43725, Cambridge, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 43725, Cambridge, Ohio is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 43725

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. For residents near the 43725 ZIP code, encompassing Caldwell, Ohio, understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial. This review provides an “Overall Health Score,” a composite assessment based on readily available data, aiming to offer a clear picture of healthcare options. This score isn't a definitive ranking, but rather a guide, drawing on publicly reported metrics to paint a comprehensive picture.

**The Landscape: Limited but Focused**

The healthcare landscape near 43725 is characterized by a smaller number of hospitals compared to more urban areas. This necessitates careful consideration of each facility's strengths and limitations. Proximity is a key factor, but the quality of care, as measured by various indicators, should also be a primary concern.

**The Key Players: A Closer Look**

The primary hospital serving the Caldwell area is **Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center (SEORMC)**, located in Cambridge, Ohio, approximately 20 miles away. While not directly within the 43725 ZIP code, it serves as the primary hub for specialized care. Another important option is **Genesis Hospital** also located in Zanesville, Ohio, approximately 30 miles away. It provides a wider range of services and is a regional referral center.

**Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center (SEORMC): The Anchor**

SEORMC, a member of the WVU Medicine system, is a critical access hospital, which means it receives special consideration for its role in providing care to a rural population. This designation often reflects the challenges of serving a geographically dispersed community.

* **CMS Star Rating:** SEORMC does not have a CMS star rating. CMS star ratings are not assigned to critical access hospitals.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Data on ER wait times can fluctuate significantly. Local data should be reviewed for the most up-to-date information.
* **Specialty Centers:** SEORMC offers a range of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery. The hospital has a dedicated cancer center and a women's health center.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth services are increasingly important, especially in rural areas. SEORMC provides telehealth consultations, which can be a vital resource for accessing specialists and managing chronic conditions. Specific details on the scope and availability of telehealth services should be confirmed directly with the hospital.
* **Overall Assessment:** SEORMC is a vital resource for the Caldwell community. Its focus on core services and its affiliation with a larger healthcare system provide a foundation for quality care. However, the absence of a CMS star rating makes it difficult to compare the hospital with others.

**Genesis Hospital: A Regional Powerhouse**

Genesis Hospital, located in Zanesville, Ohio, is a larger facility and a regional referral center, offering a broader scope of services. It's a significant option for residents near 43725 seeking specialized care.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Genesis Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across a range of quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times at Genesis Hospital are available through the CMS website and can vary. Real-time data can be found on the hospital's website.
* **Specialty Centers:** Genesis Hospital boasts a wide array of specialty centers, including a heart and vascular center, a comprehensive cancer center, and a neuroscience center. It also offers advanced surgical services and a Level II trauma center.
* **Telehealth:** Genesis Hospital has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations with specialists and remote patient monitoring. The hospital is committed to expanding its telehealth capabilities to improve access to care for rural communities.
* **Overall Assessment:** Genesis Hospital offers a broader range of services and a higher CMS star rating than SEORMC. Its regional referral status and advanced specialty centers make it a strong option for residents requiring specialized care.

**Additional Considerations: Beyond the Hospitals**

Beyond the primary hospitals, several factors contribute to the overall health score for the 43725 area.

* **Outpatient Clinics and Urgent Care:** The availability of outpatient clinics and urgent care facilities is crucial for managing non-emergency medical needs. Residents should assess the proximity and services offered by these facilities.
* **Physician Availability:** The number and specialties of physicians in the area directly impact access to care. Investigating the physician network associated with each hospital is important.
* **Ambulance Services:** The efficiency and responsiveness of local ambulance services are vital in emergency situations. Understanding the response times and capabilities of these services is essential.
* **Mental Health Services:** Access to mental health services is a critical component of overall health. Residents should investigate the availability of mental health providers and support services in the area.
* **Community Health Initiatives:** Local health initiatives, such as wellness programs and health education campaigns, contribute to the overall health of the community.

**Data Sources and Methodology**

This review relies on publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and other reputable sources. The "Overall Health Score" is a qualitative assessment based on the following factors:

* **CMS Star Rating:** The CMS star rating is a significant indicator of hospital quality.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Shorter wait times are generally preferable.
* **Specialty Services:** A wider range of specialty services indicates greater access to comprehensive care.
* **Telehealth Availability:** Telehealth services enhance access to care, especially in rural areas.
* **Hospital Size and Scope:** Larger hospitals with broader services generally offer more comprehensive care options.

**Overall Health Score: Near 43725**

The "Overall Health Score" for the area near 43725 is influenced by the presence of both SEORMC and Genesis Hospital. The absence of a CMS star rating for SEORMC and the need to travel for more specialized care slightly lowers its score. Genesis Hospital, with its 3-star rating, broader range of services, and robust telehealth program, elevates the score.

**Strengths:**

* Access to a critical access hospital (SEORMC) providing essential services.
* Proximity to Genesis Hospital, a regional referral center with a wider range of specialties.
* Increasing availability of telehealth services.

**Weaknesses:**

* Limited number of hospitals within the immediate vicinity.
* Reliance on travel for specialized care.
* Varying ER wait times.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize Genesis Hospital:** For specialized care and a broader range of services, Genesis Hospital is the preferred option.
* **Utilize SEORMC for Core Services:** SEORMC is a valuable resource for local residents, especially for emergency care and routine medical needs.
* **Research Telehealth Options:** Explore the telehealth services offered by both hospitals to improve access to care.
* **Check ER Wait Times:** Before seeking emergency care, check the real-time ER wait times for both hospitals.
* **Assess Physician Availability:** Investigate the physician network in the area to ensure access to the necessary specialists.
* **Consider Travel Time:** Factor in travel time when making healthcare decisions, especially in emergency situations.
* **Stay Informed:** Regularly review updated data from CMS and hospital websites to stay informed about changes in healthcare services.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near 43725 offers a mix of strengths and weaknesses. While the area is served by a critical access hospital and has access to a regional referral center, the limited number of hospitals and the need to travel for specialized care are factors to consider. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each facility and actively seeking information, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. The "Overall Health Score" is a starting point for this process, encouraging residents to engage in a proactive approach to their health and well-being.