43136, Lithopolis, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 43136, Lithopolis, Ohio is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 43136 (Circleville, Ohio)

Navigating healthcare can feel overwhelming. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals readily accessible to residents near Circleville, Ohio (ZIP code 43136), considering factors like quality of care, accessibility, and patient experience. This analysis prioritizes publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and reputable healthcare reporting organizations. Keep in mind that healthcare needs are individual, and this review should be used as a starting point for informed decision-making, not a substitute for personalized medical advice.

**The Landscape: A Focus on Proximity and Choice**

The 43136 ZIP code primarily falls within Pickaway County, Ohio. Residents here have a relatively limited selection of hospitals within a close radius, making accessibility a critical factor. The primary healthcare providers serving this area include facilities in Circleville itself, as well as those located in nearby Columbus, Ohio, which offers a wider range of specialized services. Driving times are a significant consideration, especially during emergencies.

**Adena Regional Medical Center (Chillicothe, OH): A Regional Hub**

While not directly in Circleville, Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe, approximately a 30-40 minute drive, serves as a crucial regional healthcare provider. Adena is a large facility with a wide range of services. Unfortunately, CMS data for Adena Regional Medical Center is not currently available. This lack of data makes it difficult to assess the hospital's performance on key metrics like patient safety, readmission rates, and mortality. The absence of a CMS star rating should not automatically be interpreted as a negative, but it does limit the ability to make direct comparisons with other facilities.

Adena offers a comprehensive cardiology program, including interventional cardiology services. They also have a dedicated cancer center, providing radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology services. The hospital's emergency department is generally well-equipped, but ER wait times can fluctuate. Patients should expect to spend time waiting, especially during peak hours. Adena's website provides estimated wait times, but these are constantly changing. Telehealth services are available, offering virtual consultations with various specialists, which can improve access to care for those in rural areas.

**OhioHealth Berger Hospital (Circleville, OH): Serving the Local Community**

OhioHealth Berger Hospital, located directly in Circleville, is the closest hospital for 43136 residents. This facility is a vital part of the community, offering a full range of services, including a 24/7 emergency department. Berger Hospital is a smaller facility compared to the larger hospitals in Columbus. The hospital's CMS star rating is not currently available, which hinders direct comparisons with other institutions.

Berger provides a range of inpatient and outpatient services, including surgical procedures, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory services. The hospital has a focus on primary care and offers a network of physician practices in the surrounding area. ER wait times at Berger Hospital can vary, and patients should check online resources or call ahead for the most up-to-date information. Telehealth services are also available, allowing patients to connect with providers remotely.

**The Columbus Option: Accessing Specialized Care**

The city of Columbus, approximately a 45-60 minute drive from Circleville, offers access to a wider array of specialized healthcare services. This includes flagship hospitals such as:

**The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (Columbus, OH): A Tertiary Care Powerhouse**

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is a large, academic medical center offering a comprehensive range of services, including highly specialized care. Wexner Medical Center is a major referral center, attracting patients with complex medical needs. The hospital consistently receives high marks for quality of care and patient safety. The CMS star rating for Wexner Medical Center is not currently available.

Wexner Medical Center has a wide array of specialty centers, including the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, a nationally recognized cancer center. The hospital also offers advanced cardiology, neurology, and transplant services. ER wait times at Wexner can be longer than at smaller hospitals, especially during periods of high patient volume. The hospital's website provides real-time wait time updates. Telehealth services are extensively utilized, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists across a broad geographic area.

**Mount Carmel Health System (Columbus, OH): A Multi-Hospital System**

Mount Carmel Health System operates several hospitals in the Columbus area, providing a broad spectrum of healthcare services. Mount Carmel offers a range of specialty services and a strong presence in the community. The CMS star ratings for the Mount Carmel hospitals vary, so it is important to check the rating of the specific hospital being considered.

Mount Carmel has a strong focus on cardiovascular care, cancer treatment, and women's health. The system's hospitals provide a wide range of surgical procedures and diagnostic services. ER wait times at Mount Carmel hospitals fluctuate, and patients should consult the hospital's website or call ahead for the most current information. Telehealth services are available, offering virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring.

**Comparing ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

ER wait times are a crucial factor, especially in emergencies. While specific wait times vary by the hour and day, some general trends can be observed. Smaller community hospitals like Berger Hospital often have shorter wait times compared to larger, tertiary care centers like Wexner Medical Center. However, this can be influenced by the severity of the patient's condition and the overall patient volume. It is essential to check the hospital's website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information.

**Specialty Centers: Accessing Advanced Care**

The availability of specialty centers is another key factor in evaluating healthcare options. Residents of the 43136 area have access to a range of specialty services, particularly through the hospitals in Columbus. Wexner Medical Center, for example, offers comprehensive cancer care, advanced cardiology, and specialized transplant services. Mount Carmel also provides a variety of specialty services, including cardiac care, cancer treatment, and women's health.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. All of the hospitals mentioned in this review offer telehealth services to varying degrees. Telehealth can improve access to specialists, reduce travel time, and provide convenient access to care for patients with chronic conditions. The availability and scope of telehealth services vary by hospital and specialty.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

* **Proximity:** OhioHealth Berger Hospital offers the closest proximity for residents of 43136.
* **Specialty Care:** The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Mount Carmel Health System in Columbus provide access to a wider range of specialized services.
* **CMS Star Ratings:** The lack of CMS star ratings for Adena Regional Medical Center and OhioHealth Berger Hospital limits the ability to compare quality metrics directly.
* **ER Wait Times:** Smaller hospitals like Berger Hospital may have shorter wait times, but this can vary.
* **Telehealth:** All hospitals offer telehealth services, which can improve access to care.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Choices**

Choosing the right hospital involves considering individual needs, the severity of the condition, and the availability of specialized services. Residents of the 43136 area have access to a range of healthcare options, from local community hospitals to larger tertiary care centers in Columbus. This review provides a starting point for making informed decisions, but patients should always consult with their primary care physician and consider their individual healthcare needs. Further research, including reviewing hospital websites, checking patient reviews, and discussing options with a healthcare provider, is strongly recommended.