44319, Akron, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 44319, Akron, Ohio is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Akron, OH (ZIP Code 44319)

Navigating healthcare can feel overwhelming. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals in close proximity to the 44319 ZIP code, focusing on key metrics like quality, accessibility, and patient experience. The analysis considers factors such as CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and telehealth offerings to provide a comprehensive picture.

**The Landscape of Care: A Regional Overview**

The Akron, Ohio area offers a diverse healthcare landscape, with a mix of large, established health systems and specialized facilities. Proximity to Cleveland also expands options, though travel time must be factored in. This review focuses on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of the 44319 ZIP code, encompassing Akron and its immediate surrounding areas.

**Akron General Medical Center (Cleveland Clinic Akron General)**

Akron General, part of the Cleveland Clinic system, is a major player in the region. The hospital consistently earns high marks for its commitment to quality. It boasts a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), reflecting its performance across various quality measures. This indicates a generally strong performance, but not at the level of the highest-rated hospitals nationally.

Akron General offers a broad range of services, including comprehensive cardiac care, cancer treatment, and advanced surgical procedures. They have a well-regarded heart and vascular institute, drawing patients from a wide area. The hospital is also known for its robust emergency services. While specific ER wait times fluctuate, Cleveland Clinic's online tools provide real-time updates, allowing patients to make informed decisions. Telehealth services are increasingly integrated, offering convenient access to specialists and follow-up care. The hospital's commitment to research and innovation further strengthens its position as a leading healthcare provider in the region.

**Summa Health System: Summa Akron Campus**

Summa Health, with its flagship Summa Akron Campus, is another prominent healthcare provider serving the 44319 area. The Summa Akron Campus is a large teaching hospital and a Level I Trauma Center. Its CMS star rating is currently unavailable, so it's important to review other available quality metrics.

Summa Akron Campus offers a wide array of services, including specialized centers for stroke care, women's health, and behavioral health. The hospital's trauma center is a critical resource for the community, providing immediate care for serious injuries. ER wait times are a crucial factor, and while specific figures vary, Summa Health provides online resources to help patients anticipate wait times. Telehealth is also expanding at Summa, offering patients greater access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**Specialized Care: A Deep Dive**

Beyond general hospitals, the Akron area is home to specialized facilities that cater to specific medical needs. These centers often focus on particular areas of expertise, offering advanced treatments and technologies.

**Akron Children's Hospital:**

Akron Children's Hospital is a dedicated pediatric facility, serving children and adolescents throughout the region. While not directly comparable to adult hospitals in terms of CMS ratings, Akron Children's is highly regarded for its specialized pediatric care. It is a leading provider of pediatric services, including specialized clinics for various conditions. The hospital emphasizes family-centered care and offers a wide range of support services for patients and their families.

**Other Notable Facilities:**

Several other facilities contribute to the healthcare ecosystem. These include rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and specialized surgical centers. While these facilities may not have the same breadth of services as major hospitals, they play a crucial role in providing specialized care and supporting the overall health of the community.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Metric**

ER wait times are a significant concern for patients seeking immediate medical attention. Both Akron General and Summa Akron Campus provide online tools and real-time updates on ER wait times. These tools allow patients to make informed decisions about where to seek care, considering the potential wait times at different facilities. However, it's important to remember that wait times can fluctuate depending on the volume of patients and the severity of their conditions.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth is rapidly transforming healthcare delivery, offering patients greater convenience and access to specialists. Both Akron General and Summa Health are actively expanding their telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring services. Telehealth is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. It can also reduce the need for in-person visits, freeing up resources and improving efficiency.

**Patient Experience: Beyond the Numbers**

While metrics like CMS star ratings and ER wait times are important, patient experience is also a crucial factor. This includes factors such as communication with healthcare providers, the cleanliness of facilities, and the overall comfort of the patient environment. Online reviews and patient surveys can provide valuable insights into the patient experience at different hospitals.

**The Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

Based on the available information, the hospitals near the 44319 ZIP code offer a solid foundation of healthcare services.

* **Akron General (Cleveland Clinic Akron General)**: With its 4-star CMS rating, broad range of services, and commitment to innovation, Akron General is a strong choice. Its affiliation with the Cleveland Clinic system provides access to advanced resources and expertise.
* **Summa Akron Campus**: As a large teaching hospital and Level I Trauma Center, Summa Akron Campus offers a comprehensive range of services. Its commitment to specialized care, including stroke and behavioral health, is a key strength.
* **Akron Children's Hospital**: A dedicated pediatric facility, Akron Children's Hospital excels in providing specialized care for children and adolescents.

**Considerations for Choosing a Hospital:**

When choosing a hospital, patients should consider their individual needs and circumstances. Factors to consider include:

* **Specific medical needs:** Does the hospital offer the specialized services required?
* **Insurance coverage:** Is the hospital in-network?
* **Proximity:** How far is the hospital from home?
* **ER wait times:** How long are the typical wait times?
* **Patient reviews:** What are other patients saying about their experiences?
* **Telehealth availability:** Does the hospital offer telehealth services for convenient access to care?

**Conclusion:**

The Akron area provides a robust healthcare environment, with a variety of options for patients. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and access the best possible care. Ongoing monitoring of CMS ratings, ER wait times, and telehealth offerings will ensure that patients stay informed about the evolving healthcare landscape. Further research, including consulting with primary care physicians and specialists, is always recommended to make the most informed decisions.