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These hospitals are the worst in Ohio, new federal data shows. See if yours is listed

By Sundi Rose
An emergency room sign at an Ohio hospital.
An emergency room sign at an Ohio hospital. David DeWitt/Ohio Capital Journal

Millions of Ohio residents visit hospitals every year, from routine emergencies to life-saving surgeries. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that Ohio hospitals deliver billions in community support annually, and the choice of hospital can be a major determinant of health and safety.

This hefty number underscores why the choice of hospital really counts. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) recently released the Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings for healthcare facilities in the US.

What do the ratings measure?

Of all the hospitals in Ohio, none scored a one-star but these 10 hospitals received a two-star overall review. The star system is based on how well a hospital performs across several different areas.

  • Treating a heart attack and pneumonia
  • Readmission rates
  • Safety of care 

Patients also rated their experience in the hospital after being discharged. Recent patients were asked about a few important topics.

  • How well nurses and doctors communicated
  • How responsive staff were to their needs
  • The cleanliness and quietness of the hospital environment. 

The worst rated hospitals in OH

Only about 6% of hospitals nationwide earn the lowest one-star designation.

The following facilities are among those with the lowest overall ratings:

Adams County Regional Medical Center - Seaman

  • Overall rating: 2 stars
  • Patient survey rating: not available

Berger Hospital - Circleville

  • Overall rating: 2 star
  • Patient survey rating: 4 stars

Clinton Memorial Hospital - Wilmington

  • Overall rating: 2 starPatient survey rating: 3 stars 

East Ohio Regional Hospital - Martins Ferry

  • Overall rating: 2 starPatient survey rating: 3 stars 

Fairfield Medical Center - Lancaster

  • Overall rating: 2 starPatient survey rating: 4 stars

Kettering Health - Dayton

  • Overall rating: 2 starPatient survey rating: 3 stars

Licking Memorial Hospital - Newark

  • Overall rating: 2 starPatient survey rating: 3 stars 

Mercy Health-Anderson Hospital - Cincinnati

  • Overall rating: 2 starPatient survey rating: 3 stars

Mercy Medical Center - Canton

  • Overall rating: 2 starPatient survey rating: 2 stars

Mercy Regional Medical Center - Lorain

  • Overall rating: 2 starPatient survey rating: 3 stars 

The top 5 best rated hospitals in Ohio

On the flip side, several Ohio hospitals are recognized nationally for delivering high-quality care and patient outcomes.

Christ Hospital - Cincinnati

  • Overall rating: 5 stars
  • Patient survey rating: 4 stars 

Cincinnati VA Medical Center - Cincinnati

  • Overall rating: 5 stars
  • Patient survey rating: not available

Cleveland Clinic - Cleveland

  • Overall rating: 5 stars
  • Patient survey rating: 4 stars 

Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital - Avon

  • Overall rating: 5 stars
  • Patient survey rating: 4 stars 

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center - Akron

  • Overall rating: 5 stars
  • Patient survey rating: 5 stars 

How are hospitals rated?

Each hospital’s performance is standardized and risk-adjusted so facilities serving more complex populations aren’t unfairly penalized. Hospitals report dozens of measures annually, which are scored and combined into a star rating.

CMS calculates its Overall Hospital Star Ratings using a detailed formula spanning five categories:

  • Mortality rates (22% of score)
  • Safety of care (22%)
  • Readmission rates (22%)
  • Patient experience (22%)
  • Timely and effective care (12%)

When you’re sick and need medical care, it’s good to know how your local hospital measures up. Ohio’s facilities vary widely from region to region, but, if possible, you should always check the rating before seeking care.

Have you had any experience with any of these hospitals? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.

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