44610, Berlin, Ohio Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 44610, Berlin, Ohio is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Carrollton, OH (ZIP Code 44610)

Finding the right healthcare, especially when managing a chronic condition like hypertension, is crucial. This review focuses on hospitals near Carrollton, Ohio (ZIP code 44610), providing a fact-rich assessment to help you navigate your options. We'll examine key metrics, including CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth availability, offering a comprehensive “Hypertension Score” perspective.

**Understanding the Landscape: Proximity and Options**

Carrollton, OH, is a rural community, and the immediate hospital options are limited. Residents often look to nearby cities for comprehensive care. Our review will consider hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, focusing on those that offer specialized cardiology services and resources relevant to hypertension management.

**A Note on CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare program assigns star ratings based on a variety of quality measures. These ratings, ranging from one to five stars, offer a general indicator of hospital performance. However, it’s important to remember that these ratings are just one piece of the puzzle, and individual patient experiences can vary.

**A Deep Dive: Hospital Profiles**

**Aultman Hospital (Canton, OH):** Located approximately 30 miles from Carrollton, Aultman Hospital is a major healthcare provider. It boasts a four-star CMS rating, indicating a generally good performance across various quality metrics. Aultman has a dedicated heart and vascular center, crucial for hypertension management. They offer a range of cardiology services, including diagnostic testing, interventional procedures, and cardiac rehabilitation. Emergency room wait times at Aultman can fluctuate, but data suggests an average wait time of around 30-60 minutes. Telehealth services are available, particularly for follow-up appointments and certain specialist consultations, which can be beneficial for patients with hypertension who require regular monitoring. Aultman’s cardiology department is well-regarded, and they participate in national quality initiatives focused on heart health.

**Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital (Canton, OH):** Another significant option, also located in Canton (around 30 miles from Carrollton), is Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital. This hospital is a part of the renowned Cleveland Clinic health system. Mercy Hospital holds a three-star CMS rating. They have a strong focus on cardiovascular care, offering a comprehensive range of services, including advanced imaging, interventional cardiology, and cardiac surgery. ER wait times are reported to be in the 30-60 minute range, similar to Aultman. Mercy Hospital has invested heavily in telehealth, providing virtual visits for various specialties, including cardiology, and remote patient monitoring programs. The hospital’s affiliation with the Cleveland Clinic system grants access to cutting-edge research and treatment protocols.

**University Hospitals (UH) Portage Medical Center (Ravenna, OH):** Approximately 50 miles from Carrollton, UH Portage Medical Center provides a more distant option, but is worth considering for its connection to the larger University Hospitals system. UH Portage has a three-star CMS rating. While not as specialized in cardiology as the Canton hospitals, they offer a range of services, including diagnostic testing and cardiology consultations. ER wait times are typically reported to be in the 45-75 minute range. Telehealth services are available through the UH system, potentially allowing access to specialists and remote monitoring programs.

**Summa Health System (Akron, OH):** Located about 60 miles from Carrollton, Summa Health offers a wider range of specialized services. Summa has a three-star CMS rating. Summa's heart and vascular institute provides comprehensive cardiac care. ER wait times are variable, but generally fall within the 45-75 minute range. Summa Health has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual visits and remote monitoring options, which are valuable for hypertension management.

**Comparing the Cardiology Landscape:**

When evaluating hospitals for hypertension care, the strength of their cardiology departments is paramount. Aultman and Cleveland Clinic Mercy, with their dedicated heart centers and comprehensive services, stand out. University Hospitals Portage and Summa Health offer viable alternatives, especially for those seeking access to a broader network of specialists.

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

Long ER wait times can be detrimental, especially during a hypertensive crisis. While all hospitals in this review strive to provide timely care, wait times can fluctuate. Based on publicly available data, average wait times generally fall within the 30-75 minute range. It's important to note that these are averages, and individual wait times can vary based on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of other patient cases.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for managing chronic conditions. All the hospitals mentioned offer telehealth services, including virtual visits for follow-up appointments and specialist consultations. Telehealth can be particularly helpful for hypertension patients, allowing for remote monitoring of blood pressure, medication adjustments, and access to educational resources. Cleveland Clinic Mercy and Summa Health have particularly robust telehealth programs.

**Specialty Centers and Resources:**

Beyond cardiology departments, consider the availability of other relevant resources. Cardiac rehabilitation programs, diabetes education centers (hypertension is often linked to diabetes), and nutritional counseling services are valuable for comprehensive hypertension management. Aultman, Cleveland Clinic Mercy, and Summa Health offer these resources.

**Specific Considerations for Hypertension Patients:**

* **Access to Cardiologists:** Ensure the hospital has a sufficient number of cardiologists and interventional cardiologists.
* **Blood Pressure Monitoring:** Inquire about the hospital’s protocols for blood pressure monitoring and management.
* **Medication Management:** Confirm the hospital's capabilities for medication adjustments and patient education on medication adherence.
* **Cardiac Rehabilitation:** Look for a cardiac rehabilitation program to help patients recover and manage their condition.
* **Patient Education:** Prioritize hospitals that offer patient education programs on lifestyle modifications, diet, and exercise.

**The "Hypertension Score" Considerations:**

While a formal "Hypertension Score" is not a standardized metric, we can consider several factors when evaluating hospitals for hypertension care:

* **CMS Star Rating:** Provides a general overview of quality.
* **Cardiology Department Strength:** The presence of a dedicated heart center, comprehensive services, and experienced cardiologists.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter wait times are preferable.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Access to virtual visits and remote monitoring.
* **Specialty Resources:** Availability of cardiac rehabilitation, diabetes education, and nutritional counseling.
* **Patient Education Programs:** Access to resources and education.

**Recommendations for Carrollton, OH Residents:**

Based on this review, Aultman Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, both in Canton, OH, appear to be strong contenders for hypertension care due to their dedicated heart centers, comprehensive services, and relatively shorter ER wait times. Summa Health, in Akron, also provides a strong option with a comprehensive approach. University Hospitals Portage, though further away, offers access to the broader UH system.

**Final Thoughts:**

Choosing the right hospital is a personal decision. Consider your individual needs, preferences, and the specific services offered by each hospital. Contact the hospitals directly to inquire about their cardiology services, patient education programs, and telehealth options. Remember to discuss your healthcare needs with your primary care physician for personalized recommendations. This review provides a starting point for your research, empowering you to make informed decisions about your hypertension care.