44632, Hartville, Ohio COPD Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the COPD Score in 44632, Hartville, Ohio is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**COPD Score: Navigating Respiratory Care Near Massillon, OH (ZIP Code 44632)**

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious and progressive lung disease, making access to quality healthcare a critical need for those in the Massillon, Ohio area (ZIP Code 44632). This review assesses the available healthcare landscape, focusing on hospitals and resources relevant to COPD patients, incorporating data on CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities.

**The Importance of Local Healthcare**

Living with COPD often necessitates frequent medical attention, including regular check-ups, pulmonary rehabilitation, and potential emergency interventions. Proximity to well-equipped hospitals and specialized respiratory care is therefore paramount. This review aims to provide a factual overview of the healthcare options available near 44632, enabling informed decisions about care.

**Analyzing Hospital Performance: CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare website provides a valuable tool for evaluating hospital quality. CMS assigns star ratings based on various factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While the ratings offer a general overview, it's crucial to consider the specific needs of COPD patients.

Unfortunately, a direct search for hospitals *within* the 44632 zip code on the CMS website is not practical. We must consider hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, focusing on those serving the broader Stark County area.

**A Deep Dive: Flagship Hospitals and Their COPD Capabilities**

**Aultman Hospital (Canton, OH):** Located approximately 15-20 minutes from Massillon, Aultman Hospital is a major regional healthcare provider. Aultman has a 3-star CMS rating. Aultman has a Pulmonary Rehabilitation program, which is a key component of COPD management. This program offers supervised exercise, education, and support to help patients improve their lung function and quality of life. The hospital's website provides detailed information on its respiratory services, including diagnostic testing and treatment options. Aultman has a dedicated pulmonary medicine department.

**Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital (Canton, OH):** Also in Canton, approximately 15-20 minutes from Massillon, Mercy Hospital is another significant player in the region. It has a 3-star CMS rating. Mercy Hospital's website outlines its respiratory care services, including pulmonary function testing and treatment for various lung conditions. The hospital likely has a pulmonary rehabilitation program, essential for COPD patients.

**Summa Health System (Akron, OH):** While located further away (approximately 30-40 minutes), Summa Health System, specifically Summa Akron City Hospital, is a larger system that serves the region. Summa Akron City Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. Summa Health System is a significant healthcare provider in the region and likely has a comprehensive pulmonary medicine department. Summa Health System has a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a crucial consideration for COPD patients, who may experience acute exacerbations requiring immediate medical attention. While specific wait time data can fluctuate, it's essential to consider the average wait times for each hospital. This information is often available on hospital websites or through resources like the CMS Hospital Compare website. It's important to note that wait times can vary based on the time of day, day of the week, and the overall volume of patients.

**Specialty Centers and Pulmonary Rehabilitation**

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are a cornerstone of COPD management. These programs provide supervised exercise, education, and support to help patients improve their lung function, manage their symptoms, and enhance their quality of life. When evaluating hospitals, it's crucial to identify those with established pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The programs often include respiratory therapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth services are increasingly important for COPD patients, offering remote consultations, monitoring, and education. Telehealth can help patients manage their symptoms, prevent hospitalizations, and improve their overall health outcomes. Many hospitals are expanding their telehealth capabilities, providing remote consultations, medication management, and monitoring of vital signs.

**Specific Hospital Telehealth Capabilities (Data limitations apply):**

* **Aultman Hospital:** Aultman likely offers some telehealth services, but specifics would need to be confirmed on their website or by contacting their patient services.
* **Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital:** Mercy Hospital likely offers telehealth services.
* **Summa Health System:** Summa Health System has a robust telehealth program.

**Finding Detailed Information: The Power of Hospital Websites**

Hospital websites are the primary source of information about specific services, programs, and contact details. Patients should consult these websites for the most up-to-date information on pulmonary rehabilitation programs, telehealth options, and other relevant services.

**Navigating the Healthcare System: Tips for COPD Patients**

* **Establish a Primary Care Physician (PCP):** Your PCP is the central point of contact for your healthcare needs. They can coordinate your care, provide referrals to specialists, and monitor your overall health.
* **Build a Relationship with a Pulmonologist:** A pulmonologist is a specialist in lung diseases. They can diagnose and treat COPD and other respiratory conditions.
* **Participate in Pulmonary Rehabilitation:** This program can significantly improve your quality of life.
* **Learn About Your Medications:** Understand your medications, their side effects, and how to take them correctly.
* **Develop a COPD Action Plan:** Work with your healthcare team to create a plan for managing your symptoms and responding to exacerbations.
* **Carry a List of Medications:** Keep a list of your medications with you at all times, including dosages and the names of your healthcare providers.
* **Know Your Emergency Plan:** Know where to go in case of an emergency, and have a plan for getting there.
* **Consider a Support Group:** Joining a COPD support group can provide emotional support and practical advice.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Choices for COPD Care**

For residents of the 44632 ZIP code, access to quality COPD care requires a thorough understanding of the local healthcare landscape. This review provides a starting point for evaluating the available options, including hospitals, specialty centers, and telehealth services. By considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, patients can make informed decisions about their care and work towards improving their respiratory health and quality of life. It is important to note that this review is based on publicly available information and may not reflect the most current data. Patients should always consult with their healthcare providers for personalized recommendations and treatment plans.