44490, Washingtonville, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 44490, Washingtonville, Ohio is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 44490

This review provides an in-depth analysis of healthcare options available to residents near ZIP code 44490 (Warren, Ohio), focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services. The goal is to offer a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" based on data from various sources, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), publicly available hospital data, and industry reports. This is not a ranking, but a comparative overview to aid informed decision-making.

**The Landscape: Proximity and Options**

The primary hospitals serving the 44490 area are concentrated within a relatively close radius, offering residents choices within a reasonable driving distance. These include flagship facilities with extensive services and smaller community hospitals that focus on specific needs. Proximity is a key factor, influencing access to care, particularly in emergency situations.

**Flagship Hospitals: A Deeper Dive**

**Mercy Health – St. Joseph Warren Hospital:** This hospital is a significant presence in the region, serving as a major healthcare provider. CMS star ratings are a key indicator of overall quality, and the most recent data should be reviewed. St. Joseph Warren offers a broad range of services, including cardiology, oncology, and surgical specialties. It’s important to note that CMS ratings are based on various factors, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience.

**Cleveland Clinic Akron General:** While not directly in Warren, Akron General is within a reasonable driving distance and provides access to a renowned healthcare system. It's crucial to check the hospital's current CMS star rating and review its performance on key quality metrics. Akron General's affiliation with the Cleveland Clinic expands access to specialized care and advanced treatments.

**Emergency Room Performance: Time is of the Essence**

ER wait times are a critical factor in assessing hospital accessibility, especially in emergencies. Data on average ER wait times should be reviewed for both St. Joseph Warren and Akron General. Shorter wait times generally indicate a more efficient emergency department, which can be crucial in critical situations. Publicly available data, often found on hospital websites or through third-party sources, should be consulted for the most up-to-date information.

**Specialty Centers: Focused Expertise**

Beyond general services, the presence of specialized centers is a key differentiator. Both St. Joseph Warren and Akron General likely offer dedicated centers for cardiology, cancer treatment, and other specialties.

* **Cardiology:** Review the availability of cardiac catheterization labs, electrophysiology services, and cardiac rehabilitation programs. Success rates for cardiac procedures are important to consider.
* **Oncology:** Assess the presence of comprehensive cancer centers, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and access to clinical trials. Accreditation by organizations like the American College of Surgeons can be a sign of quality.
* **Surgical Services:** Evaluate the range of surgical specialties offered, including minimally invasive procedures. The availability of advanced surgical technologies is a plus.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth services have become increasingly important, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. Both hospitals should be assessed for their telehealth offerings.

* **Telemedicine Consultations:** Determine the availability of virtual consultations with specialists.
* **Remote Patient Monitoring:** Investigate the use of remote monitoring technologies for chronic disease management.
* **Behavioral Health:** Assess the availability of telehealth services for mental health and substance abuse treatment.

**Patient Experience: The Human Element**

Patient experience is a crucial aspect of overall healthcare quality. This involves patient satisfaction surveys, which are often available through CMS and other sources.

* **HCAHPS Scores:** Review the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores for both hospitals. These scores reflect patient perspectives on communication, responsiveness, and overall care.
* **Patient Reviews:** Consider patient reviews on websites like Healthgrades and Vitals. These can provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

**Community Hospitals and Urgent Care: Localized Care**

In addition to flagship hospitals, the 44490 area may have smaller community hospitals or urgent care facilities. These facilities can provide convenient access to basic medical care and can help alleviate the burden on larger hospitals.

* **Urgent Care Centers:** Assess the availability and operating hours of urgent care centers. These can be a good option for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
* **Community Hospitals:** Investigate the services offered by any local community hospitals. These may focus on specific areas of care, such as rehabilitation or behavioral health.

**Data Sources and Verification:**

The information presented in this review is based on publicly available data from sources such as:

* **Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):** CMS provides hospital star ratings, HCAHPS scores, and other quality data.
* **Hospital Websites:** Hospital websites offer information on services, specialties, and physician directories.
* **Healthgrades, Vitals, and Other Review Sites:** These sites provide patient reviews and ratings.
* **Local Health Departments:** Local health departments may provide data on community health indicators.

It is essential to verify the accuracy of this information by consulting the most up-to-date data from these sources. Hospital services and quality metrics can change, so it's crucial to stay informed.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The "Overall Health Score" is not a single number but a composite assessment based on the factors discussed above.

* **Hospital Quality:** CMS star ratings, performance on key quality metrics, and accreditation by reputable organizations.
* **Accessibility:** ER wait times, proximity to hospitals, and availability of telehealth services.
* **Specialized Services:** Presence of dedicated centers for cardiology, oncology, and other specialties.
* **Patient Experience:** HCAHPS scores and patient reviews.
* **Community Resources:** Availability of urgent care centers and community hospitals.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions**

Choosing a hospital is a personal decision. This review provides a framework for evaluating healthcare options near ZIP code 44490. By considering the factors discussed above, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. Remember to consult with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to determine the best course of action for your individual health needs. It is also crucial to stay informed about changes in hospital services and quality metrics. Regular review of CMS data and other resources will help ensure you have the most current information available.