44816, Birmingham, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 44816, Birmingham, Ohio is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Bellevue, Ohio (ZIP Code 44816)

The pursuit of quality healthcare, particularly in a rural setting, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of available resources. This review analyzes hospitals within a reasonable radius of Bellevue, Ohio (ZIP code 44816), providing an "Overall Health Score" based on factors crucial to patient well-being. We’ll delve into CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities, offering a detailed snapshot for informed decision-making.

**Defining the Scope and Methodology**

This assessment considers hospitals within a roughly 50-mile radius of Bellevue, Ohio. The "Overall Health Score" is not a single, numerical value, but rather a synthesis of various metrics, including:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** These ratings, provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), offer a standardized measure of hospital quality based on patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Average wait times, sourced from publicly available data, are a critical indicator of accessibility and efficiency.
* **Specialty Centers:** The presence and quality of specialized services (e.g., cardiology, oncology, orthopedics) are assessed, reflecting the breadth of care offered.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** The availability and utilization of telehealth services are evaluated, considering their increasing importance in expanding access to care.
* **Patient Reviews and Reputation:** While subjective, patient feedback provides valuable insights into the patient experience.
* **Accreditation and Certifications:** Accreditation from organizations like The Joint Commission indicates adherence to rigorous quality standards.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance**

The most prominent hospitals within the defined radius are the primary focus of this analysis.

**Firelands Regional Medical Center (Sandusky, OH):** Located approximately 20 miles north of Bellevue, Firelands Regional Medical Center is a major healthcare provider. Firelands holds a **3-star rating from CMS**. This rating reflects a mixed performance across various quality indicators. Firelands is a designated Level III Trauma Center, indicating its capacity to handle serious injuries. The hospital boasts specialized centers, including a comprehensive heart and vascular center, a cancer center, and a women's health center. Firelands has made strides in telehealth, offering virtual visits for certain specialties and remote monitoring programs. The hospital's ER wait times, based on publicly available data, fluctuate but generally average around 1-2 hours. Patient reviews are mixed, with some praising the staff and care, while others express concerns about wait times and communication.

**Fisher-Titus Medical Center (Norwalk, OH):** Situated roughly 15 miles east of Bellevue, Fisher-Titus Medical Center is another key player in the region. Fisher-Titus currently has a **3-star CMS rating**. The hospital operates a Level III Trauma Center. The hospital provides a range of services, including a cardiology department, a cancer care center, and a comprehensive women's health program. Fisher-Titus has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring. ER wait times are variable, typically ranging from 1 to 2 hours. Patient reviews show a mix of positive and negative feedback, with some patients commending the care received while others cite long wait times.

**Other Hospitals and Healthcare Options**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several other healthcare options are available, including smaller hospitals and outpatient clinics.

**Magruder Hospital (Port Clinton, OH):** Located approximately 30 miles north of Bellevue, Magruder Hospital is a smaller community hospital. Magruder is a critical access hospital. The hospital provides a range of services, including emergency care, surgical services, and rehabilitation. Magruder's ER wait times tend to be shorter than those of larger hospitals, often averaging less than an hour.

**ProMedica Memorial Hospital (Fremont, OH):** Located about 25 miles west of Bellevue, ProMedica Memorial Hospital is another option. ProMedica Memorial is a critical access hospital. The hospital offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgical services, and specialized clinics. ER wait times are variable, but generally fall within the 1-2 hour range.

**Assessing Specialty Care and Resources**

The availability of specialized care is a critical factor in assessing overall health. Both Firelands Regional Medical Center and Fisher-Titus Medical Center have established specialty centers. Firelands has a well-regarded heart and vascular center, offering advanced cardiac procedures. Fisher-Titus also provides cardiology services. Both hospitals offer cancer care centers, though the scope and range of services can vary. The availability of specialized services like orthopedic surgery, neurology, and gastroenterology is also important. Both hospitals offer orthopedic services. Patients with complex medical needs may need to travel to larger medical centers in Cleveland or Toledo for specialized care.

**Telehealth's Growing Role**

Telehealth is playing an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Both Firelands Regional Medical Center and Fisher-Titus Medical Center have expanded their telehealth offerings. These services include virtual appointments for certain specialties, remote patient monitoring, and access to specialists through video consultations. Telehealth can improve access to care, reduce travel time, and provide convenient access to medical expertise. The availability and utilization of telehealth services are expected to continue to grow in the coming years.

**Emergency Room Wait Times: A Critical Metric**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of access to care and hospital efficiency. The average ER wait times for Firelands Regional Medical Center and Fisher-Titus Medical Center are generally in the 1-2 hour range, although these times can fluctuate based on patient volume and acuity. Magruder Hospital and ProMedica Memorial Hospital often have shorter wait times. Patients with life-threatening conditions are, of course, prioritized.

**Patient Reviews and Reputation: Gauging the Experience**

Patient reviews provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Online reviews and feedback platforms offer a glimpse into patient satisfaction. Reviews for hospitals in the area are mixed, with some patients praising the care and staff, while others express concerns about wait times, communication, and overall experience. It's essential to consider a range of reviews and to recognize that individual experiences can vary.

**Accreditation and Certifications: Ensuring Quality Standards**

Accreditation from organizations like The Joint Commission or DNV GL Healthcare is an indicator of a hospital's commitment to quality and patient safety. Both Firelands Regional Medical Center and Fisher-Titus Medical Center are accredited. These accreditations indicate that the hospitals meet specific standards for patient care, safety, and operational efficiency.

**Overall Health Score Considerations**

Based on the factors discussed, here's a summary of the "Overall Health Score" considerations for hospitals near Bellevue, Ohio (ZIP code 44816):

* **Firelands Regional Medical Center:** A major provider with a 3-star CMS rating. Offers a range of specialties and telehealth options. ER wait times can be a concern.
* **Fisher-Titus Medical Center:** Another key provider with a 3-star CMS rating. Offers a range of services and telehealth options. ER wait times can be variable.
* **Magruder Hospital and ProMedica Memorial Hospital:** Smaller hospitals with potentially shorter ER wait times.

**Conclusion and Recommendations**

For residents of Bellevue, Ohio, the choice of hospital depends on individual needs and preferences. Firelands Regional Medical Center and Fisher-Titus Medical Center are the primary options, offering a broader range of services. Patients should consider their specific medical needs, the availability of specialized care, and the potential for longer wait times. Exploring telehealth options can enhance access to care. For less urgent conditions, Magruder Hospital and ProMedica Memorial Hospital may offer shorter wait times. Patients should research hospitals thoroughly, considering CMS ratings, patient reviews, and the availability of specific services. Consulting with a primary care physician is also essential for guidance and referrals. The healthcare landscape in the area is constantly evolving, so staying informed about the latest developments and options is crucial for making informed healthcare decisions.