44304, Akron, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 44304, Akron, Ohio is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Akron, OH (ZIP Code 44304)

Finding the right hospital can be a daunting task. This review analyzes the healthcare landscape surrounding the 44304 ZIP code, encompassing the heart of Akron, Ohio, offering an "Overall Health Score" based on key metrics. This score considers factors like hospital quality, accessibility, wait times, and specialty services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview to help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Defining the Scope:**

The primary focus of this review centers on hospitals readily accessible to residents of the 44304 ZIP code. This includes facilities within a reasonable driving distance, typically within the city of Akron and its immediate surrounding areas. We’ll examine flagship hospitals and key facilities, providing a comparative analysis based on available data.

**Flagship Hospitals: A Deep Dive**

Akron is home to several prominent hospitals, each offering a unique set of services and strengths. These facilities are the cornerstones of the local healthcare system and deserve a closer look.

**Summa Health System:**

Summa Health System is a major player in the Akron healthcare market. Their flagship hospital, **Summa Health System – Akron Campus**, is a central hub for medical care. The Akron Campus boasts a Level I Trauma Center, crucial for handling severe injuries and emergencies. It also features a comprehensive heart and vascular institute, a testament to its commitment to cardiac care. Summa Health has a strong presence in behavioral health, providing inpatient and outpatient mental health services.

**CMS Star Rating:** Summa Health System – Akron Campus currently holds a **3-star rating** from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects the hospital's performance on a range of quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it is essential to delve deeper into specific areas to understand the hospital's strengths and weaknesses.

**Emergency Room Performance:** ER wait times are a critical concern for patients. Publicly available data, often accessible through platforms like ProPublica’s Hospital Compare, can provide insights into average ER wait times at Summa Health – Akron Campus. These wait times can fluctuate, but they are a crucial indicator of accessibility and efficiency.

**Telehealth Initiatives:** Summa Health has been expanding its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and mental health services, increasing access to care for patients in the 44304 area and beyond.

**Specialty Centers:** Summa Health – Akron Campus houses several specialized centers, including a comprehensive cancer center offering advanced treatment options. The hospital's Women's Health Center provides a range of services, from obstetrics and gynecology to specialized care for women's health issues.

**Cleveland Clinic Akron General:**

Another significant hospital near the 44304 ZIP code is **Cleveland Clinic Akron General**. This facility is part of the renowned Cleveland Clinic health system, known for its expertise in specialized medicine. Akron General provides a wide array of services, including advanced surgical procedures, cardiology, and cancer care.

**CMS Star Rating:** Cleveland Clinic Akron General also holds a **3-star rating** from CMS. This rating, similar to Summa Health – Akron Campus, suggests a level of performance that is neither exceptionally high nor low, indicating that the hospital is meeting basic quality standards.

**Emergency Room Performance:** Data on ER wait times at Cleveland Clinic Akron General is crucial for patients seeking immediate care. Publicly available data should be consulted to get the latest information.

**Telehealth Initiatives:** As part of the Cleveland Clinic system, Akron General benefits from a robust telehealth infrastructure. This includes virtual appointments with specialists, remote patient monitoring, and access to second opinions. This offers patients greater convenience and access to expert care.

**Specialty Centers:** Cleveland Clinic Akron General is recognized for its specialized centers, including a heart and vascular institute and a cancer center. These centers provide advanced treatment options and access to cutting-edge research.

**Other Important Considerations:**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several other factors influence the overall health score for the 44304 area.

**Accessibility and Transportation:** The accessibility of hospitals is a key factor. The availability of public transportation, parking facilities, and proximity to major roadways significantly impacts patients' ability to access care. Residents of the 44304 ZIP code should consider these factors when choosing a hospital.

**Primary Care Physician Availability:** The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) in the area is also critical. PCPs act as the first point of contact for healthcare needs and can refer patients to specialists when necessary. The ratio of PCPs to residents is a good indicator of access to primary care.

**Insurance Coverage:** The acceptance of various insurance plans by hospitals is a crucial consideration. Patients should verify that their insurance plan is accepted by their chosen hospital to avoid unexpected costs.

**Patient Experience:** Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the quality of care. Websites like Healthgrades and the CMS Hospital Compare website provide access to patient feedback, allowing individuals to gauge the experiences of other patients.

**Specific Specialty Needs:**

The 44304 area offers a range of specialty services.

**Cardiology:** Both Summa Health and Cleveland Clinic Akron General have strong cardiology programs, providing comprehensive heart care.

**Oncology:** Both hospitals also have robust cancer centers, offering advanced treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology.

**Behavioral Health:** Summa Health has a significant presence in behavioral health, providing inpatient and outpatient mental health services.

**Pediatrics:** Akron Children's Hospital, while not directly in the 44304 area, is a regional resource for pediatric care.

**ER Wait Times and Efficiency:**

ER wait times are a crucial indicator of hospital efficiency and accessibility. Shorter wait times generally mean patients receive care more quickly. Publicly available data, often found on the CMS Hospital Compare website or through hospital websites, should be consulted to get the most up-to-date information on ER wait times.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Telehealth is increasingly important for healthcare access. Hospitals in the 44304 area are expanding their telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other services. This benefits patients by offering greater convenience and access to care, especially for follow-up appointments and chronic disease management.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary**

The "Overall Health Score" for the 44304 ZIP code is influenced by the quality and accessibility of hospitals, the availability of specialty services, and the efficiency of emergency care.

**Strengths:**

* **Access to Major Hospital Systems:** Residents have access to Summa Health and Cleveland Clinic, providing a wide range of services.
* **Specialty Centers:** Both hospitals offer specialized centers for cardiology, oncology, and other areas.
* **Telehealth Expansion:** Both hospital systems are actively expanding their telehealth offerings.

**Areas for Improvement:**

* **CMS Star Ratings:** Both flagship hospitals have average CMS star ratings, indicating room for improvement in overall quality metrics.
* **ER Wait Times:** Monitoring and comparing ER wait times is crucial for assessing accessibility and efficiency.
* **Primary Care Access:** Assessing the availability of primary care physicians is essential for ensuring access to preventative care.

**Recommendations:**

* **Research Specific Needs:** Patients should research hospitals based on their specific healthcare needs.
* **Compare ER Wait Times:** Patients should compare ER wait times when seeking emergency care.
* **Utilize Telehealth:** Patients should take advantage of telehealth options for convenient access to care.
* **Review Patient Feedback:** Patients should review patient reviews and satisfaction surveys to gauge the experiences of other patients.

This review offers a snapshot of the healthcare landscape near the 44304 ZIP code. It is essential to conduct further research and consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about individual healthcare needs. This is a dynamic environment, and ongoing monitoring is crucial to stay informed about changes in healthcare quality and accessibility.