44718, Canton, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 44718, Canton, Ohio is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Canton, Ohio (44718)

Finding the right hospital is a crucial decision, especially when facing a health concern. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the area around ZIP code 44718 (Canton, Ohio), focusing on key metrics like quality ratings, emergency room performance, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities. This information aims to empower informed healthcare choices.

**Defining the Scope: Key Hospitals in the Region**

The primary hospitals serving the 44718 area include Aultman Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, and several smaller facilities. This review will concentrate on the two flagship hospitals, Aultman and Mercy, due to their comprehensive services and higher patient volumes, offering a more representative picture of healthcare accessibility.

**Aultman Hospital: A Community Anchor**

Aultman Hospital, located in Canton, is a major healthcare provider for the region. It holds a respectable reputation and is often the first choice for residents in the 44718 area.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:** Aultman Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects overall quality, based on factors such as mortality rates, safety of care, readmission rates, patient experience, and timely and effective care. While a 3-star rating indicates a solid performance, it suggests there's room for improvement compared to higher-rated hospitals.

**Emergency Room Performance:** ER wait times are a critical factor for many patients. Aultman's ER wait times fluctuate, but generally, patients can expect to spend a moderate amount of time in the waiting room. Data from the CMS Hospital Compare website provides average wait times, which should be consulted for the most up-to-date information. The time from "door to doctor" and "door to discharge" are also important metrics.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** Aultman boasts a variety of specialty centers, including a heart and vascular center, a cancer center, and a women's health center. The hospital is known for its cardiac care, offering advanced procedures and treatments. Their cancer center provides comprehensive oncology services, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The women's health center offers a range of services from obstetrics and gynecology to specialized care.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Telehealth is increasingly important for healthcare access. Aultman has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual appointments for various specialties. This includes virtual visits for follow-up appointments, consultations, and chronic disease management. The availability of telehealth services can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility issues.

**Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital: A Regional Presence**

Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, also located in Canton, is part of the larger Cleveland Clinic health system, known for its high-quality care. Its affiliation with the Cleveland Clinic system offers access to a broader network of specialists and resources.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality Metrics:** Mercy Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), similar to Aultman. This indicates a comparable level of overall quality. However, it's crucial to consider individual performance metrics within the CMS data, as some hospitals may excel in certain areas while lagging in others.

**Emergency Room Performance:** Mercy Hospital's ER performance is another crucial factor. Average wait times are comparable to Aultman, with fluctuations depending on the time of day and patient volume. Checking the CMS Hospital Compare website for the most current data is recommended. Factors like the number of patients seen and the availability of staff can influence wait times.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** Mercy Hospital offers a comprehensive range of specialty services. It has a strong focus on cardiac care, with access to advanced procedures and experienced cardiologists. The hospital also has a robust cancer center, providing a range of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Mercy is also known for its orthopedic services, offering joint replacements and other musculoskeletal treatments.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Mercy Hospital, as part of the Cleveland Clinic system, benefits from a robust telehealth infrastructure. They offer virtual appointments for a wide range of specialties, including primary care, cardiology, and mental health. This extensive telehealth network provides convenient access to specialists and follow-up care, expanding the reach of healthcare services.

**Comparing the Hospitals: A Head-to-Head Assessment**

Both Aultman and Mercy Hospitals provide essential healthcare services to the 44718 area. Both hospitals have a 3-star CMS rating.

**Emergency Room Comparison:** ER wait times are a critical factor. Both hospitals experience fluctuations, and it's essential to check the latest data on the CMS Hospital Compare website.

**Specialty Services: Aultman:** Aultman is known for its heart and vascular center, cancer center, and women's health services.

**Specialty Services: Mercy:** Mercy is known for its cardiac care, cancer center, and orthopedic services.

**Telehealth: Aultman:** Aultman has expanded its telehealth offerings.

**Telehealth: Mercy:** Mercy, as part of the Cleveland Clinic system, has a robust telehealth infrastructure.

**Other Considerations: Beyond the Flagship Hospitals**

While Aultman and Mercy are the primary choices, smaller hospitals and outpatient clinics also serve the 44718 area. These facilities may offer specialized services or provide convenient access to primary care.

**Outpatient Clinics and Urgent Care Centers:** Several outpatient clinics and urgent care centers are located in and around the 44718 area. These facilities can provide convenient access to primary care, minor injury treatment, and other services.

**Mental Health Services:** Mental health services are a critical component of overall health. Both Aultman and Mercy offer mental health services, including inpatient and outpatient care.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:** Patient experience is a crucial factor. Both hospitals have patient satisfaction surveys. Checking patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the patient experience.

**Overall Health Score: Considerations and Recommendations**

The "Overall Health Score" for hospitals near 44718 is complex, as it depends on individual needs and preferences. Both Aultman and Mercy provide solid healthcare services, but there are nuances to consider.

**For Cardiac Care:** Both hospitals offer strong cardiac care programs. Patients should research the specific procedures and specialists offered by each hospital.

**For Cancer Care:** Both hospitals have cancer centers. Patients should consider the specific cancer types treated and the available treatment options.

**For Emergency Care:** ER wait times can vary. Checking the latest data on the CMS Hospital Compare website is essential.

**For Telehealth:** Mercy Hospital, with its connection to the Cleveland Clinic system, offers a more robust telehealth infrastructure.

**For Patient Experience:** Researching patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the patient experience.

**Final Thoughts:** Choosing the right hospital requires careful consideration of individual needs and preferences. This review provides a starting point for making informed decisions. Residents of the 44718 area should research the specific services offered by each hospital, consider their individual health needs, and consult with their primary care physicians to determine the best healthcare options. The CMS Hospital Compare website is an invaluable resource for comparing hospitals and accessing quality data.