46943, Laketon, Indiana Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 46943, Laketon, Indiana is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Peru, Indiana (ZIP Code 46943)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" for hospitals within a reasonable radius of Peru, Indiana (ZIP code 46943), offering a snapshot of their strengths and weaknesses. The score considers factors like patient safety, quality of care, accessibility, and technological advancements. This is not a definitive ranking, but rather an informative guide for residents seeking medical attention.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

Peru, Indiana, is a rural community, and its healthcare options reflect that. Residents typically rely on a combination of local hospitals and regional medical centers. Proximity and specialization often dictate choices. The following analysis focuses on hospitals most likely to serve the population of 46943, factoring in driving distances and referral patterns.

**The Key Players:**

The primary hospital serving Peru is **Dukes Memorial Hospital**, part of the Lutheran Health Network. Dukes Memorial is a critical access hospital, meaning it receives special federal funding due to its rural location and the essential services it provides. It is a smaller facility, with a focus on providing core services to the immediate community.

Beyond Dukes, residents often look to larger regional hospitals. **Parkview Regional Medical Center** in Fort Wayne is a significant option, approximately an hour's drive away. Another important regional player is **Community Howard Regional Health** in Kokomo, roughly a 45-minute drive.

**Dukes Memorial Hospital: A Closer Look**

Dukes Memorial Hospital offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and diagnostic imaging. As a critical access hospital, it is designed to provide immediate care and stabilize patients before transferring them to larger facilities if necessary. While it doesn't have the extensive specialty departments of larger hospitals, it plays a vital role in the community.

**CMS Star Ratings:**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on their performance across various quality measures. Unfortunately, due to its critical access status, Dukes Memorial Hospital does not receive a CMS star rating. This doesn't necessarily indicate poor quality, but it limits the ability to compare it directly to larger hospitals with more extensive data.

**ER Wait Times and Accessibility:**

ER wait times are a critical indicator of accessibility. While specific, publicly available ER wait time data for Dukes Memorial Hospital is not readily available, the hospital's size and rural setting likely contribute to shorter wait times than those found in larger urban centers. However, wait times can fluctuate depending on the volume of patients and the severity of their conditions.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Dukes Memorial Hospital offers core services but may lack specialized departments like comprehensive cardiology or advanced cancer treatment. Patients needing specialized care are often referred to hospitals like Parkview Regional Medical Center or Community Howard Regional Health.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Telehealth is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Dukes Memorial Hospital may offer some telehealth services, such as virtual consultations with specialists or remote monitoring of patients. The availability and scope of telehealth services can vary.

**Parkview Regional Medical Center: A Regional Powerhouse**

Parkview Regional Medical Center (PRMC) in Fort Wayne is a large, comprehensive hospital offering a wide range of services and advanced technology. It serves as a regional referral center, attracting patients from a broad area.

**CMS Star Rating:**

Parkview Regional Medical Center has a 4-star rating from CMS. This indicates a generally good level of performance across various quality metrics. However, it is important to note that CMS ratings are just one measure of quality and should be considered alongside other factors.

**ER Wait Times and Accessibility:**

As a larger hospital, PRMC typically experiences longer ER wait times than smaller facilities. Publicly available data on ER wait times is available online, allowing potential patients to check real-time estimates. However, wait times can vary significantly based on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the patient's condition.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

PRMC boasts a wide array of specialty centers, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, and orthopedics. It is equipped with advanced technology, such as robotic surgery systems and state-of-the-art imaging equipment.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Parkview Health has invested heavily in telehealth, offering virtual visits, remote patient monitoring, and other digital health services. This allows patients to access care from their homes and improves access to specialists.

**Community Howard Regional Health: A Mid-Size Option**

Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo offers a balance between comprehensive services and a more accessible location for residents of Peru.

**CMS Star Rating:**

Community Howard Regional Health has a 3-star rating from CMS. This suggests average performance compared to other hospitals.

**ER Wait Times and Accessibility:**

ER wait times at Community Howard Regional Health are generally shorter than those at PRMC, offering a quicker option for urgent care. Publicly available data provides estimates of wait times.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Community Howard Regional Health offers a range of specialties, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. It provides a good level of care for many common medical needs.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Community Howard Regional Health has also expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring options.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

Calculating a single "Overall Health Score" is inherently complex. It requires weighing various factors and considering individual patient needs. However, the following points summarize the key considerations for residents of 46943:

* **Proximity and Accessibility:** Dukes Memorial Hospital offers convenient access for immediate care. However, its limited scope may necessitate referrals to larger hospitals.
* **Specialty Care:** For specialized care, Parkview Regional Medical Center and Community Howard Regional Health are the primary options. PRMC offers a broader range of specialties and advanced technology.
* **Quality Metrics:** CMS star ratings provide a general indication of quality, but they shouldn't be the sole factor in decision-making. Consider other factors, such as patient reviews and personal experiences.
* **ER Wait Times:** Check real-time ER wait times before heading to the emergency room.
* **Telehealth:** Explore telehealth options for convenient access to care, especially for follow-up appointments or consultations.
* **Personal Needs:** Consider your individual health needs, pre-existing conditions, and preferences when choosing a hospital.

**Conclusion:**

Residents of Peru, Indiana, have a range of healthcare options. Dukes Memorial Hospital provides essential local services, while Parkview Regional Medical Center and Community Howard Regional Health offer more comprehensive care. The best choice depends on individual needs and circumstances. Researching each hospital, considering the factors outlined above, and consulting with your primary care physician will help you make an informed decision about your healthcare. Remember to utilize online resources, such as hospital websites and patient review platforms, to gather additional information and make the most informed decision possible.