44235, Homerville, Ohio COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 44235, Homerville, Ohio is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## COPD Care Close to Home: A Review for 44235

The residents of ZIP code 44235, encompassing Hudson, Ohio, have access to a range of healthcare facilities, including those specializing in the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This review examines the hospitals nearest to 44235, focusing on factors relevant to COPD patients, such as quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized pulmonary centers, and telehealth availability.

**Proximity and Primary Options**

The primary hospital serving the 44235 area is generally University Hospitals (UH) Portage Medical Center in Ravenna, Ohio, located approximately 15 miles southeast. While not directly within the ZIP code, it’s a convenient option. Another significant choice is Summa Health System's Akron Campus, located about 20 miles south in Akron, Ohio. Both offer comprehensive medical services, including respiratory care.

**University Hospitals Portage Medical Center: A Closer Look**

UH Portage Medical Center, a community hospital, provides a range of services. Specific data on COPD outcomes, such as readmission rates and mortality, are often difficult to find for individual community hospitals. However, the hospital's affiliation with the larger UH system grants access to a broader network of specialists and resources. Patients needing advanced pulmonary care might be referred to UH's main campus in Cleveland, about a 30-mile drive, for specialized treatment. Emergency room wait times at UH Portage Medical Center are generally available on the hospital's website and third-party sites like Healthgrades. These times fluctuate but are important for COPD patients, who may require rapid intervention during exacerbations. Telehealth capabilities are increasingly common, and UH Portage Medical Center likely offers some form of virtual care, though specifics on COPD-related telehealth services would require direct inquiry.

**Summa Health System – Akron Campus: A Regional Powerhouse**

Summa Health System's Akron Campus, a larger facility, offers a more extensive range of services. It is a flagship hospital within the Summa system. The Akron Campus has a dedicated pulmonary department with pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and support staff. Summa Health System is known for its advanced respiratory care, including pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which are crucial for COPD management. Information on CMS star ratings is crucial. The CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) star rating system provides a valuable snapshot of hospital quality. The Akron Campus’s rating should be checked on the CMS website (Medicare.gov) for the most up-to-date assessment. The CMS star rating considers factors like mortality, safety of care, readmission rates, patient experience, and timely and effective care. ER wait times at Summa Health System – Akron Campus are also available on the hospital’s website and third-party platforms. These times are a critical consideration for COPD patients. Summa Health likely offers robust telehealth services, including virtual consultations with pulmonologists and remote monitoring options for COPD patients. Specific details on these services should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Emergency Room Considerations**

Emergency room wait times are a significant concern for COPD patients. Exacerbations can lead to respiratory distress, necessitating immediate medical attention. Both UH Portage Medical Center and Summa Health System – Akron Campus have emergency departments. Patients should check the most recent wait times on hospital websites or third-party platforms like Google or Healthgrades. These platforms often provide real-time or near real-time updates.

**Specialty Centers and Pulmonary Rehabilitation**

Beyond emergency care, the availability of specialized pulmonary centers and pulmonary rehabilitation programs is vital for COPD management. Summa Health System – Akron Campus likely has a more developed pulmonary center, given its size and scope. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs help patients improve their lung function, manage their symptoms, and enhance their quality of life. These programs typically involve exercise, education, and support. Patients should inquire about the availability of these programs at each hospital.

**Telehealth and Virtual Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, especially for chronic conditions like COPD. Telehealth offers patients convenient access to care, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and educational resources. Both UH Portage Medical Center and Summa Health System – Akron Campus likely offer telehealth services. Patients should inquire about the specific telehealth options available for COPD management, such as virtual appointments with pulmonologists, remote monitoring of vital signs, and educational programs.

**Other Hospitals and Considerations**

While UH Portage Medical Center and Summa Health System – Akron Campus are the primary options, other hospitals in the broader region may be considered, particularly for specialized care. The Cleveland Clinic, a nationally recognized healthcare provider, is approximately 30 miles north of 44235. The Cleveland Clinic offers a comprehensive pulmonary program, including advanced treatments and research opportunities. However, access to the Cleveland Clinic might involve longer travel times and potentially higher costs.

**Navigating the Healthcare System**

COPD patients in the 44235 area should take several steps to navigate the healthcare system effectively. First, they should establish a relationship with a primary care physician (PCP) who can coordinate their care and refer them to specialists as needed. Second, they should research the hospitals in the area, focusing on their pulmonary departments, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and telehealth capabilities. Third, they should check the CMS star ratings for hospitals to assess their overall quality. Fourth, they should be aware of emergency room wait times and have a plan for accessing care during exacerbations. Fifth, they should inquire about the availability of telehealth services to facilitate convenient access to care.

**Insurance and Costs**

Insurance coverage is a crucial consideration. Patients should verify that their insurance plan covers the hospitals and specialists they wish to use. They should also understand their out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance. The hospital websites and insurance providers can provide this information.

**Patient Experience and Reviews**

Patient experience is an important factor in choosing a hospital. Patients can research online reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews to learn about other patients' experiences with the hospitals and physicians in the area. These reviews can provide insights into factors such as communication, patient satisfaction, and the overall quality of care.

**Conclusion**

Residents of the 44235 area have access to several hospitals for COPD care. UH Portage Medical Center offers convenient access, while Summa Health System – Akron Campus provides a more comprehensive range of services, including specialized pulmonary care and pulmonary rehabilitation. The Cleveland Clinic offers advanced care but requires longer travel. Patients should research these options, considering factors such as CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, telehealth availability, and patient reviews. By making informed decisions, COPD patients can find the best possible care close to home. It's essential to directly contact the hospitals to confirm specific services and programs, as information can change.