43517, Edgerton, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 43517, Edgerton, Ohio is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 43517 (Defiance, OH)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the area near ZIP code 43517 (Defiance, Ohio), focusing on key metrics like quality of care, accessibility, and patient experience. This is not a ranking, but rather a comprehensive overview to inform healthcare decisions.

**The Landscape: Defiance and Beyond**

Defiance, Ohio, is a relatively rural area. Residents often look to nearby cities for specialized care. This review considers hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, acknowledging that access to care can be influenced by factors like transportation and insurance coverage.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a readily accessible measure of overall quality. It's crucial to understand that these ratings are based on publicly reported data and are just one piece of the puzzle.

**Defiance Hospital (Promedica)**

Promedica Defiance Hospital is a key provider for the local community. It is a 100-bed hospital, serving a population of approximately 40,000. Promedica’s star rating is currently unavailable. This is not uncommon, as hospitals may not always have enough data to be rated or may be undergoing changes.

**Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times: A Critical Metric**

ER wait times are a crucial indicator of accessibility and efficiency. Longer wait times can indicate overcrowding, staffing shortages, or complex cases. Real-time wait times are often available on hospital websites or through third-party apps, but these can fluctuate significantly.

**Promedica Defiance Hospital**

Promedica Defiance Hospital’s reported ER wait times fluctuate. It is advisable to check their website or a reliable app for the most up-to-date information before visiting.

**Specialty Centers and Services**

The availability of specialized services is a key factor in assessing a hospital's capabilities. These centers cater to specific medical needs, such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics.

**Promedica Defiance Hospital**

Promedica Defiance Hospital offers a range of services, including cardiology, general surgery, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital also has a comprehensive imaging department.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has rapidly expanded, particularly in rural areas, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists. The availability and utilization of telehealth services are increasingly important.

**Promedica Defiance Hospital**

Promedica offers telehealth services, including virtual visits. This can be a significant advantage for patients who need convenient access to care or who live in remote areas.

**Patient Experience: Beyond Clinical Outcomes**

Patient experience encompasses factors like communication with doctors, responsiveness of staff, cleanliness of the environment, and overall satisfaction. These factors significantly impact the healing process.

**Promedica Defiance Hospital**

Patient satisfaction scores can be found on CMS's Hospital Compare website. These scores provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

**Beyond Defiance: Expanding the Scope**

For specialized care, residents near 43517 often travel to larger hospitals in nearby cities.

**Parkview Regional Medical Center (Fort Wayne, IN)**

Located approximately an hour's drive from Defiance, Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a major regional healthcare provider. Parkview Regional Medical Center has a 4-star CMS rating. Parkview provides a comprehensive range of services, including advanced cardiology, neurosurgery, and cancer care. The hospital is a Level II Trauma Center. ER wait times are typically longer than at smaller community hospitals. Parkview offers extensive telehealth services.

**Lutheran Hospital of Indiana (Fort Wayne, IN)**

Also in Fort Wayne, Lutheran Hospital of Indiana is another significant option. Lutheran Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating. Lutheran Hospital provides services including cardiac care, stroke care, and orthopedic surgery. The hospital is a Level II Trauma Center. ER wait times can vary. Lutheran Hospital has a telehealth program.

**Procedures and Outcomes: Diving Deeper**

Beyond overall ratings, it's important to consider specific procedure outcomes. Hospitals report data on various procedures, such as heart attacks, pneumonia, and hip replacements.

**Promedica Defiance Hospital**

Reviewing the hospital's performance on specific procedures, such as heart attack treatment or pneumonia care, can provide a more nuanced understanding of its capabilities.

**Parkview Regional Medical Center**

Parkview Regional Medical Center's performance on specific procedures is generally strong, reflecting its status as a regional referral center.

**Lutheran Hospital of Indiana**

Lutheran Hospital's outcomes for specific procedures should be evaluated based on the latest available data.

**Access to Specialists: A Critical Consideration**

The availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, neurologists, and oncologists, is crucial. This includes both the number of specialists and their accessibility.

**Promedica Defiance Hospital**

Promedica Defiance Hospital has a core group of specialists, but access to certain subspecialties may require referral to a larger hospital.

**Parkview Regional Medical Center**

Parkview Regional Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of specialists, making it a strong option for complex medical needs.

**Lutheran Hospital of Indiana**

Lutheran Hospital of Indiana also has a wide array of specialists.

**Financial Considerations: Insurance and Costs**

Healthcare costs and insurance coverage are major factors. Patients should understand their insurance plans and the hospital's billing practices.

**Promedica Defiance Hospital, Parkview Regional Medical Center, and Lutheran Hospital of Indiana**

Patients should contact each hospital's billing department or consult their insurance provider to understand potential out-of-pocket expenses.

**Community Health Needs Assessments**

Hospitals often conduct community health needs assessments. These assessments identify the most pressing health concerns in the community, informing resource allocation and program development.

**Promedica Defiance Hospital, Parkview Regional Medical Center, and Lutheran Hospital of Indiana**

Reviewing the community health needs assessments for these hospitals can provide valuable insights into the specific health challenges facing the local population.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary**

Assessing the "Overall Health Score" near ZIP code 43517 involves considering various factors. Promedica Defiance Hospital is a critical local provider, offering a range of services. However, for specialized care, residents often seek services at larger hospitals like Parkview Regional Medical Center and Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne. ER wait times, CMS star ratings, specialist availability, and patient experience should all be considered.

**Recommendations**

* **Research Thoroughly:** Don't rely solely on one source. Consult hospital websites, CMS data, and patient reviews.
* **Consider Your Needs:** Evaluate your specific healthcare needs and choose a hospital that offers the necessary services.
* **Check Insurance:** Confirm that the hospital and its providers are in your insurance network.
* **Ask Questions:** Don't hesitate to ask your doctor, the hospital, or your insurance company for clarification.
* **Stay Informed:** Healthcare is constantly evolving. Keep up-to-date on the latest developments and recommendations.

This review provides a starting point for evaluating hospitals near ZIP code 43517. It is essential to conduct thorough research and consider individual healthcare needs when making decisions.