44639, Leesville, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 44639, Leesville, Ohio is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Minerva, Ohio (ZIP Code 44639)

Navigating healthcare can feel like navigating a labyrinth. For residents near Minerva, Ohio (ZIP Code 44639), understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialized services, and telehealth availability, to help inform healthcare decisions. The focus will be on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, acknowledging that healthcare access often extends beyond immediate proximity.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Proximity**

The immediate vicinity of Minerva is primarily served by smaller community hospitals. However, for more specialized care, residents often travel to larger facilities in nearby cities like Canton and Alliance. This review will examine these options, recognizing that "near" can encompass a wider geographical area depending on the specific medical need.

**Aultman Hospital (Canton, OH): A Flagship Institution**

Aultman Hospital in Canton stands out as a major healthcare provider. It's a flagship hospital, offering a broad spectrum of services and boasting a strong reputation within the region. Aultman's size and comprehensive offerings make it a primary destination for many residents seeking advanced medical care.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:**

Aultman Hospital holds a **4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. This rating, based on a composite of quality measures, indicates above-average performance compared to other hospitals nationally. While not the highest possible rating, it signifies a commitment to quality and patient safety. The CMS star rating is a useful starting point for evaluating a hospital's overall performance.

**Emergency Department (ER) Performance:**

ER wait times are a critical concern for patients. Aultman's ER wait times are generally within the national average, but can fluctuate depending on the time of day and patient volume. It's advisable to check current wait times online or by phone before heading to the ER, particularly during peak hours. The hospital website often provides real-time updates.

**Specialized Services and Centers of Excellence:**

Aultman excels in several specialized areas. It features a comprehensive heart and vascular center, offering advanced cardiac care, including interventional procedures and open-heart surgery. The hospital also has a well-regarded cancer center, providing a range of treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. Furthermore, Aultman houses a dedicated women's health center, addressing the unique healthcare needs of women.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Aultman has embraced telehealth, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and access to specialists who may not be readily available in person. Telehealth services can significantly improve patient convenience and access to care.

**Alliance Community Hospital (Alliance, OH): A Community-Focused Option**

Alliance Community Hospital, located in Alliance, Ohio, serves as another significant healthcare provider for the region. It offers a more community-focused approach, providing a range of essential services to the local population.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:**

Alliance Community Hospital currently holds a **3-star rating from CMS**. This rating indicates average performance compared to other hospitals. While not as high as Aultman's rating, it still signifies that the hospital meets the basic standards of quality and safety.

**Emergency Department (ER) Performance:**

ER wait times at Alliance Community Hospital are generally comparable to those at Aultman, with fluctuations depending on patient volume. Checking current wait times before arrival is recommended.

**Specialized Services and Centers of Excellence:**

Alliance Community Hospital offers a core set of services, including a fully equipped emergency department, surgical services, and a labor and delivery unit. It also has a focus on primary care and preventative medicine. While it may not have the same level of specialization as Aultman, it provides essential services to the community.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Alliance Community Hospital has begun to integrate telehealth services, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring options. This is particularly useful for patients who have mobility issues or live a distance from the hospital.

**Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital (Canton, OH): A Regional Presence**

Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital in Canton, OH, is another significant player. It is part of the larger Cleveland Clinic health system, bringing the prestige and resources of a major academic medical center to the area.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:**

Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital has a **3-star rating from CMS**.

**Emergency Department (ER) Performance:**

ER wait times at Mercy Hospital are generally in line with regional averages, though they can vary. Real-time wait time information is often available on the hospital's website.

**Specialized Services and Centers of Excellence:**

Mercy Hospital offers a wide array of services, including a comprehensive heart program, a cancer center, and specialized surgical services. The affiliation with the Cleveland Clinic system provides access to a broader network of specialists and advanced treatment options.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Mercy Hospital, as part of the Cleveland Clinic system, has a robust telehealth program. This includes virtual visits with specialists, remote monitoring of chronic conditions, and access to educational resources. The telehealth offerings significantly enhance patient access to care and convenience.

**Smaller Community Hospitals and Urgent Care Centers:**

Beyond the major hospitals, residents near Minerva have access to smaller community hospitals and urgent care centers. These facilities provide convenient options for less serious medical needs. While they may not offer the same level of specialization as the larger hospitals, they play a vital role in providing accessible healthcare.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

* **Accessibility:** The proximity of these hospitals to Minerva is a key factor. Aultman and Mercy Hospital, in Canton, are within a reasonable driving distance, while Alliance Community Hospital is closer.
* **Quality of Care:** CMS star ratings, while not the sole indicator, provide a valuable benchmark. Aultman's 4-star rating suggests a higher level of quality than the 3-star ratings of Alliance Community Hospital and Mercy Hospital.
* **Specialized Services:** The availability of specialized services, such as cardiac care and cancer treatment, is crucial. Aultman and Mercy Hospital offer a wider range of specialized services than Alliance Community Hospital.
* **Emergency Department Performance:** ER wait times are a significant concern. While all hospitals experience fluctuations, it's essential to consider this factor when making healthcare decisions.
* **Telehealth Availability:** The integration of telehealth services is becoming increasingly important. Aultman and Mercy Hospital have made significant strides in this area.

**Conclusion: Making Informed Choices**

Choosing the right hospital depends on individual healthcare needs. For routine care and less serious conditions, the community hospitals and urgent care centers may suffice. For more complex medical needs, Aultman Hospital, with its higher CMS star rating and extensive specialized services, emerges as a strong contender. Mercy Hospital, as part of the Cleveland Clinic system, provides access to a broader network of specialists. Alliance Community Hospital offers a community-focused option.

Residents of the Minerva area should consider their specific healthcare requirements, research current ER wait times, and explore the telehealth options offered by each hospital. By carefully evaluating these factors, individuals can make informed decisions that best meet their healthcare needs and ensure access to quality medical care. The "Overall Health Score" for the region is positive, with a variety of options available to meet a diverse range of medical needs.