44431, Leetonia, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 44431, Leetonia, Ohio is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Navigating Healthcare Near Hubbard, Ohio (ZIP Code 44431): An Overall Health Score Review

Choosing a hospital is a critical decision, and for residents of Hubbard, Ohio (ZIP Code 44431), understanding the healthcare landscape is paramount. This review delves into the key players in the region, assessing their strengths and weaknesses to provide an "Overall Health Score" perspective. We'll examine factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities, offering a comprehensive picture to aid informed decision-making.

**The Contenders: A Look at the Major Hospitals**

The primary hospitals serving the 44431 area are concentrated in the Youngstown metropolitan area, offering a range of services. The dominant players include Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital and Trumbull Regional Medical Center. While other smaller facilities and outpatient clinics exist, these two hospitals form the core of accessible inpatient care.

**Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital: A Flagship with a Mixed Bag**

Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, a flagship facility, is a major presence in the region. It's a large, multi-specialty hospital offering a broad spectrum of services, including cardiology, oncology, and a Level II trauma center. The hospital's CMS star rating is a crucial indicator of overall quality. Unfortunately, the most recent CMS ratings place St. Elizabeth Youngstown at a **2-star rating**. This rating reflects performance across various categories, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. The lower rating suggests areas needing improvement, and patients should be aware of this when considering their care options.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

Emergency room wait times are a significant factor for patients needing immediate care. While specific, real-time wait times fluctuate constantly, data suggests that St. Elizabeth Youngstown’s ER wait times can vary. It's advisable to check the hospital's website or use online tools like Google to obtain the most current information. Longer wait times can be a concern, particularly for serious conditions.

**Specialty Centers at St. Elizabeth Youngstown**

St. Elizabeth Youngstown boasts several specialized centers. The Heart and Vascular Center offers comprehensive cardiac care, including interventional procedures and open-heart surgery. The Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center provides advanced breast cancer screening and treatment. The hospital also has a dedicated cancer center, offering radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other cancer-related services. The breadth of specialty services is a definite advantage for the hospital.

**Telehealth Integration at St. Elizabeth Youngstown**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important. St. Elizabeth Youngstown has expanded its telehealth offerings, particularly in areas like behavioral health and follow-up appointments. This allows patients to access care remotely, which can be particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues or living in rural areas. The hospital's telehealth initiatives are a positive step toward expanding access to care.

**Trumbull Regional Medical Center: A Community-Focused Approach**

Trumbull Regional Medical Center, located in Warren, Ohio, is another key provider for residents of the 44431 area. While not a flagship hospital in the same vein as St. Elizabeth Youngstown, Trumbull Regional offers a range of services, focusing on community needs.

**CMS Star Rating and Performance**

Trumbull Regional Medical Center has a **3-star rating** from CMS. This indicates a slightly better performance than St. Elizabeth Youngstown, suggesting a more consistent level of care across various metrics. However, a 3-star rating still leaves room for improvement, and patients should consider this rating alongside other factors.

**ER Wait Times at Trumbull Regional**

ER wait times at Trumbull Regional Medical Center are another important consideration. As with St. Elizabeth Youngstown, real-time data is essential. Patients should consult the hospital's website or other online resources for the most up-to-date information. Shorter wait times can translate to faster access to critical care.

**Specialty Services at Trumbull Regional**

Trumbull Regional offers a variety of specialty services, including a comprehensive stroke center and a bariatric surgery program. The hospital also provides services in areas like orthopedics and women's health. While not as extensive as St. Elizabeth Youngstown's offerings, Trumbull Regional focuses on providing essential services to the community.

**Telehealth Integration at Trumbull Regional**

Trumbull Regional has also invested in telehealth services. The hospital offers virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, expanding access to care for patients. These telehealth initiatives are a valuable addition to the hospital's services.

**Beyond the Big Two: Other Considerations**

While St. Elizabeth Youngstown and Trumbull Regional are the primary hospitals, residents of 44431 have access to other healthcare options. Smaller hospitals, urgent care centers, and outpatient clinics offer a range of services. These facilities can be particularly useful for non-emergency situations, providing convenient access to care.

**Outpatient Care and Clinics**

The area surrounding 44431 is home to numerous outpatient clinics, including primary care physician offices, specialists, and urgent care centers. These facilities offer convenient access to routine check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment for minor illnesses and injuries. Choosing a primary care physician close to home is essential for preventative care and ongoing health management.

**Specific Specialties in Demand**

In the 44431 area, certain specialties may be in higher demand. Cardiology, oncology, and orthopedic services are consistently needed. Access to these specialists and the quality of their care are crucial factors for residents. Researching the specific qualifications and experience of physicians in these fields is recommended.

**Telehealth: A Growing Trend**

Telehealth is rapidly changing healthcare delivery. Both St. Elizabeth Youngstown and Trumbull Regional have embraced telehealth, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring. This technology allows patients to access care from the comfort of their homes, reducing travel time and increasing convenience. Telehealth is particularly valuable for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and behavioral health services.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

Evaluating the healthcare options near 44431 requires a holistic approach. Based on the available information, here's a general assessment:

* **St. Elizabeth Youngstown:** Offers a wider range of specialty services and a Level II trauma center. However, the 2-star CMS rating raises concerns. ER wait times can vary.
* **Trumbull Regional:** Has a slightly better CMS rating (3 stars) and a community-focused approach. Offers essential services, including a stroke center. ER wait times should be considered.
* **Other Facilities:** Smaller hospitals, urgent care centers, and outpatient clinics provide additional options for care.

**Factors to Consider in Your Decision**

When choosing a hospital or healthcare provider, consider these factors:

* **CMS Star Rating:** A good indicator of overall quality.
* **ER Wait Times:** Crucial for immediate care needs.
* **Specialty Services:** Availability of the specific care you need.
* **Telehealth Options:** Convenience and access to remote care.
* **Physician Qualifications:** Experience and expertise of the medical staff.
* **Proximity and Accessibility:** Location and ease of access.
* **Patient Reviews and Experiences:** Gathering insights from other patients.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

The healthcare landscape near Hubbard, Ohio (44431) offers a mix of options. St. Elizabeth Youngstown, with its broader range of services, and Trumbull Regional, with its community focus, are the primary players. Patients should carefully consider the CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth capabilities of each hospital. Researching physician qualifications and reading patient reviews are also essential. By carefully evaluating these factors, residents can make informed decisions and choose the healthcare providers that best meet their individual needs. The "Overall Health Score" for this area is **moderate**, reflecting the need for improvements in some areas while acknowledging the availability of essential services. Patients should actively participate in their healthcare decisions, seeking the best possible care based on their individual circumstances.