43606, Toledo, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 43606, Toledo, Ohio is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near 43606

This review provides an in-depth look at the healthcare landscape surrounding ZIP code 43606, offering an "Overall Health Score" based on a multitude of factors. We'll examine flagship hospitals, their performance metrics, specialized services, and access to care, painting a comprehensive picture for residents seeking quality medical attention. The analysis incorporates publicly available data, including CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and telehealth availability, to help you make informed decisions.

**Defining the Scope:**

The 43606 ZIP code is located in Toledo, Ohio. Our review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, considering factors like patient access and regional healthcare networks. This includes facilities in Toledo and surrounding areas, recognizing that residents may travel for specialized care.

**Flagship Hospitals: A Deep Dive**

The dominant healthcare players in the region are ProMedica and Mercy Health. Both systems operate multiple hospitals, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

**ProMedica:**

ProMedica is a large, integrated health system with a significant presence in Northwest Ohio. Their flagship hospital, **ProMedica Toledo Hospital (2142 N Cove Blvd, Toledo, OH 43606)**, is a major tertiary care center. It boasts a Level I Trauma Center, a comprehensive heart program, and a wide range of specialized services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** ProMedica Toledo Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects performance across several categories, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at ProMedica Toledo Hospital can fluctuate. Publicly available data suggests average wait times can vary depending on the time of day and patient volume. It's advisable to check real-time wait times on the ProMedica website or through online platforms like Google Maps before heading to the ER.
* **Specialty Centers:** ProMedica Toledo Hospital houses several specialty centers, including the ProMedica Cancer Institute, which offers comprehensive cancer treatment options, and the ProMedica Heart Institute, providing advanced cardiac care. They also have robust programs in neurology, orthopedics, and women's health.
* **Telehealth:** ProMedica has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years, providing virtual appointments for various specialties. This includes primary care, behavioral health, and certain specialist consultations. Telehealth access can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or with mobility limitations.

**ProMedica Flower Hospital (5200 Harroun Rd, Sylvania, OH 43560):**

Located just outside the 43606 ZIP code, Flower Hospital is another major ProMedica facility.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Flower Hospital also has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** Similar to Toledo Hospital, ER wait times at Flower Hospital can vary.
* **Specialty Centers:** Flower Hospital specializes in orthopedics, maternity services, and offers a comprehensive stroke center.
* **Telehealth:** Flower Hospital also provides telehealth services.

**Mercy Health:**

Mercy Health is another prominent healthcare system in the region.

**Mercy Health - St. Vincent Medical Center (2213 Cherry St, Toledo, OH 43608):**

* **CMS Star Rating:** St. Vincent Medical Center has a 3-star CMS rating.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times fluctuate; real-time data is available online.
* **Specialty Centers:** St. Vincent is known for its Level I Trauma Center, its comprehensive stroke center, and its heart and vascular institute. It also has specialized programs in oncology and women's health.
* **Telehealth:** Mercy Health offers telehealth services.

**Mercy Health - St. Charles Hospital (2600 Navarre Ave, Oregon, OH 43616):**

* **CMS Star Rating:** St. Charles Hospital has a 3-star CMS rating.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times fluctuate; real-time data is available online.
* **Specialty Centers:** St. Charles offers services in orthopedics, behavioral health, and women's health.
* **Telehealth:** Mercy Health offers telehealth services.

**Other Hospitals and Facilities:**

Beyond the major health systems, several other healthcare providers serve the 43606 area.

* **University of Toledo Medical Center (3000 Arlington Ave, Toledo, OH 43614):** While located slightly outside the immediate vicinity, UTMC is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toledo. It offers a wide range of services and is known for its research and academic programs.
* **CMS Star Rating:** UTMC has a 3-star CMS rating.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times fluctuate; real-time data is available online.
* **Specialty Centers:** UTMC has strong programs in cancer care, cardiology, and transplant services.
* **Telehealth:** UTMC offers telehealth services.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Factor**

ER wait times are a crucial consideration for patients needing immediate medical attention. The data suggests that wait times vary depending on the hospital, time of day, and patient volume. Checking real-time wait times online before heading to the ER can help patients choose the most efficient option. Websites like Google Maps and hospital websites often provide this information.

**Specialty Centers: Tailored Care**

The availability of specialized centers is another key factor in evaluating healthcare quality. The hospitals in the 43606 area offer a range of specialty centers, including:

* **Cancer Centers:** ProMedica Cancer Institute, Mercy Health Cancer Centers, and UTMC offer comprehensive cancer treatment options.
* **Heart Institutes:** ProMedica Heart Institute and Mercy Health Heart and Vascular Institute provide advanced cardiac care.
* **Stroke Centers:** Several hospitals, including ProMedica Toledo Hospital, Mercy Health - St. Vincent Medical Center, and Flower Hospital, have comprehensive stroke centers.
* **Women's Health Centers:** All major hospitals offer comprehensive women's health services, including obstetrics, gynecology, and specialized care.
* **Orthopedic Centers:** Flower Hospital, St. Charles Hospital, and ProMedica Toledo Hospital provide orthopedic services.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important for improving access to care. Both ProMedica and Mercy Health have expanded their telehealth offerings, providing virtual appointments for various specialties. This can be particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas, those with mobility limitations, or those seeking convenient access to primary care or specialist consultations.

**Patient Experience: A Vital Component**

While CMS star ratings provide valuable insights, patient experience is also crucial. Consider factors like:

* **Patient Satisfaction Surveys:** Review patient satisfaction scores on hospital websites and third-party platforms.
* **Online Reviews:** Read patient reviews on platforms like Google Reviews and Healthgrades to gain insights into the experiences of other patients.
* **Hospital Accreditation:** Check for accreditation from organizations like The Joint Commission, which indicates a commitment to quality and safety.

**Access to Care: Navigating the System**

Access to care is a key consideration. Factors to evaluate include:

* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital accepts your insurance plan.
* **Appointment Availability:** Check appointment availability for specialists and primary care physicians.
* **Transportation:** Consider transportation options, especially for patients without personal vehicles.
* **Language Services:** Ensure that the hospital offers language services if needed.

**Overall Health Score: A Composite Assessment**

Based on the factors discussed, the healthcare landscape near 43606 presents a mixed picture. The region has several major hospitals with a range of specialized services. CMS star ratings are generally consistent across the major facilities. ER wait times can vary, and telehealth services are available.

**Strengths:**

* **Comprehensive Services:** The presence of major health systems like ProMedica and Mercy Health ensures access to a wide range of medical specialties.
* **Trauma Centers:** The availability of Level I Trauma Centers at ProMedica Toledo Hospital and Mercy Health - St. Vincent Medical Center provides critical care for trauma patients.
* **Telehealth Options:** The expansion of telehealth services improves access to care.

**Weaknesses:**

* **CMS Ratings:** The 3-star CMS ratings across many hospitals indicate a need for continuous improvement in certain areas.
* **ER Wait Times:** Variable ER wait times can be a challenge for patients seeking immediate care.

**Recommendations:**

* **Research Specific Needs:** Patients should research hospitals based on their specific healthcare needs and preferences.
* **Check Real-Time Data:** Before seeking care, check real-time ER wait times and appointment availability.
* **Explore Telehealth:** Consider telehealth options for convenient access to care.
* **Read Patient Reviews:** Review patient experiences to gain insights into hospital quality and patient satisfaction.
* **Confirm Insurance Coverage:** Verify that the hospital accepts your insurance plan.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare options near 43606 offer a reasonable level of care. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this review, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. Continuous monitoring of hospital performance, patient feedback, and technological advancements will further refine the overall healthcare landscape in the region.