43510, Colton, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 43510, Colton, Ohio is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 43510

This review provides an in-depth analysis of the healthcare landscape surrounding ZIP code 43510 (Bowling Green, Ohio), focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services. The goal is to offer a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors crucial to patient well-being.

**Key Players and Their Performance**

The dominant healthcare provider in the immediate vicinity is Wood County Hospital, located directly within Bowling Green. This community hospital serves as the primary point of care for many residents. While Wood County Hospital doesn't have a CMS star rating, it is an important local resource. Its performance is assessed based on other metrics, including patient satisfaction scores, clinical outcomes, and service availability.

Further afield, residents of 43510 have access to larger, more specialized facilities in the Toledo metropolitan area, roughly a 20-30 minute drive. These include the flagship hospitals of ProMedica and Mercy Health systems.

**ProMedica Toledo Hospital:** ProMedica Toledo Hospital is a major regional medical center, boasting a five-star CMS rating, the highest possible score. This rating reflects superior performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, readmission rates, and mortality. ProMedica Toledo Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center, equipped to handle the most critical emergencies. Its comprehensive services include advanced cardiac care, neurosurgery, and a dedicated cancer center. ER wait times at ProMedica Toledo Hospital vary, but generally, it aims for a benchmark of under 30 minutes. However, it is essential to check current wait times on its website or through online tools.

**Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center:** Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center, also in Toledo, is another significant provider, holding a three-star CMS rating. While not as high as ProMedica Toledo Hospital, this rating still indicates a solid level of care. St. Vincent is renowned for its specialized services, including a nationally recognized burn center and a comprehensive stroke center. ER wait times at St. Vincent also fluctuate, and like ProMedica, it is advisable to check current estimates.

**Specialty Centers and Services**

Beyond general hospital care, residents of 43510 can access specialized services within the broader network. Both ProMedica and Mercy Health offer extensive outpatient clinics and specialty centers.

**Cancer Care:** ProMedica Toledo Hospital's cancer center provides comprehensive cancer treatment, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology. Mercy Health also has a strong cancer program, providing similar services.

**Cardiac Care:** Both ProMedica Toledo Hospital and St. Vincent have well-established cardiology departments, offering advanced cardiac procedures, including angioplasty, bypass surgery, and electrophysiology.

**Women's Health:** Both hospital systems provide comprehensive women's health services, including obstetrics, gynecology, and specialized programs for women's cancers.

**Pediatric Care:** While Wood County Hospital offers pediatric services, more specialized pediatric care is available at ProMedica Toledo Hospital, which has a dedicated children's hospital.

**Mental Health:** Access to mental health services is a critical component of overall health. Both ProMedica and Mercy Health offer mental health services, including inpatient and outpatient care. The availability of mental health providers and wait times can vary, so it is important to check specific program details.

**Emergency Room Accessibility and Wait Times**

ER wait times are a crucial factor in assessing healthcare accessibility. As mentioned, both ProMedica Toledo Hospital and St. Vincent strive to maintain reasonable wait times. However, factors like the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of patient cases can influence these times. Patients can often find estimated wait times on hospital websites or through online platforms like Google. Wood County Hospital's ER wait times are generally shorter, given its smaller size and patient volume.

**Telehealth and Digital Health Initiatives**

Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially in rural or semi-rural areas like the region around 43510. Both ProMedica and Mercy Health have expanded their telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other digital health services. These services can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living far from specialty clinics. The availability of telehealth services can vary depending on the specialty and the patient's insurance coverage.

**Patient Satisfaction and Experience**

Patient satisfaction is a vital indicator of healthcare quality. Both ProMedica and Mercy Health collect patient satisfaction data through surveys like the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. These surveys assess aspects like communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and the overall hospital environment. Reviewing patient satisfaction scores can provide valuable insights into the patient experience at each hospital.

**Accessibility and Transportation**

Transportation is a critical factor influencing healthcare accessibility, especially for those without personal vehicles or those with mobility limitations. Residents of 43510 have access to public transportation options, but these may be limited, particularly for accessing hospitals in Toledo. This is a significant consideration for those who rely on public transit.

**Insurance Coverage and Cost of Care**

The cost of healthcare and insurance coverage significantly impacts access to care. The availability of insurance plans, including those offered through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), affects the ability of residents to afford healthcare services. The cost of care varies depending on the hospital, the services provided, and the patient's insurance plan. Patients should inquire about cost estimates and payment options before receiving services.

**Overall Health Score Considerations**

When determining an overall health score, several factors are weighed. The presence of a five-star CMS-rated hospital, like ProMedica Toledo Hospital, significantly boosts the score. The availability of specialized services, such as cancer centers, cardiac care, and comprehensive women's health programs, is another positive factor. ER wait times, telehealth offerings, and patient satisfaction scores are also crucial. Accessibility, including transportation options and the availability of insurance coverage, is also considered.

**Overall Health Score Assessment for 43510**

Considering the factors outlined above, the Overall Health Score for the area surrounding ZIP code 43510 is rated as **Good**. The presence of a five-star hospital, ProMedica Toledo Hospital, is a major strength. The availability of a wide range of specialized services within the ProMedica and Mercy Health systems is another positive. However, the reliance on travel to Toledo for many specialized services and the potential for longer ER wait times, especially at peak hours, slightly diminish the score. The availability of telehealth services helps mitigate some of these accessibility challenges.

**Recommendations for Residents**

* **Research and Compare:** Before seeking care, residents should research the hospitals and services available, comparing factors like CMS ratings, specialized services, and patient satisfaction scores.
* **Check ER Wait Times:** Patients should check estimated ER wait times online or by phone before heading to the emergency room.
* **Utilize Telehealth:** Explore telehealth options for routine appointments and follow-up care, especially for those with mobility issues or limited transportation.
* **Understand Insurance Coverage:** Understand your insurance coverage and the costs associated with different healthcare services.
* **Consider Wood County Hospital:** For less critical needs, Wood County Hospital provides convenient local care.
* **Plan for Transportation:** Factor in transportation time and options when scheduling appointments, especially for those requiring specialized care in Toledo.

This assessment provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape near ZIP code 43510. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the available healthcare options, residents can make informed decisions about their health and well-being. The Overall Health Score is dynamic and subject to change as hospitals improve their services and new healthcare initiatives emerge.