44610, Berlin, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 44610, Berlin, Ohio is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Carrollton, OH (ZIP Code 44610)

Finding the right healthcare is crucial, and for residents near Carrollton, Ohio (ZIP code 44610), understanding the local hospital landscape is paramount. This review offers an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors from CMS star ratings to specialty centers and telehealth options, to provide a comprehensive guide.

**The Landscape: Proximity and Choice**

The immediate vicinity of Carrollton is primarily served by smaller community hospitals and urgent care facilities. However, access to larger, more specialized hospitals requires travel, primarily to Canton and surrounding areas. This geographic reality significantly influences the "Overall Health Score" due to travel time implications in emergencies and for specialized care.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a readily accessible measure of quality. A higher star rating generally indicates better performance across various metrics.

**Aultman Hospital (Canton, OH):** Aultman Hospital, located approximately 25 miles from Carrollton, is a major regional player. It holds a 3-star rating from CMS. Aultman offers a wide range of services, including a Level II Trauma Center, a comprehensive heart program, and specialized cancer care. The hospital’s commitment to community health is evident through various outreach programs.

**Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital (Canton, OH):** Also located in Canton, Mercy Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS. Mercy Hospital is known for its cardiovascular care, orthopedic services, and women's health programs. It also has a strong focus on community health initiatives.

**Summa Health System - Akron Campus (Akron, OH):** While further afield, about an hour's drive, Summa Health System's Akron Campus, with a 3-star rating, provides access to a wider array of specialized services. Summa is a large health system, offering advanced care in areas such as neuroscience, transplant services, and cancer treatment.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Metric**

Emergency room wait times are a significant indicator of a hospital's efficiency and ability to handle urgent medical needs. Shorter wait times are generally preferable.

**Aultman Hospital:** Aultman's ER wait times are generally reported to be within the regional average, but can fluctuate depending on patient volume. Checking real-time wait times through online resources like the hospital's website or third-party platforms is recommended before visiting.

**Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital:** Mercy Hospital’s ER wait times are also subject to variability. Like Aultman, it's advisable to check for current wait times online before seeking emergency care.

**Summa Health System - Akron Campus:** Due to its larger size and higher patient volume, Summa's ER wait times can sometimes be longer. However, the hospital is equipped to handle a wider range of emergencies.

**Specialty Centers: Accessing Advanced Care**

The availability of specialized care is a crucial factor in the "Overall Health Score." Residents near Carrollton benefit from access to specialized centers, even if travel is required.

**Aultman Hospital:** Aultman boasts a comprehensive heart center, providing advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. Its cancer center offers a range of treatment options, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

**Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital:** Mercy Hospital is known for its cardiovascular services, including specialized treatments for heart disease. It also has a strong orthopedic program, providing care for joint replacements and other musculoskeletal conditions.

**Summa Health System - Akron Campus:** Summa offers a wider range of specialty centers, including neuroscience, transplant services, and a comprehensive cancer center. Its expertise in these areas makes it a valuable resource for complex medical needs.

**Telehealth: Bridging the Distance**

Telehealth services are increasingly important, particularly for rural areas like Carrollton. They can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and provide convenient consultations.

**Aultman Hospital:** Aultman offers telehealth services, including virtual visits for primary care, specialist consultations, and follow-up appointments. This can be especially beneficial for residents who need to consult with specialists without traveling long distances.

**Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital:** Mercy Hospital is also expanding its telehealth offerings, providing virtual care options for various specialties. Patients can access virtual appointments for routine check-ups, medication management, and specialist consultations.

**Summa Health System - Akron Campus:** Summa has a robust telehealth program, offering a wide range of virtual services, including primary care, specialist consultations, and behavioral health services. Its telehealth platform allows patients to connect with providers remotely, enhancing access to care.

**Other Important Factors: Patient Satisfaction and Hospital Safety**

Patient satisfaction is a key indicator of quality. CMS collects patient experience data through surveys. Hospitals with higher patient satisfaction scores generally provide a better overall experience. Hospital safety is also paramount. This includes measures such as infection rates, medication errors, and surgical complications.

**Aultman Hospital:** Aultman's patient satisfaction scores are generally in line with regional averages. The hospital actively works to improve patient experience and safety.

**Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital:** Mercy Hospital’s patient satisfaction scores are also comparable to regional benchmarks. The hospital prioritizes patient safety and implements measures to reduce risks.

**Summa Health System - Akron Campus:** Summa's patient satisfaction scores are generally positive. The hospital has a strong focus on patient safety and quality of care.

**Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinics: Immediate Needs**

For non-emergency medical needs, urgent care clinics and walk-in clinics provide convenient options. These facilities can handle illnesses, minor injuries, and routine medical services.

**Local Options:** The immediate area around Carrollton has a limited selection of urgent care facilities. Residents may need to travel to Canton or other nearby towns for these services.

**Financial Considerations: Insurance and Costs**

Understanding insurance coverage and hospital costs is crucial. Patients should verify their insurance coverage with their chosen hospital and inquire about potential out-of-pocket expenses. Hospitals offer financial assistance programs for eligible patients.

**The "Overall Health Score" Summary**

For residents near Carrollton, OH (ZIP code 44610), the "Overall Health Score" is influenced by a combination of factors. While the immediate vicinity offers limited hospital options, access to larger, more specialized hospitals in Canton and Akron provides a wider range of services.

**Strengths:**

* **Proximity to Regional Hospitals:** Canton provides access to Aultman and Mercy Hospitals, offering a good range of services.
* **Specialty Care Availability:** Access to specialized centers, particularly at Aultman and Summa, is a major advantage.
* **Telehealth Options:** Telehealth services offered by hospitals are improving access to care and reducing travel burdens.

**Weaknesses:**

* **Limited Local Options:** The immediate area has a scarcity of hospitals and urgent care facilities.
* **Travel Distance:** Travel to larger hospitals in Canton and Akron is necessary for specialized care, which can be a concern in emergencies.
* **ER Wait Time Variability:** ER wait times can fluctuate, requiring patients to check real-time information.

**Recommendations:**

* **Plan Ahead:** Research hospital options, including CMS star ratings, specialty services, and telehealth availability.
* **Check ER Wait Times:** Before seeking emergency care, check real-time wait times online.
* **Utilize Telehealth:** Explore telehealth options for convenient consultations and follow-up appointments.
* **Understand Insurance:** Verify insurance coverage and understand potential out-of-pocket expenses.
* **Consider Travel Time:** Factor in travel time to hospitals when making healthcare decisions, especially in emergencies.

**Overall, the "Overall Health Score" for residents near Carrollton, OH, is good, with the caveat that access to specialized care requires travel. The presence of regional hospitals like Aultman and Mercy, along with the availability of telehealth services, improves the overall health landscape. However, the limited local options and the need to travel for advanced care remain significant considerations.**