44450, North Bloomfield, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 44450, North Bloomfield, Ohio is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 44450 (Niles, Ohio)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. For residents of Niles, Ohio (ZIP code 44450), access to quality medical care is a critical concern. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of the hospitals within a reasonable radius, focusing on key metrics like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. The goal is to offer a clear, fact-based overview to empower informed healthcare decisions.

**Defining the Scope:**

The analysis considers hospitals within a roughly 30-mile radius of Niles, encompassing facilities in Youngstown, Warren, and surrounding areas. This geographic scope allows for a practical evaluation of available options, acknowledging that access to specialized care might necessitate travel.

**Key Players and Their Performance:**

**1. Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital (Youngstown, OH):** This hospital, a flagship of the Mercy Health system, is a major player in the region. St. Elizabeth Youngstown is a large, comprehensive facility, often serving as a referral center for more complex cases. Its most recent CMS star rating is a **3-star rating**. This rating reflects performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. Specific areas of strength and weakness are detailed on the CMS Hospital Compare website. Emergency room wait times can fluctuate, but typically average around **60-90 minutes**, according to publicly available data. St. Elizabeth Youngstown boasts a wide range of specialty centers, including a comprehensive heart and vascular institute, a cancer center, and a dedicated women's health pavilion. Telehealth services are increasingly integrated, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments, particularly in areas like cardiology and behavioral health.

**2. Trumbull Regional Medical Center (Warren, OH):** Located approximately 15 miles north of Niles, Trumbull Regional is another significant healthcare provider. This hospital is part of the Steward Health Care System. Trumbull Regional currently holds a **2-star rating** from CMS. This rating suggests areas where performance could be improved, warranting closer scrutiny of specific metrics on the CMS Hospital Compare site. ER wait times at Trumbull Regional can vary, but average times are often in the **60-minute to 2-hour range**. The hospital offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and a behavioral health unit. Telehealth options are available, with a focus on expanding virtual care for chronic disease management and mental health services.

**3. University Hospitals – St. Joseph Warren Hospital (Warren, OH):** Another key hospital in the area, St. Joseph Warren Hospital is part of the University Hospitals network. This hospital has a **3-star rating** from CMS. This rating provides a general overview of the hospital's performance. ER wait times at St. Joseph Warren Hospital can vary, with publicly available data suggesting average wait times often in the **1-2 hour range**. The hospital offers a variety of specialty services, including a cancer center and a heart and vascular center. Telehealth services are available, providing options for virtual consultations and follow-up appointments.

**4. Other Considerations:**

Smaller community hospitals and urgent care facilities exist within the broader region. These facilities can provide convenient care for less serious conditions. However, for complex medical needs, the larger hospitals with more specialized resources are generally preferred.

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

ER wait times are a significant factor for patients needing immediate care. While average wait times are provided above, it is crucial to understand that these are estimates and can change based on the time of day, day of the week, and the volume of patients. Websites like ERWaitTimes.com can provide real-time updates, but it's always best to call the hospital directly for the most current information.

**Specialty Centers: Accessing Specialized Care:**

The presence of specialized centers is a crucial indicator of a hospital's capabilities. The availability of heart and vascular institutes, cancer centers, orthopedic programs, and women's health centers can significantly impact the quality of care. Residents of Niles should consider the availability of these specialty services when choosing a hospital, particularly if they have specific medical needs.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care:**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online follow-up appointments can improve access to care and reduce the need for in-person visits. The availability and scope of telehealth services are important factors to consider when evaluating a hospital's overall health score.

**Patient Experience: The Human Element:**

Patient experience is a critical component of overall health. While CMS star ratings and other metrics provide objective data, patient reviews and testimonials offer valuable insights into the quality of care. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals provide patient reviews, allowing individuals to assess the experiences of others.

**Financial Considerations:**

Healthcare costs are a major concern for many. It is important to understand the financial implications of choosing a particular hospital. Insurance coverage, co-pays, and out-of-pocket expenses can vary. Patients should contact their insurance providers and the hospitals directly to understand the costs associated with specific services.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the available data, the hospitals near ZIP code 44450 offer a range of healthcare options.

* **Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital:** Presents as a strong option, particularly for complex cases, given its comprehensive services and 3-star CMS rating. However, patients should be prepared for potentially longer ER wait times.
* **Trumbull Regional Medical Center:** Provides a local option, with a 2-star rating. It is important to review specific metrics on the CMS website and consider its specialty offerings.
* **University Hospitals – St. Joseph Warren Hospital:** Provides another option in the Warren area, with a 3-star rating.
* **Smaller Facilities:** While these can provide convenient care, they may lack the resources of the larger hospitals for complex cases.

**Recommendations for Residents:**

1. **Research Thoroughly:** Utilize the CMS Hospital Compare website to delve deeper into specific quality metrics for each hospital.
2. **Consider Specialty Needs:** If you have a specific medical condition, prioritize hospitals with specialized centers that cater to your needs.
3. **Assess ER Wait Times:** Be aware of the average ER wait times and consider calling the hospital directly for the most up-to-date information.
4. **Explore Telehealth Options:** Determine if telehealth services are available and suitable for your needs.
5. **Review Patient Experiences:** Read patient reviews to gain insights into the quality of care and patient satisfaction.
6. **Understand Financial Implications:** Contact your insurance provider and the hospitals to understand the costs associated with specific services.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing a hospital is a personal decision. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review, residents of Niles, Ohio (ZIP code 44450) can make informed choices about their healthcare, ensuring they receive the best possible care for their individual needs. The hospitals in the region offer a variety of options, and by utilizing the available resources, residents can navigate the healthcare landscape with greater confidence. This "Overall Health Score" assessment provides a starting point for that crucial process.