45816, Benton Ridge, Ohio Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 45816, Benton Ridge, Ohio is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Delphos, Ohio (ZIP Code 45816)

Navigating healthcare can feel overwhelming. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals within a reasonable radius of Delphos, Ohio (ZIP code 45816), focusing on key metrics to help you make informed decisions about your care. We'll examine flagship hospitals, their CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities. This isn't a simple ranking, but a comprehensive overview to guide your healthcare choices.

**Understanding the Score:**

The "Overall Health Score" is a qualitative assessment based on available data from various sources, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and publicly available reports. It considers factors like patient safety, quality of care, patient experience, and access to services. This score is not a single number but a holistic evaluation.

**Regional Overview:**

The Delphos area is primarily served by hospitals in Lima, Ohio, and surrounding communities. Access to specialized care may require travel to larger metropolitan areas like Toledo or Fort Wayne, Indiana. This review will concentrate on the most relevant hospitals within a practical driving distance.

**Flagship Hospital: Mercy Health – St. Rita's Medical Center (Lima, OH)**

Mercy Health – St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima, Ohio, is the dominant healthcare provider in the immediate area. It's a large, regional hospital offering a comprehensive range of services.

**CMS Star Rating:** St. Rita's Medical Center currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This rating reflects the hospital's performance across various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it’s crucial to delve deeper into specific areas of strength and weakness.

**Emergency Department (ER) Performance:** ER wait times are a critical factor for urgent care. While specific real-time wait times fluctuate, St. Rita's typically reports average wait times that are within the expected range for a hospital of its size. It's always advisable to check current wait times through their website or a third-party service before heading to the ER.

**Specialty Centers:** St. Rita's boasts several specialty centers, including a heart and vascular institute, a comprehensive cancer center, and a women's health center. These centers offer advanced treatments and specialized expertise. The hospital also has a dedicated stroke center, crucial for rapid intervention in stroke cases.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Mercy Health has invested in telehealth services, providing virtual visits for various specialties. This is particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, consultations, and managing chronic conditions. Telehealth offerings expand access to care, especially for patients in rural areas.

**Overall Health Score for St. Rita's: Good (with caveats)**

St. Rita's Medical Center provides a solid foundation of healthcare services for the Delphos area. The 3-star CMS rating suggests areas for improvement, but the hospital's comprehensive offerings and investment in specialty centers are positive indicators. The availability of telehealth is a significant advantage. Patients should research specific departments and services based on their individual needs.

**Other Hospitals to Consider:**

**Lima Memorial Health System (Lima, OH)**

Lima Memorial Health System is another significant healthcare provider in the Lima area. It offers a broad spectrum of services, competing with St. Rita's for patients and resources.

**CMS Star Rating:** Lima Memorial Health System also holds a 3-star rating from CMS, similar to St. Rita's.

**ER Performance:** ER wait times at Lima Memorial are generally comparable to those at St. Rita's. Checking real-time wait times before visiting is always recommended.

**Specialty Centers:** Lima Memorial has established specialty centers, including a heart center and a cancer center. It also has a focus on orthopedic services.

**Telehealth Capabilities:** Lima Memorial has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and follow-up care.

**Overall Health Score for Lima Memorial: Good (similar to St. Rita's)**

Lima Memorial Health System provides a comparable level of care to St. Rita's. Patients should compare services and physician availability to find the best fit for their needs.

**Smaller Hospitals and Urgent Care Centers:**

Several smaller hospitals and urgent care centers are located within a reasonable driving distance of Delphos. These facilities can be a convenient option for less severe illnesses and injuries. However, they may not have the same level of specialized services as the larger hospitals.

**Van Wert Health (Van Wert, OH):** Located approximately 20 miles from Delphos, Van Wert Health offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and diagnostic imaging. It is a smaller community hospital.

**Blanchard Valley Hospital (Findlay, OH):** Located approximately 50 miles from Delphos, Blanchard Valley Hospital is a larger regional hospital with a broader range of services than Van Wert Health.

**Urgent Care Centers:** Several urgent care centers are located in Lima and surrounding areas. These centers provide convenient care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, often with shorter wait times than hospital ERs.

**Factors Affecting Overall Health Score:**

Several factors influence the "Overall Health Score" beyond the basic metrics:

* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, are critical. Look for hospitals with high marks for communication, responsiveness, and overall satisfaction.
* **Hospital-Acquired Infections:** Rates of hospital-acquired infections, such as MRSA and C. difficile, are a key indicator of patient safety. Lower rates are preferable.
* **Readmission Rates:** High readmission rates can indicate problems with care coordination or post-discharge support.
* **Physician Quality:** The quality of physicians is paramount. Researching physician credentials, experience, and patient reviews is essential.
* **Access to Care:** Consider the availability of appointments, the hospital's geographic location, and transportation options.
* **Community Health Needs:** Hospitals are increasingly involved in addressing community health needs, such as chronic disease prevention and mental health services.

**Telehealth in Detail:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Hospitals near Delphos are offering various telehealth services:

* **Virtual Visits:** These allow patients to consult with doctors remotely via video conferencing.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Some hospitals use remote monitoring devices to track patients' vital signs and health data.
* **E-Consultations:** Specialists can consult with primary care physicians remotely, improving access to specialized expertise.
* **Mental Health Services:** Telehealth is particularly valuable for providing mental health services, reducing barriers to access.

**Specific Considerations for Delphos Residents:**

* **Proximity:** Consider the travel time to each hospital. While St. Rita's and Lima Memorial are the closest, specialized care may require a longer drive.
* **Specialty Needs:** If you have specific medical needs, research the availability of specialists and services at each hospital.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure that the hospital and its physicians are in your insurance network.
* **Personal Preferences:** Consider your personal preferences, such as the hospital's reputation, patient reviews, and overall environment.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape near Delphos, Ohio, offers a range of options. Mercy Health – St. Rita's Medical Center and Lima Memorial Health System are the primary providers, offering comprehensive services. While both hospitals have 3-star CMS ratings, indicating areas for improvement, they provide a solid foundation of care. Patients should carefully research their specific needs, consider factors like ER wait times, specialty center availability, and telehealth options, and make informed decisions based on their individual circumstances. Remember to consult with your primary care physician for personalized recommendations. This "Overall Health Score" review provides a starting point for your healthcare journey, not a definitive answer.