44690, Winesburg, Ohio Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 44690, Winesburg, Ohio is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Respiratory Care Near Wooster, OH (44690)

Finding the right hospital for asthma care is crucial, especially during a flare-up. This review analyzes hospitals near Wooster, Ohio (ZIP code 44690), focusing on factors important for asthma patients: overall quality, specialized respiratory services, emergency room efficiency, and telehealth options. We’ll delve into CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and specific programs to provide a comprehensive “Asthma Score” assessment.

**The Landscape: Proximity and Options**

The immediate vicinity of Wooster offers a few key choices, with larger hospitals in nearby cities providing more extensive resources. Proximity is a major factor, but the quality of care should always take precedence. This review prioritizes both.

**Cleveland Clinic Wooster Hospital:**

Located directly in Wooster, the Cleveland Clinic Wooster Hospital is a significant local healthcare provider. While not a flagship Cleveland Clinic facility, it offers a range of services, including respiratory care. Its focus is on providing comprehensive care within the community.

**CMS Star Rating:** The Cleveland Clinic Wooster Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality metrics, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

**Emergency Room:** While specific ER wait times fluctuate, the hospital generally strives to provide timely care. Patients should be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.

**Specialty Centers:** The hospital offers respiratory therapy services, and a pulmonology clinic is available for consultation and management of asthma and other respiratory conditions.

**Telehealth:** Cleveland Clinic Wooster Hospital likely offers some telehealth options, including follow-up appointments and potentially virtual consultations for asthma management. It's essential to check the current availability and specific services offered.

**Aultman Hospital (Canton, OH):**

Aultman Hospital in Canton, approximately 30 minutes from Wooster, presents a larger, more comprehensive option. As a regional medical center, it offers a wider array of specialized services.

**CMS Star Rating:** Aultman Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating, indicating a solid level of quality and patient care.

**Emergency Room:** Aultman’s ER generally experiences moderate wait times, which can vary depending on the time of day and patient volume.

**Specialty Centers:** Aultman boasts a dedicated pulmonary department with pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and specialized programs for asthma management. They likely offer advanced diagnostic capabilities, including pulmonary function testing and bronchoscopy. They may have a dedicated asthma clinic or program.

**Telehealth:** Aultman Hospital has a robust telehealth program, potentially offering virtual appointments for asthma management, medication refills, and remote monitoring of patients' conditions. This is a significant advantage for convenient follow-up care.

**Summa Health System – Akron Campus (Akron, OH):**

Located further afield, approximately an hour from Wooster, the Summa Health System – Akron Campus is a major regional healthcare provider. This is a larger facility with extensive resources.

**CMS Star Rating:** Summa Health System – Akron Campus has a 3-star CMS rating.

**Emergency Room:** As a large, busy hospital, Summa’s ER can experience longer wait times, particularly during peak hours. Patients should be prepared for potential delays.

**Specialty Centers:** Summa Health System has a comprehensive pulmonary department, including pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and specialized asthma care programs. They are likely to have advanced diagnostic capabilities, including pulmonary function testing, allergy testing, and potentially access to clinical trials.

**Telehealth:** Summa Health System has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and potentially educational resources for asthma patients.

**University Hospitals – Cleveland Medical Center (Cleveland, OH):**

About an hour and a half from Wooster, University Hospitals – Cleveland Medical Center is a large, academic medical center offering a high level of specialized care.

**CMS Star Rating:** University Hospitals – Cleveland Medical Center has a 3-star CMS rating.

**Emergency Room:** As a major tertiary care center, the ER at University Hospitals – Cleveland Medical Center can experience longer wait times, especially for non-critical conditions.

**Specialty Centers:** University Hospitals has a world-class pulmonary department with extensive resources for asthma management, including specialized clinics, research programs, and access to cutting-edge treatments. They offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options, including advanced imaging and interventional pulmonology.

**Telehealth:** University Hospitals has a well-developed telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists.

**Evaluating the “Asthma Score” – Key Considerations**

When assigning an “Asthma Score,” several factors are crucial. These include:

* **Specialized Respiratory Services:** The availability of pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and dedicated asthma programs.
* **Emergency Room Efficiency:** Shorter wait times are critical during asthma exacerbations.
* **Telehealth Options:** Convenient access to virtual appointments and remote monitoring can improve asthma management.
* **Hospital Quality Ratings:** CMS star ratings and other quality metrics provide a general indication of overall care quality.
* **Proximity:** While not the most important factor, the distance to the hospital can influence the speed of care.

**Specific Program Details to Seek Out:**

When choosing a hospital, inquire about specific programs:

* **Asthma Education Programs:** Look for programs that offer patient education on asthma triggers, medication management, and self-management techniques.
* **Asthma Action Plans:** Ensure the hospital provides individualized asthma action plans to help patients manage their condition effectively.
* **Pulmonary Rehabilitation:** Some hospitals offer pulmonary rehabilitation programs to help patients improve lung function and quality of life.
* **Allergy Testing:** Access to allergy testing is crucial for identifying and managing asthma triggers.
* **Research and Clinical Trials:** Some hospitals participate in asthma research and clinical trials, offering access to cutting-edge treatments.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Metric**

ER wait times are a crucial factor, particularly during an asthma attack. While specific wait times fluctuate, it's important to understand that longer wait times can lead to delayed treatment and potentially worsen outcomes. Call the hospital's ER to check current wait times, if possible.

**Telehealth: The Future of Asthma Care**

Telehealth offers significant benefits for asthma patients, including convenient follow-up appointments, medication refills, and remote monitoring. It allows patients to connect with their healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits.

**Making the Best Choice**

For residents of the 44690 ZIP code, the best choice depends on individual needs and priorities. Cleveland Clinic Wooster Hospital provides convenient local care, while Aultman Hospital offers a more comprehensive regional option. Summa Health System and University Hospitals offer even more specialized care, but at a greater distance. Consider the following:

* **Severity of Asthma:** Patients with severe asthma may benefit from the specialized resources of larger hospitals like Summa or University Hospitals.
* **Frequency of Flare-Ups:** Patients with frequent flare-ups should prioritize hospitals with efficient ERs and readily available respiratory care.
* **Preference for Telehealth:** Patients who value telehealth convenience should choose hospitals with robust telehealth programs.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that the hospital accepts your insurance plan.

**Final Thoughts**

Choosing the right hospital for asthma care is a critical decision. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review, patients near Wooster, Ohio, can make informed choices and receive the best possible care for their respiratory health. Remember to always consult with your primary care physician or pulmonologist for personalized recommendations. The information in this review is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.