43302, Marion, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 43302, Marion, Ohio is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Bellefontaine, Ohio (ZIP Code 43302)

This review assesses the overall health and healthcare accessibility for residents near Bellefontaine, Ohio, focusing on hospitals within a reasonable radius of the 43302 ZIP code. The analysis incorporates data on hospital quality metrics, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth availability to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score." The goal is to provide residents with the information needed to make informed decisions about their healthcare options.

**Hospital Landscape Overview**

The healthcare landscape surrounding Bellefontaine is primarily shaped by a mix of community hospitals and larger regional facilities. Proximity and accessibility are key factors in determining the best options for residents. While the immediate vicinity might be served by a smaller community hospital, residents often travel to larger cities like Dayton or Columbus for specialized care. This review considers hospitals within a 50-mile radius, acknowledging the potential for longer travel times for specific needs.

**Memorial Hospital of Union County (Marysville, OH)**

Memorial Hospital of Union County (MHUC), located approximately 30 miles east of Bellefontaine, is a significant player in the regional healthcare network. MHUC is a 25-bed critical access hospital. While not a major teaching hospital, it offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and specialized clinics. It has a strong focus on community health initiatives and patient satisfaction. MHUC has a CMS star rating of 3 stars.

**Mary Rutan Hospital (Bellefontaine, OH)**

Mary Rutan Hospital, located directly within the 43302 ZIP code, is the most immediate healthcare provider for Bellefontaine residents. As a community hospital, it provides a wide range of services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, and specialized clinics. Mary Rutan has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. The hospital is a key employer in the area and actively participates in community health programs. It is important to note that CMS ratings can fluctuate, and prospective patients should consult the most up-to-date information.

**Miami Valley Hospital (Dayton, OH)**

Located approximately 50 miles southwest of Bellefontaine, Miami Valley Hospital (MVH) in Dayton is a Level I Trauma Center and a regional referral center. It is part of the Premier Health network and offers a comprehensive range of services, including advanced cardiac care, neurosurgery, and cancer treatment. MVH boasts a CMS star rating of 3 stars. The hospital's size and scope mean that it can handle complex medical cases and offers a broader range of specialists than smaller community hospitals.

**Kettering Health Dayton (Dayton, OH)**

Kettering Health Dayton, also in Dayton, is another major regional hospital, approximately 50 miles southwest of Bellefontaine. Kettering Health Dayton is a large facility with a wide array of services, including specialized centers for heart and vascular care, cancer treatment, and women's health. Kettering Health Dayton has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. The hospital is part of the Kettering Health network, which has a significant presence in the region.

**Emergency Room Wait Times**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor in assessing healthcare accessibility. While specific real-time wait times fluctuate, general trends can be observed. Mary Rutan Hospital, being the closest, typically has shorter wait times compared to the larger hospitals in Dayton. However, wait times can vary depending on the time of day, the severity of the patient's condition, and the overall volume of patients. Miami Valley Hospital and Kettering Health Dayton, being Level I Trauma Centers, may experience longer wait times due to the complexity of cases they handle. MHUC, being a critical access hospital, may have shorter wait times than the larger facilities. It's advisable to check online or call ahead for the most current estimates.

**Specialty Centers and Services**

The availability of specialized services is a key differentiator among hospitals. Mary Rutan Hospital offers a range of general medical and surgical services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. Memorial Hospital of Union County provides similar services, though on a smaller scale. Miami Valley Hospital and Kettering Health Dayton, being larger regional centers, boast more extensive specialty centers. These include advanced cardiology programs, comprehensive cancer centers, specialized neurosurgery departments, and advanced surgical capabilities. For patients needing highly specialized care, the Dayton hospitals offer a significant advantage.

**Telehealth and Digital Health Initiatives**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Mary Rutan Hospital has been expanding its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. MHUC is also investing in telehealth to improve access to care. Miami Valley Hospital and Kettering Health Dayton, with their larger resources, have more robust telehealth programs, including virtual urgent care, remote monitoring for chronic conditions, and access to specialists through virtual platforms. The availability of telehealth services can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in remote areas or those with mobility limitations.

**CMS Star Ratings and Quality Metrics**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings provide a valuable, though not perfect, indicator of hospital quality. These ratings are based on a variety of factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. As mentioned, Mary Rutan Hospital, Memorial Hospital of Union County, Miami Valley Hospital, and Kettering Health Dayton all have CMS star ratings of 3 stars. It's important to remember that these ratings are just one piece of the puzzle and should be considered alongside other factors like personal experiences, physician recommendations, and the specific needs of the patient.

**Patient Satisfaction and Experience**

Patient satisfaction is another critical aspect of healthcare quality. Hospitals often conduct patient satisfaction surveys to gauge patient experiences. The results of these surveys are often available on hospital websites or through third-party websites. Patient satisfaction scores can provide insights into factors like communication with doctors, the cleanliness of the facility, and the overall level of care. It's beneficial to review patient reviews and testimonials when evaluating hospitals.

**Accessibility and Transportation**

Accessibility is a crucial factor for residents in the 43302 ZIP code. The location of Mary Rutan Hospital within Bellefontaine provides the most immediate access. The proximity of Memorial Hospital of Union County is also a benefit for residents in the eastern part of the region. Travel times to Dayton hospitals can be significant, potentially impacting access to emergency care or specialized appointments. Public transportation options in the area may be limited, so personal vehicles are often necessary.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

The "Overall Health Score" for residents near Bellefontaine, Ohio (43302) is a nuanced one. Mary Rutan Hospital provides convenient local access to essential services, while Memorial Hospital of Union County offers additional options. The larger hospitals in Dayton, such as Miami Valley Hospital and Kettering Health Dayton, offer a wider range of specialized services and are essential for complex medical needs. The CMS star ratings are similar across the board, with 3 stars. Emergency room wait times and telehealth offerings vary among the hospitals. The best choice depends on the individual's specific needs and circumstances. Residents should consider factors such as proximity, the availability of specialized services, patient reviews, and their own transportation capabilities when making healthcare decisions. The increased use of telehealth across the board is a positive trend, improving access to care for those in the area.