44670, Robertsville, Ohio Hypertension Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Hypertension Score in 44670, Robertsville, Ohio is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

**Hypertension Score: A Review of Hospitals Near ZIP Code 44670**

Navigating the healthcare landscape, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, requires informed decisions. This review examines hospitals near the 44670 ZIP code (Alliance, Ohio), focusing on factors crucial for hypertension patients: quality of care, accessibility, and specialized services. We'll analyze hospital performance, considering publicly available data like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and the availability of specialized centers, ultimately providing a "Hypertension Score" to guide patients in their healthcare choices.

**The Landscape: Key Hospitals in the Area**

The primary hospital serving the Alliance area is **Aultman Alliance Community Hospital**. While other facilities may be within a reasonable driving distance, Aultman Alliance is the most immediately accessible for residents of 44670. It's essential to understand the strengths and weaknesses of this facility in the context of hypertension management.

**Aultman Alliance Community Hospital: A Deep Dive**

Aultman Alliance Community Hospital, the primary healthcare provider in Alliance, Ohio, is a critical point of focus. As of the latest available data, Aultman Alliance does *not* have a CMS star rating. This lack of a rating doesn't automatically equate to poor care, but it does mean that the hospital's performance on various quality metrics hasn't been publicly assessed by CMS. Patients should investigate the hospital's performance on specific metrics of interest.

**Emergency Room Performance: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a significant concern for any patient, and especially for those experiencing a hypertensive crisis. Data on ER wait times can fluctuate, but it is vital to find the most current information. The average ER wait time can be found on the hospital's website or through other online resources. Longer wait times could be a red flag, especially if a patient is experiencing severe symptoms.

**Specialty Centers and Hypertension Care**

The availability of specialized centers is another important factor. Does Aultman Alliance have a dedicated cardiology department? Are there specialized programs for managing hypertension, such as those involving dietitians, nurses, and cardiologists? The presence of a comprehensive cardiology department is essential for patients with hypertension. This department should include specialists in hypertension management, interventional cardiology, and cardiac rehabilitation.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare, especially for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Does Aultman Alliance offer telehealth services for hypertension management? These services can include virtual consultations with physicians, remote monitoring of blood pressure, and educational programs. Telehealth can be particularly helpful for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments or who live in rural areas.

**Quality of Care: Beyond Ratings**

Beyond CMS star ratings, other factors contribute to quality of care. Consider the hospital's patient satisfaction scores, which can provide insight into the patient experience. Look for data on readmission rates for hypertension-related conditions. High readmission rates might suggest issues with post-discharge care or medication management. Check for accreditation by organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA), which indicates a commitment to quality cardiovascular care.

**Other Hospitals in the Region: A Comparative Glance**

While Aultman Alliance is the primary hospital, residents may consider hospitals within a reasonable driving distance. Hospitals in nearby cities, such as Canton and Akron, could offer additional options.

**Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital (Canton):** Located in Canton, approximately 20 miles from Alliance, Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital is a significant healthcare provider. This hospital does have a CMS star rating, which can be found on the CMS website. It's crucial to compare the ratings with Aultman Alliance. Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital also has a robust cardiology department, which is important for hypertension patients.

**Akron General (Akron):** Akron General, part of the Summa Health System, is located in Akron, about 40 miles from Alliance. Akron General has a CMS star rating. It's also essential to investigate their cardiology services, ER wait times, and telehealth options.

**The Importance of Research**

When assessing hospitals, it is crucial to conduct thorough research. Relying solely on one source of information is not recommended.

**Fact-Checking is Paramount**

The information presented in this review is based on publicly available data. However, healthcare information changes rapidly. Always verify the information with the hospital directly, or through reliable sources.

**Hypertension Score: A Framework for Evaluation**

Creating a "Hypertension Score" is a complex undertaking. It would incorporate several factors, each weighted based on its importance to hypertension management.

* **CMS Star Rating (if available):** A higher star rating would contribute positively to the score.
* **Cardiology Department:** The presence of a comprehensive cardiology department, including specialized hypertension management programs, would significantly boost the score.
* **ER Wait Times:** Shorter ER wait times would positively impact the score.
* **Telehealth Services:** The availability of telehealth services for hypertension management would contribute favorably.
* **Patient Satisfaction Scores:** High patient satisfaction scores would enhance the score.
* **Accreditations:** Accreditation by organizations like the AHA would add to the score.
* **Readmission Rates:** Lower readmission rates for hypertension-related conditions would improve the score.

**Applying the Score: A Hypothetical Example**

Let's imagine a hypothetical scenario. Aultman Alliance has a solid cardiology department, but no CMS star rating. Its ER wait times are moderate, and it offers limited telehealth services. Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital has a 4-star rating, a strong cardiology department, shorter ER wait times, and robust telehealth options. Akron General has a 3-star rating, a good cardiology department, moderate ER wait times, and developing telehealth services. Based on this hypothetical, Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital would likely receive the highest "Hypertension Score," followed by Akron General, and then Aultman Alliance.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Choices**

Choosing a hospital for hypertension management is a critical decision. This review provides a framework for evaluating hospitals near ZIP code 44670, emphasizing the importance of research, and the need to consider various factors beyond CMS star ratings. By evaluating these factors, patients can make informed decisions and seek the best possible care for their condition. Remember to always consult with your primary care physician or cardiologist to determine the best course of treatment.