46967, Onward, Indiana Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 46967, Onward, Indiana is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Peru, Indiana (ZIP Code 46967)

Navigating healthcare can feel like traversing a complex maze. Understanding the quality and accessibility of hospitals near you is crucial for making informed decisions about your health. This review provides an overall health score assessment for hospitals within a reasonable radius of Peru, Indiana (ZIP code 46967), considering factors like quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth availability.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The healthcare landscape surrounding Peru, Indiana, is primarily characterized by a mix of regional hospitals and larger tertiary care centers. Residents often rely on a combination of local facilities for routine care and larger hospitals in neighboring cities for specialized treatments. This review will focus on the hospitals that are most likely to be utilized by residents of the 46967 ZIP code.

**Key Hospitals and Their Performance:**

**1. Dukes Memorial Hospital (Peru, IN):**

Dukes Memorial Hospital, located directly in Peru, is a vital access point for residents. It is a critical access hospital, meaning it receives special Medicare funding. While it doesn’t have a CMS star rating, it provides essential services. Dukes offers a 24-hour emergency room, serving as the initial point of care for urgent medical needs. The hospital provides a range of services, including general surgery, orthopedics, and diagnostic imaging. ER wait times are a critical factor. While specific publicly available data is limited, local sources suggest average wait times are generally within the regional average, but can fluctuate based on the time of day and patient volume. Dukes Memorial has invested in telehealth initiatives, providing access to specialists and follow-up care remotely. This is particularly beneficial for residents in rural areas.

**2. Logansport Memorial Hospital (Logansport, IN):**

Approximately a 30-minute drive from Peru, Logansport Memorial Hospital serves as another important healthcare resource. It is a community hospital offering a broad range of services. Logansport Memorial Hospital has a CMS star rating, which is a publicly available measure of overall hospital quality. This rating provides a snapshot of the hospital's performance across various categories, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. Logansport Memorial's emergency room is another key component of its services. The hospital also has specialized centers, including a cardiac care unit and a cancer center. Telehealth services are also available, expanding access to specialists and consultations.

**3. Memorial Hospital (South Bend, IN):**

Memorial Hospital in South Bend, roughly a 1.5-hour drive, is a larger, more comprehensive facility. It is part of the Beacon Health System and is a tertiary care center. Memorial Hospital has a CMS star rating, which reflects its overall performance across various quality metrics. It offers a wide array of specialized services, including advanced cardiac care, comprehensive cancer treatment, and a Level II trauma center. The emergency room is equipped to handle a high volume of patients and a wide range of medical emergencies. Wait times can vary, but the hospital strives to maintain efficient patient flow. Memorial Hospital has invested heavily in telehealth, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists across a broad geographic area.

**4. Parkview Regional Medical Center (Fort Wayne, IN):**

Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, approximately a 1.5-hour drive, is a major regional healthcare provider. It is a large, multi-specialty hospital with a high level of care. Parkview Regional Medical Center has a CMS star rating, reflecting its commitment to quality and patient safety. The hospital is known for its advanced cardiac care, neurosurgery, and comprehensive cancer treatment programs. It also has a Level II trauma center. The emergency room is a high-volume facility, and wait times can fluctuate depending on the time of day and patient load. Parkview has invested heavily in telehealth, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists.

**5. Other Considerations:**

Several other hospitals are within a reasonable driving distance of Peru, Indiana, including facilities in Kokomo and Marion. These hospitals may offer specific specialized services or be preferred by some patients. However, the hospitals mentioned above are the most likely to be utilized by residents of the 46967 ZIP code.

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

Emergency room wait times are a significant concern for patients seeking immediate medical attention. While publicly available, real-time wait time data for all hospitals can be limited, some hospitals provide this information on their websites or through third-party services. Patients should consider calling the hospital's ER or checking online resources for the most up-to-date information. Shorter wait times generally indicate a more efficient emergency department.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

The availability of specialized services is crucial for patients with specific medical needs. Hospitals in the region offer a range of specialty centers, including cardiac care units, cancer centers, and orthopedic departments. The presence of a Level II trauma center is particularly important for handling severe injuries. Patients should research the specific services offered by each hospital to determine the best fit for their needs.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. It allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, including consultations with specialists, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. Hospitals in the region have invested in telehealth, offering virtual appointments and remote care options. This can improve access to care, reduce travel time, and improve patient outcomes.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Evaluating the overall health score for hospitals near Peru, Indiana, involves considering several factors. Dukes Memorial Hospital offers local access to essential services, making it a vital resource for residents. Logansport Memorial Hospital, with its CMS star rating and broad service offerings, provides a good option for many needs. Memorial Hospital in South Bend and Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne offer more specialized services and advanced care options, though they require longer travel times.

**Factors to Consider:**

* **CMS Star Ratings:** These ratings provide a snapshot of overall hospital quality, but should not be the sole determinant of choice.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Shorter wait times are generally preferable.
* **Specialty Services:** Consider the specific services offered by each hospital based on your individual needs.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Telehealth can improve access to care and convenience.
* **Patient Reviews and Experiences:** Online reviews and personal recommendations can provide valuable insights.
* **Proximity:** Travel time and convenience are important considerations.

**Conclusion:**

Residents of the 46967 ZIP code have access to a range of healthcare options. Dukes Memorial Hospital offers local access, while Logansport Memorial Hospital provides a good balance of services. For more specialized care, Memorial Hospital in South Bend and Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne are viable options, though they require longer travel times. By carefully considering the factors outlined above, patients can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and choose the hospital that best meets their individual requirements. It is always recommended to consult with your primary care physician for specific recommendations.