43526, Hicksville, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 43526, Hicksville, Ohio is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Defiance, Ohio (ZIP Code 43526)

Navigating healthcare can be a daunting task. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals in the vicinity of Defiance, Ohio (ZIP code 43526), focusing on key metrics like quality ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth availability. The goal is to offer a comprehensive picture, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Proximity**

The primary hospital serving the Defiance area is **ProMedica Defiance Hospital**, located directly within the city. Residents also have access to hospitals in neighboring towns and cities, including **Parkview Regional Medical Center** in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and **Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center** in Lima, Ohio, both of which offer a wider range of specialized services. These hospitals are accessible by car, with travel times varying depending on traffic and the specific location within ZIP code 43526.

**ProMedica Defiance Hospital: The Local Anchor**

ProMedica Defiance Hospital is the closest option for residents. It's a critical access hospital, meaning it receives specific federal funding designed to support smaller, rural facilities. While this designation reflects its importance to the community, it's crucial to understand its implications for service offerings.

**CMS Star Ratings: A Snapshot of Quality**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a publicly available measure of quality. These ratings are based on a variety of factors, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. At the time of this review, ProMedica Defiance Hospital does not have a CMS star rating. This doesn't necessarily indicate poor quality, but it does mean there's no readily available, standardized measure of its performance compared to other hospitals nationally.

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

ER wait times are a crucial consideration, especially in emergency situations. Data on ER wait times can fluctuate, but it's essential to understand typical patterns. Unfortunately, real-time ER wait time data for ProMedica Defiance Hospital is not consistently available through public sources. Patients should contact the hospital directly or consult with their primary care physician for the most up-to-date information.

**Specialty Centers and Services: Local Options**

ProMedica Defiance Hospital offers a range of essential services, including emergency care, surgery, and diagnostic imaging. It also provides specialized services such as cardiology and orthopedics. However, for more complex conditions or specialized treatments, patients may need to travel to larger hospitals.

**Telehealth Capabilities: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. ProMedica Defiance Hospital offers telehealth services, which can improve access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations with specialists. The availability and scope of telehealth services can vary, so patients should inquire about specific offerings, such as virtual visits with primary care physicians or specialists.

**Parkview Regional Medical Center: A Regional Hub**

Located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Parkview Regional Medical Center offers a broader range of specialized services than ProMedica Defiance Hospital. It's a Level II trauma center, equipped to handle complex trauma cases.

**Parkview Regional Medical Center: CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics**

Parkview Regional Medical Center has a CMS star rating. This rating provides a comparative measure of its performance across various quality indicators. The specific star rating can fluctuate, so it's essential to consult the CMS website for the most current information.

**Parkview Regional Medical Center: ER Wait Times**

Parkview Regional Medical Center, like most large hospitals, experiences variable ER wait times. Publicly available data often provides an average wait time, but this can be influenced by factors like the time of day and the severity of patient cases. Patients should check the hospital's website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.

**Parkview Regional Medical Center: Specialty Centers and Services**

Parkview Regional Medical Center boasts a comprehensive array of specialty centers, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, and a dedicated women's health center. The hospital also offers advanced surgical procedures and access to cutting-edge medical technologies.

**Parkview Regional Medical Center: Telehealth Integration**

Parkview Regional Medical Center has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and other services. This can be particularly beneficial for patients in the Defiance area, reducing the need for travel to Fort Wayne for certain appointments.

**Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center: Another Option**

Located in Lima, Ohio, Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center provides another healthcare option for residents near Defiance.

**Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center: CMS Star Rating**

Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center has a CMS star rating, providing a comparative measure of its performance. The specific rating should be checked on the CMS website.

**Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center: ER Wait Times**

ER wait times at Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center are subject to the same variability as other hospitals. Patients should consult the hospital's website or contact them directly for current wait time estimates.

**Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center: Specialty Centers and Services**

Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, cancer care, and orthopedics. The hospital also has a comprehensive women's health program.

**Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center: Telehealth Availability**

Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center has implemented telehealth services, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring capabilities. The availability of specific services should be confirmed directly with the hospital.

**Overall Health Score Considerations**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near ZIP code 43526 is complex and multifaceted. It's not simply a matter of comparing star ratings or ER wait times. The best choice depends on individual needs and circumstances.

* **For Routine Care and Emergencies:** ProMedica Defiance Hospital provides immediate access to care.
* **For Specialized Care:** Parkview Regional Medical Center and Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center offer more extensive specialty services.
* **For Telehealth Access:** All three hospitals are incorporating telehealth, expanding access to care.

**Key Factors to Consider:**

* **Proximity:** Proximity to ProMedica Defiance Hospital is a significant advantage for emergencies and routine care.
* **Specialty Needs:** Patients with complex medical needs should consider the specialized services available at Parkview Regional Medical Center or Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the chosen hospital is within your insurance network.
* **Personal Preferences:** Consider factors like patient reviews, physician recommendations, and personal preferences when making a decision.
* **ER Wait Time:** In emergency situations, ER wait times are critical. Contact the hospital directly for current estimates.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Consider the availability of telehealth services for your specific needs.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing a hospital is a personal decision. By understanding the available options, their strengths, and weaknesses, residents of ZIP code 43526 can make informed choices that best meet their healthcare needs. Regular review of hospital websites and the CMS website for updated ratings and information is highly recommended. This review provides a starting point for that process, but individual research and consultation with a primary care physician are crucial for making the best decision.