44702, Canton, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 44702, Canton, Ohio is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Canton, Ohio (44702)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can feel overwhelming. For residents near Canton, Ohio (ZIP Code 44702), understanding the quality and accessibility of local hospitals is crucial. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" by examining key metrics, from CMS star ratings to ER wait times and specialty offerings, offering a comprehensive picture of the healthcare options available.

**The Players: Flagship Hospitals and Their Standing**

The dominant player in the Canton healthcare scene is **Aultman Hospital**, a major regional medical center. Aultman is a large, non-profit hospital with a long-standing presence in the community. Aultman Hospital's CMS star rating is a respectable **3 stars** as of the latest available data. This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it's essential to delve deeper into specific areas to understand its strengths and weaknesses.

Another significant provider is **Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital**, also located in Canton. Mercy Hospital is part of the renowned Cleveland Clinic health system, bringing a degree of prestige and access to specialized care. Mercy Hospital currently holds a **3-star** CMS rating, similar to Aultman. This suggests a comparable overall performance level, though the specific metrics driving these scores can vary.

**Emergency Room Performance: A Critical Indicator**

Emergency room wait times are a vital concern for anyone needing immediate medical attention. Both Aultman Hospital and Mercy Hospital report their ER wait times, providing valuable insight into their ability to handle patient volume efficiently. It is important to note that ER wait times can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the overall patient load.

Data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and hospital websites reveals that the average ER wait time at **Aultman Hospital** is approximately **30-45 minutes**. This figure represents the time from patient arrival to when they are seen by a healthcare professional. **Mercy Hospital** generally reports wait times in the range of **35-50 minutes**. These times are averages, and individual experiences may vary.

**Specialty Centers: Accessing Advanced Care**

Beyond general medical services, the availability of specialized care is a key factor in evaluating a hospital's overall health score. Both Aultman and Mercy offer a range of specialty centers, catering to diverse medical needs.

**Aultman Hospital** boasts a robust **cardiovascular program**, including advanced cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology. They also have a dedicated **cancer center**, providing comprehensive cancer treatment services, including radiation oncology and chemotherapy. Aultman also offers specialized care in areas such as **orthopedics, women's health, and behavioral health**.

**Mercy Hospital** is known for its strong **cardiology and heart surgery programs**, aligning with the Cleveland Clinic's reputation for cardiac excellence. They also have a well-regarded **cancer center**, providing a range of cancer treatment options. Mercy Hospital also offers specialized services in **orthopedics, urology, and gastroenterology**.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care**

Telehealth has rapidly transformed healthcare delivery, offering remote consultations, monitoring, and virtual appointments. Both Aultman and Mercy Hospital have embraced telehealth to varying degrees, expanding access to care for patients in the 44702 area and beyond.

**Aultman Hospital** has expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual visits with primary care physicians and specialists. They also provide remote monitoring services for patients with chronic conditions. While specific usage statistics are not readily available, Aultman is actively investing in its telehealth infrastructure.

**Mercy Hospital**, as part of the Cleveland Clinic system, benefits from a well-established telehealth platform. They offer a wide range of virtual appointments, including primary care, specialist consultations, and behavioral health services. Cleveland Clinic's telehealth program is known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive offerings.

**Patient Experience: The Human Element**

Patient experience is a critical component of a hospital's overall health score. This encompasses factors such as communication with healthcare providers, responsiveness to patient needs, and the overall comfort and satisfaction during a hospital stay.

Both Aultman and Mercy Hospital are subject to patient satisfaction surveys, which are used to assess the quality of care. These surveys, often conducted by CMS, measure patient perspectives on various aspects of their care, including communication with doctors and nurses, pain management, and the cleanliness of the hospital environment.

**Aultman Hospital** generally receives positive feedback regarding its nursing staff and the overall quality of care. However, like many hospitals, it faces challenges in some areas, such as wait times and patient satisfaction with certain aspects of the hospital environment.

**Mercy Hospital** benefits from its affiliation with the Cleveland Clinic, which has a strong reputation for patient-centered care. The hospital consistently receives positive feedback on its patient experience, particularly in areas such as communication and responsiveness to patient needs.

**Quality Metrics: Diving Deeper into Performance**

Beyond CMS star ratings, a deeper dive into specific quality metrics reveals a more nuanced picture of each hospital's performance. These metrics often include measures of patient safety, such as infection rates, readmission rates, and surgical outcomes.

**Aultman Hospital** has demonstrated improvements in several quality metrics in recent years. The hospital has a strong focus on patient safety and has implemented various initiatives to reduce hospital-acquired infections. Aultman has also made strides in improving its surgical outcomes.

**Mercy Hospital**, as part of the Cleveland Clinic system, benefits from the system's commitment to quality and patient safety. The hospital has a low rate of hospital-acquired infections and a strong track record in surgical outcomes.

**Financial Considerations: Affordability and Access**

The cost of healthcare is a significant concern for patients. While this review does not delve into specific pricing details, it's important to consider the financial aspects of healthcare access. Both Aultman and Mercy Hospital accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Patients should contact their insurance providers to confirm coverage and understand their out-of-pocket costs.

**Community Outreach and Engagement**

Hospitals play a vital role in their communities, providing health education, screenings, and support services. Both Aultman and Mercy Hospital are actively involved in community outreach initiatives.

**Aultman Hospital** sponsors various health education programs, including screenings for chronic diseases and wellness workshops. They also partner with local organizations to address community health needs.

**Mercy Hospital** participates in community health fairs and provides educational materials on various health topics. They also support community-based programs aimed at improving health outcomes.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

Based on the available data, both Aultman Hospital and Mercy Hospital offer solid healthcare options for residents near 44702. Both have 3-star CMS ratings, indicating average performance in key quality areas.

**Aultman Hospital** offers a comprehensive range of services, with strengths in cardiovascular care, cancer treatment, and a growing telehealth program. Its ER wait times are in the average range.

**Mercy Hospital**, with its affiliation with the Cleveland Clinic, benefits from its reputation for quality and patient-centered care. It also has strong cardiology and cancer programs. Its ER wait times are in the average range.

**Recommendations**

Choosing the "best" hospital depends on individual needs and preferences. For those seeking specialized cardiac care, Mercy Hospital's connection to the Cleveland Clinic is a significant advantage. For those needing a wide range of services and convenient location, Aultman Hospital is a solid choice. Consider the following when making your decision:

* **Specific Healthcare Needs:** If you have a specific medical condition or require specialized care, research the hospital's expertise in that area.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that the hospital accepts your insurance plan.
* **Location and Convenience:** Consider the hospital's location, accessibility, and parking options.
* **Patient Reviews and Experiences:** Read online reviews and gather feedback from friends and family who have received care at these hospitals.
* **Telehealth Availability:** If telehealth is important to you, assess the hospital's telehealth offerings.
* **ER Wait Times:** Consider ER wait times when choosing where to go in an emergency.

Ultimately, the best hospital is the one that best meets your individual healthcare needs. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review, residents near 44702 can make informed decisions about their healthcare options. It is important to note that healthcare is constantly evolving, and it is always best to consult with your primary care physician to make the most informed decisions.