44906, Mansfield, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 44906, Mansfield, Ohio is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Shelby, Ohio (ZIP Code 44906)

Finding the right healthcare can be a complex undertaking. This review provides an in-depth look at the hospital landscape near Shelby, Ohio (ZIP Code 44906), offering an "Overall Health Score" based on key metrics, allowing residents to make informed decisions about their medical needs. We will assess the quality of care, accessibility, and specialized services available within a reasonable radius.

**Defining the Scope:**

For the purposes of this review, we will primarily focus on hospitals within a 30-mile radius of Shelby, Ohio (44906). This encompasses facilities in cities like Mansfield, Ashland, and Galion, offering a range of healthcare options. The "Overall Health Score" considers factors like Medicare.gov's Hospital Compare star ratings, emergency room wait times, availability of specialized centers, telehealth services, and other relevant data.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance:**

**OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital:** This hospital, located in Mansfield, is a key player in the region. It is a large, full-service facility and is part of the OhioHealth system. OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital has earned a **3-star rating from CMS**. This rating reflects its performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, readmission rates, and timely and effective care. While not the highest rating possible, it indicates a generally acceptable level of care.

**Emergency Room Dynamics:**

ER wait times are a crucial factor in assessing hospital accessibility. While specific real-time wait times fluctuate, data suggests that OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital generally experiences wait times that are **comparable to or slightly above the national average.** This means patients can expect to spend a reasonable amount of time in the waiting room before being seen by a medical professional. Data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and third-party sources like ProPublica are used to determine average wait times.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital boasts a range of specialty centers. The hospital offers comprehensive cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and open-heart surgery. It also has a robust cancer center, providing radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology services. Furthermore, the hospital has a dedicated women's health center, offering obstetrics, gynecology, and other specialized services. The availability of these specialized services is a significant advantage for residents of the area, reducing the need to travel long distances for complex medical needs.

**Telehealth Integration:**

In the modern healthcare landscape, telehealth is increasingly important. OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital has expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring services. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and chronic disease management. The hospital's telehealth platform allows patients to access care from the comfort of their homes, improving convenience and potentially reducing healthcare costs. Specific data on the utilization rates of telehealth services is difficult to obtain but the hospital is actively promoting these services.

**Other Hospitals in the Vicinity:**

**Avita Health System – Galion Hospital:** Located in Galion, this hospital is another option for residents near Shelby. Galion Hospital is a smaller facility, offering a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and inpatient care. **CMS data indicates a 3-star rating.** The hospital is a critical access hospital, meaning it provides essential services to a rural community.

**Avita Health System – Bucyrus Hospital:** Bucyrus Hospital, also part of the Avita Health System, is another option, although it is further away than Galion. The hospital offers similar services to Galion Hospital, including emergency care and surgical procedures. **Bucyrus Hospital has a 2-star rating from CMS.**

**Comparing and Contrasting:**

When comparing OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital to the Avita Health System hospitals, several factors come into play. OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, being a larger facility, generally offers a wider range of specialized services and a more extensive network of physicians. The CMS star ratings, while not the only measure of quality, indicate that OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital generally performs better on key quality metrics than Bucyrus Hospital. Galion Hospital has a similar rating to Mansfield. However, the Avita hospitals offer the advantage of being closer to some residents, potentially reducing travel times for routine care.

**Accessibility and Travel Considerations:**

Accessibility is a key consideration for healthcare. The proximity of OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital to major roadways makes it relatively accessible for residents of Shelby and surrounding areas. The Avita hospitals are also accessible, although travel times may vary depending on the specific location. Public transportation options are limited in this rural area, making personal vehicles the primary mode of transport.

**Specific Considerations for Shelby Residents:**

Residents of Shelby (44906) are well-positioned to access healthcare. OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital is the closest major hospital, providing a comprehensive range of services. The Avita hospitals offer additional options for those seeking care closer to home. The choice of hospital will depend on individual needs, preferences, and the specific services required.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Considering all the factors, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare options near Shelby, Ohio (44906) is **moderately positive.** OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, with its 3-star CMS rating, comprehensive services, and telehealth integration, serves as a strong anchor for the region's healthcare. While ER wait times can be a concern, the availability of specialized centers and the hospital's commitment to telehealth enhance its appeal. The Avita hospitals offer additional options, particularly for those seeking care closer to home.

**Areas for Improvement:**

There is always room for improvement. The region could benefit from:

* **Shorter ER Wait Times:** Reducing wait times would improve patient satisfaction and access to care.
* **Increased Telehealth Promotion:** Further promoting and expanding telehealth services would improve access to care, especially for those in rural areas.
* **Enhanced Transparency:** Providing more readily available data on specific wait times, patient satisfaction scores, and quality metrics would empower patients to make more informed decisions.
* **Community Health Initiatives:** Collaborating on community health initiatives to address prevalent health concerns and promote preventive care.

**Conclusion:**

Residents of Shelby, Ohio (44906) have access to a reasonable range of healthcare options. OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital stands out as a major provider, offering a comprehensive suite of services. The Avita hospitals provide additional choices, particularly for those seeking care closer to home. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this review, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and navigate the local healthcare landscape effectively. The "Overall Health Score" is a dynamic assessment, and it is recommended that residents stay informed about any changes or updates in the healthcare landscape.