44621, Dennison, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 44621, Dennison, Ohio is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Carrollton, OH (44621)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the Carrollton, Ohio (44621) area, focusing on key metrics like quality, accessibility, and specialized services. This information is intended to assist residents in making informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Understanding the Scope:**

The primary focus of this review centers on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of Carrollton. While specific catchment areas can vary, the analysis includes facilities in Canton, Alliance, and surrounding communities. The availability of specialized care, particularly for critical conditions, often necessitates travel to larger regional centers.

**Key Metrics for Evaluation:**

The "Overall Health Score" is derived from a composite of factors. These include:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system (1-5 stars) based on quality measures, patient experience, and other factors. This rating serves as a crucial indicator of overall hospital performance.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** Average ER wait times are a significant indicator of accessibility and efficiency. Shorter wait times generally correlate with better patient outcomes.
* **Specialty Centers:** The availability and quality of specialized centers (e.g., cardiology, oncology, orthopedics) are critical for patients requiring specific treatments.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** The integration of telehealth services is increasingly important for patient convenience and access to care, particularly in rural areas.
* **Accreditation and Certifications:** Accreditation by organizations like The Joint Commission or DNV GL Healthcare signifies adherence to rigorous quality standards.
* **Patient Satisfaction Scores:** Patient feedback provides valuable insights into the patient experience.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance:**

**Aultman Hospital (Canton, OH):**

Aultman Hospital, located approximately 30 minutes from Carrollton, is a major regional provider. It holds a **4-star rating from CMS**. This rating reflects a generally strong performance across various quality metrics. Aultman offers a comprehensive range of services, including a Level II Trauma Center, a comprehensive heart center, and specialized cancer care. The hospital's ER wait times typically fall within the regional average. Aultman has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual visits for a variety of specialties, enhancing access to care for patients in the surrounding communities.

**Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital (Canton, OH):**

Mercy Hospital, also in Canton and about a 30-minute drive, is affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic health system. It has a **3-star CMS rating**. Mercy Hospital is known for its cardiovascular services, including advanced cardiac surgery. The hospital offers a range of specialty centers, including a comprehensive stroke center. ER wait times fluctuate, so it's important to check current estimates. Mercy has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and follow-up appointments.

**Alliance Community Hospital (Alliance, OH):**

Alliance Community Hospital, located about 20 minutes from Carrollton, is a smaller community hospital. It does not have a CMS star rating. Alliance Community Hospital provides essential services, including emergency care, medical-surgical units, and outpatient services. It offers some specialty care, but patients with complex needs may need to be transferred to larger regional hospitals. ER wait times are generally shorter than those at larger facilities. The hospital is working to expand its telehealth capabilities.

**Other Considerations:**

**Specialty Care:**

For specialized treatments, residents of the Carrollton area often seek care at hospitals in larger cities like Akron or Cleveland. These hospitals offer advanced care in areas such as neurosurgery, complex cardiology, and specialized cancer treatments.

**ER Wait Times:**

ER wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the patient's condition. It's advisable to check current wait times online or by phone before going to the ER.

**Telehealth Adoption:**

The use of telehealth has increased significantly in recent years, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth services can provide convenient access to healthcare professionals for consultations, follow-up appointments, and medication management. The availability of telehealth services varies among hospitals.

**Accreditation and Certifications:**

Hospitals undergo accreditation processes to demonstrate their commitment to quality and safety. Accreditation by organizations like The Joint Commission or DNV GL Healthcare signifies that a hospital meets specific standards of care.

**Patient Satisfaction:**

Patient satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the patient experience. These surveys assess factors such as communication with healthcare providers, the cleanliness of the hospital, and the overall quality of care.

**Specific Observations and Recommendations:**

* **Aultman Hospital** stands out as a strong regional provider with a good CMS rating and a comprehensive range of services.
* **Mercy Hospital** offers specialized cardiovascular services and is affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic, providing access to advanced care.
* **Alliance Community Hospital** provides essential services for the local community, but patients with complex needs may need to seek care at larger facilities.
* Residents should research ER wait times before seeking emergency care.
* The availability of telehealth services is increasing, offering convenient access to care.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The Carrollton area has access to a range of healthcare options, with Aultman Hospital being a strong regional provider. Residents should consider their individual healthcare needs and the specific services offered by each hospital when making healthcare decisions. Access to specialized care may require travel to larger regional centers. The increasing adoption of telehealth services offers improved access to care.