44665, North Georgetown, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 44665, North Georgetown, Ohio is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Wooster, Ohio (ZIP Code 44665)

Navigating healthcare can be complex. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near Wooster, Ohio (ZIP code 44665), focusing on key metrics to aid informed decision-making. The analysis considers factors like CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities, offering a snapshot of the region's healthcare landscape.

**Defining the Scope:**

The primary focus is on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of Wooster, Ohio. This includes facilities in Wooster itself, as well as those in surrounding communities like Canton and Akron, offering a broader perspective on available healthcare options. The review acknowledges that access to specialized care may necessitate travel to larger metropolitan areas.

**Understanding the "Overall Health Score":**

This score is not a single, definitive number. Instead, it represents a composite evaluation based on publicly available data and objective metrics. It considers the quality of care (as reflected in CMS ratings), accessibility (ER wait times), breadth of services, and the adoption of modern healthcare practices like telehealth. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, empowering individuals to make informed choices about their healthcare needs.

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

Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio, a significant healthcare provider in the region, is a flagship facility to consider. It holds a four-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects its performance across various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. Aultman is a large, comprehensive hospital offering a wide array of services.

**Aultman's Specialty Centers:**

Aultman boasts several specialized centers. Its Heart and Vascular Center provides advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. The hospital also features a comprehensive cancer center offering radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology services. Further, Aultman has a dedicated women's health center and a robust orthopedic program.

**Emergency Room Performance at Aultman:**

Emergency room wait times are a critical factor in assessing hospital accessibility. While precise, real-time data fluctuates, publicly available data suggests that Aultman generally strives to keep wait times within acceptable ranges. However, like all hospitals, wait times can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of patient cases.

**Telehealth at Aultman:**

Aultman has embraced telehealth. It offers virtual visits for some specialties and primary care services. This allows patients to access healthcare remotely, improving convenience and potentially reducing the need for in-person visits, especially for follow-up appointments or consultations.

**Another Key Player: Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital (Canton, OH)**

Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, also located in Canton, is another important facility in the region. It is affiliated with the renowned Cleveland Clinic health system. Mercy Hospital also holds a four-star CMS rating, demonstrating a commitment to quality care. The hospital benefits from its connection to the Cleveland Clinic, providing access to advanced medical expertise and resources.

**Specialty Services at Mercy Hospital:**

Mercy Hospital offers a broad range of specialty services. It has a strong focus on cardiovascular care, with access to the Cleveland Clinic's expertise in this area. It also has a comprehensive cancer center, a women's health center, and a robust surgical program. The affiliation with the Cleveland Clinic allows Mercy Hospital to offer advanced treatments and access to clinical trials.

**Emergency Room Considerations at Mercy:**

Emergency room wait times at Mercy Hospital are generally comparable to those at Aultman, but can vary. Patients should be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours. It is advisable to check current wait times online or by phone before heading to the ER.

**Telehealth at Mercy Hospital:**

Mercy Hospital has also integrated telehealth into its services. The hospital offers virtual visits for some specialties and primary care services, enhancing patient access to care. The integration of telehealth reflects the hospital's commitment to providing convenient and accessible healthcare options.

**Local Options: Wooster Community Hospital**

Wooster Community Hospital, located in the heart of Wooster, is a vital resource for the local community. It is a smaller hospital compared to Aultman and Mercy, but it provides essential services. Wooster Community Hospital does not have a CMS star rating.

**Services at Wooster Community Hospital:**

Wooster Community Hospital offers a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and outpatient services. It has a surgical program, a diagnostic imaging department, and a rehabilitation center. The hospital is a critical access point for local residents needing immediate medical attention.

**ER Wait Times at Wooster Community Hospital:**

Emergency room wait times at Wooster Community Hospital are generally shorter than those at larger hospitals like Aultman and Mercy. This can be a significant advantage for patients seeking prompt medical attention. However, the availability of specialized services may be more limited compared to the larger hospitals.

**Telehealth at Wooster Community Hospital:**

Wooster Community Hospital has begun implementing telehealth services, including virtual visits for some specialties and primary care. This allows patients to access care remotely, which is particularly beneficial for those in rural areas.

**Other Hospitals in the Region:**

Several other hospitals are within reasonable driving distance of Wooster, Ohio. These include Akron General Hospital (Akron, OH) and Summa Health System (Akron, OH). These facilities offer additional options for specialized care and may be considered based on individual needs.

**Akron General Hospital:**

Akron General Hospital, part of the Cleveland Clinic health system, is a major healthcare provider in the Akron area. It offers a wide array of services, including specialized centers for heart care, cancer treatment, and women's health. The hospital's connection to the Cleveland Clinic provides access to advanced medical expertise.

**Summa Health System:**

Summa Health System is another significant healthcare provider in the Akron area. It operates several hospitals and outpatient facilities. Summa offers a comprehensive range of services, including specialty centers for cardiovascular care, cancer treatment, and behavioral health.

**Considerations for Specialty Care:**

While the hospitals in and near Wooster provide a range of services, some specialized care may require travel to larger medical centers. For example, patients needing highly specialized cardiac surgery or advanced cancer treatments may need to travel to Cleveland Clinic or other major medical centers.

**Telehealth Trends and Accessibility:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly prevalent in healthcare. Hospitals in the region are actively expanding their telehealth capabilities, offering virtual visits for various specialties and primary care. This trend enhances patient access to care, especially for those in rural areas or with mobility limitations. Patients should inquire about telehealth options when seeking medical care.

**Factors Influencing Overall Health Score:**

The "Overall Health Score" is influenced by several factors, including:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** These ratings provide a valuable indicator of hospital quality.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Shorter wait times indicate better accessibility.
* **Specialty Services:** The availability of specialized services reflects the hospital's ability to meet diverse healthcare needs.
* **Telehealth Adoption:** The integration of telehealth enhances patient convenience and access to care.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys provide insights into the quality of care.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near Wooster, Ohio, offers a range of options, with Aultman Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital serving as key providers. Wooster Community Hospital provides essential local services. The region benefits from the presence of hospitals affiliated with major healthcare systems, offering access to advanced medical expertise. Patients should carefully consider their individual healthcare needs and preferences when choosing a hospital. Researching specific services, checking ER wait times, and exploring telehealth options are essential steps in making informed healthcare decisions. The "Overall Health Score" is a starting point for this process, providing a framework for evaluating the available options and navigating the healthcare system.