool for assessing overall hospital performance. However, the hospital’s affiliation with University Hospitals grants it access to a broader network of resources and expertise.

ER wait times at Wooster Community Hospital fluctuate. Publicly available data on ER wait times can be found on the hospital's website or through resources like the Ohio Department of Health. It's crucial for asthma patients experiencing an exacerbation to seek immediate medical attention, and understanding potential wait times can help inform decisions.

**Canton Hospitals: A Short Drive Away**

Approximately a 30-45 minute drive from Wooster, Canton offers several hospital options. **Aultman Hospital** is a major player in the region. Aultman doesn't have a dedicated asthma center, but it offers comprehensive pulmonary services, including specialized care for asthma. The hospital's pulmonology department provides diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of respiratory conditions.

Aultman Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars, indicating a hospital that is performing at an average level. This rating is based on factors like patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.

ER wait times at Aultman Hospital are typically available online. Patients should check the hospital's website or use resources like the Ohio Department of Health to get the most up-to-date information.

**Akron Hospitals: Expanding the Scope**

Venturing further, approximately an hour's drive from Wooster, the Akron area presents a broader selection of hospitals with more specialized services. **Akron Children's Hospital** is a prominent institution, especially for pediatric asthma care.

Akron Children's Hospital is a highly regarded facility, particularly in pediatric care. It has a dedicated **Asthma Center**, providing comprehensive care for children with asthma. The center offers specialized diagnostic testing, individualized treatment plans, asthma education, and access to clinical trials. The hospital's focus on children's health makes it a valuable resource for families in the region.

Akron Children's Hospital has a CMS star rating of 4 stars, reflecting its high performance.

ER wait times at Akron Children's Hospital are generally available online. Parents of children with asthma should be prepared to seek immediate medical attention if their child experiences a severe asthma attack.

**Summa Health System: A Major Akron Presence**

**Summa Health System** is another major healthcare provider in the Akron area. While Summa doesn't have a dedicated, standalone "Asthma Center," its pulmonary services department offers comprehensive care for asthma patients. This includes diagnosis, treatment, and management of asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Summa Health System has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.

ER wait times at Summa Health System hospitals are usually available on the hospital's website or through online resources.

**Telehealth and Asthma Management: Expanding Access**

Telehealth is increasingly important in managing chronic conditions like asthma. It allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, facilitating medication refills, follow-up appointments, and education.

Wooster Community Hospital, as part of the University Hospitals system, likely offers telehealth services. Patients should inquire about telehealth options with their physicians.

Aultman Hospital also offers telehealth services, including virtual appointments with pulmonologists and other specialists.

Akron Children's Hospital is at the forefront of telehealth, providing virtual asthma management services for children. This includes remote monitoring, medication adjustments, and educational resources.

Summa Health System also provides telehealth services, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring options for asthma patients.

**Specialized Asthma Centers: A Deeper Dive**

While not all hospitals in the area have dedicated "Asthma Centers," some offer specialized programs and expertise in asthma management. Akron Children's Hospital stands out with its dedicated Asthma Center, providing comprehensive care for children.

**Considerations for Asthma Patients:**

When choosing a hospital for asthma care, several factors are crucial:

* **Proximity:** Consider the distance to the hospital, especially in case of an emergency.
* **Specialized Services:** Look for hospitals with pulmonology departments, respiratory therapy, and, if applicable, dedicated asthma centers.
* **ER Wait Times:** Check online resources for current ER wait times.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** Inquire about telehealth options for convenient follow-up appointments and medication management.
* **Hospital Ratings:** Review CMS star ratings and other quality metrics to assess hospital performance.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital accepts your insurance plan.

**Conclusion: Navigating Your Options**

Asthma management requires a proactive approach, and choosing the right healthcare provider is essential. This review provides a snapshot of hospital options near Wooster, Ohio, highlighting key factors like hospital ratings, ER wait times, and specialized services. While Wooster Community Hospital serves as a local hub, hospitals in Canton and Akron offer more specialized resources, including dedicated asthma centers and broader telehealth capabilities. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs, insurance coverage, and preferences when making decisions about their asthma care. By staying informed and proactive, asthma sufferers can work with their healthcare providers to manage their condition effectively and improve their quality of life. Remember to consult with your primary care physician or pulmonologist for personalized recommendations.