44440, Mineral Ridge, Ohio Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 44440, Mineral Ridge, Ohio is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Hotspots: A Deep Dive into Hospitals Near ZIP Code 44440

Navigating the healthcare landscape, especially when dealing with a condition like hypertension, requires informed choices. This review provides a detailed look at hospitals near ZIP code 44440, focusing on their capabilities in managing hypertension, incorporating data on quality metrics, specialty services, and accessibility. Understanding these factors is crucial for making informed decisions about your health.

**The Geographic Scope: ZIP Code 44440 and Beyond**

ZIP code 44440, encompassing the town of Newton Falls, Ohio, is the focal point. However, healthcare access often extends beyond immediate boundaries. This review will also consider hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, including those in nearby cities like Warren and Youngstown, to provide a comprehensive overview of available options.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings: A Measure of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings offer a valuable, albeit imperfect, snapshot of hospital quality. These ratings, based on a variety of factors including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience, can be a starting point for evaluating hospitals.

**Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** Located in Youngstown, this hospital is a major player in the region. While specific CMS star ratings fluctuate, it's essential to check the most current CMS data for the latest information. St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital has a large cardiology department and offers comprehensive cardiac care, including interventions for hypertension-related complications.

**University Hospitals (UH) Portage Medical Center:** Situated in Ravenna, UH Portage Medical Center is another important option within a reasonable driving distance. Like St. Elizabeth Youngstown, its CMS star rating should be verified for the most up-to-date assessment. UH Portage Medical Center typically provides a range of services relevant to hypertension management, including access to primary care physicians and specialists.

**Other Considerations: ER Wait Times and Accessibility**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor, especially during hypertensive crises. While wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day and patient volume, it's helpful to research average wait times for local hospitals. This information is often available on hospital websites or through online resources.

Accessibility is also paramount. Consider the hospital's location, ease of access, and availability of public transportation or parking. For individuals with mobility limitations, these factors become even more critical.

**Specialty Centers and Hypertension Management**

Beyond general cardiology departments, specialized centers can offer advanced care for hypertension. Look for hospitals with dedicated hypertension clinics or programs. These programs often involve a multidisciplinary approach, including cardiologists, nephrologists (kidney specialists), endocrinologists (hormone specialists), and registered dietitians.

**Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital's Cardiology Department:** The hospital's cardiology department offers a full spectrum of services, including diagnostic testing (echocardiograms, stress tests), interventional cardiology (angioplasty, stenting), and electrophysiology services (for heart rhythm disorders).

**University Hospitals (UH) Network:** UH operates several specialty centers that may be relevant to hypertension management. Researching the specific services offered at UH Portage Medical Center and other UH facilities in the area is essential.

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

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Look for hospitals that offer telehealth services for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education. Remote monitoring programs, where patients can track their blood pressure and other vital signs at home and share the data with their healthcare providers, can also be beneficial.

**Telehealth Availability:** Investigate the telehealth capabilities of each hospital. Do they offer virtual appointments with cardiologists or primary care physicians? Are remote monitoring programs available for hypertension management?

**Specific Telehealth Stats:** Unfortunately, specific telehealth usage statistics for individual hospitals are often not publicly available. However, it's worth asking about the hospital's telehealth program during your research. Inquire about the number of virtual appointments conducted, patient satisfaction rates, and the types of telehealth services offered.

**The Role of Primary Care Physicians**

Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a vital role in hypertension management. They are often the first point of contact for diagnosis and treatment. Ensure that the hospital you choose has a strong network of PCPs, or that you have access to a PCP who can coordinate your care with the hospital's specialists.

**Finding a PCP:** Research the hospital's network of primary care physicians. Does the hospital have a dedicated primary care clinic? Are there PCPs affiliated with the hospital who specialize in hypertension management?

**Medication Management and Pharmacy Services**

Access to a pharmacy and efficient medication management are crucial. Does the hospital have an on-site pharmacy? Does it offer medication counseling or other services to help patients manage their prescriptions?

**Pharmacy Access:** Determine if the hospital has an on-site pharmacy. If not, what are the nearby pharmacy options? Does the hospital offer medication counseling or other support services?

**Patient Education and Support Groups**

Patient education is key to successful hypertension management. Look for hospitals that offer educational resources, such as classes, brochures, or online materials. Support groups can also provide valuable emotional support and practical advice.

**Educational Resources:** Does the hospital offer educational materials about hypertension? Are there classes or workshops available?

**Support Groups:** Does the hospital host or provide information about local hypertension support groups?

**Researching Hospital-Specific Data: A Detailed Approach**

To gather the most accurate and up-to-date information, conduct thorough research on each hospital.

**Hospital Websites:** Visit the hospital's website and explore its cardiology department, primary care services, and telehealth offerings. Look for information about the hospital's commitment to hypertension management.

**Online Reviews and Ratings:** Consult online reviews and ratings from patients. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and U.S. News & World Report can provide valuable insights into patient experiences. However, remember that reviews can be subjective.

**Physician Directories:** Use physician directories to identify cardiologists and other specialists who specialize in hypertension management.

**Contacting Hospitals Directly:** Contact the hospitals directly and ask specific questions about their services, programs, and wait times.

**The Importance of Insurance Coverage**

Verify that the hospital accepts your insurance plan. Understand your out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance.

**Insurance Verification:** Contact your insurance provider to confirm that the hospital is in your network. Understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket expenses.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions**

Managing hypertension requires a proactive approach. By carefully researching the hospitals near ZIP code 44440, considering factors such as CMS star ratings, specialty services, telehealth capabilities, and patient reviews, you can make informed decisions about your healthcare. Remember to consult with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to develop a personalized hypertension management plan. The information provided in this review serves as a starting point for your research; it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.