FAQ's

Is Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital accredited by the Joint Commission (The JC)?

Yes, Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital is accredited by The JC and has the Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval.  In addition, Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital Home Care Department is also accredited by The JC.

The Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital Laboratory is accredited by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP).

The Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital Radiology Department is accredited by the American College of Radiology.

Can I use my cell phone in the hospital?

Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital permits the use of cell phones in most areas of the hospital.  Patients, visitors and guests are asked to silence their phones while on the hospital campus and to turn off their phones in the restricted areas, as posted signs designate.

How do I apply for a job at Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital?

To apply online:
Go to Summa's website at www.summahealth.org
Select:

• Career Center           -then go to-
• Career Opportunity

Don't forget to include a current e-mail address so you can be contacted via your e-mail.  Thank you for your interest in Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital.

What free screenings or immunizations do you provide and when are they provided?

Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital and its employees, in conjunction with members of the hospital's medical staff, provide free health screenings.  A free blood pressure screening is held on the first Tuesday of each month, from 1-3 p.m., in the hospital's Education Center, Quad C.  Other free health screenings are held periodically and advertised in the hospital's newsletter and on the Current Events page.  In addition, Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital provides numerous free lectures and classes and participates in area health fairs at which free health screenings are often provided.

Immunizations, such as pneumonia shots or those for childhood diseases, are not provided at Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital other than for inpatients.  Healthy Benefits does provide flu shots to the public. Contact your local health department about free or low-cost immunization clinics in your area, or make an appointment with your physician.

 What do "HMO" and "PPO" mean?

HMO stands for "Health Maintenance Organization."  An HMO is an organization that provides a comprehensive range of health services including hospitalization, preventative care and diagnosis.  HMOs require members to use specific health care services (doctors, hospitals, etc.) in the HMO's "network."  If an HMO member uses health care services which are outside of their HMO's network, the HMO will pay less or, perhaps, nothing at all.

PPO stands for "Preferred Provider Organization."  A PPO is a health service plan with a network of physicians and suppliers who provide services to the plan's participants at an agreed-upon price.  A PPO may also offer additional benefits such as discounts on prescription drugs or transportation and access to health education programs.

Of what insurance networks are you a member?

Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital accepts all traditional indemnity plans and has contracts with more than 40 (all major) HMO's, PPO's, etc.   For a list of plans, please see "Health Plans" under the "Healthcare Services" tab.  If you have questions about a particular plan, call Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital's Director of Patient Financial Services at 330-331-1548.

Why won't Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital accept my insurance?

Though widely believed, it's a misconception that a hospital won't accept a particular insurance.  Patients are a hospital's lifeblood so it stands to reason that a hospital would accept any insurance.  Indeed, a hospital has nothing to gain by limiting patients.  The fact is that insurance companies choose the health care providers, including physicians and hospitals that their clients or members may use.  The providers are grouped into what is called a "network."  Clients must use network members for their health care or pay a penalty, usually in the form of a higher deductible or co-pay, for doing so.

There are a variety of reasons why a hospital may not be a part of a particular network.  Often it's because the insurance company chooses to have just one hospital per geographic area.  Obviously, this has upset many clients who wish to use their community hospital.  If Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital is not a member of your insurance network, contact us and we will contact your insurance company to initiate negotiations for becoming a network member.

What is Lifeline and how can I get it?

VRI Lifeline is a personal response system for those who live alone or spend long periods of time alone.  It works via a home monitor, which is connected to the telephone line and activated by a transmitter worn by the client. For information about VRI Lifeline, call 1-800-860-4230.

How do I get copies of my medical records or x-ray films?

At least 24 hours prior to when you need the record(s) or films, call the Medical Record Department at 330-331-1176.  You will be asked for the following information:

• Your name
• Your birth date
• The specific medical record you are requesting, i.e. an x-ray of your arm, a lab report, etc.
• The date the procedure or test was performed
• The name of the person(s) to whom the records are being given, i.e. a doctor, a hospital, etc.

When you come in to pick up the record, you will be asked to show a picture ID and sign a form authorizing the release of the record(s.)  You may not request the medical records of any person other than yourself or those for whom you are the legal guardian or have power of attorney.

Can someone else pick up my medical records?

Before someone else may pick up your medical records, you must first come to the hospital and sign a form authorizing a specific individual to receive your medical records.  No one other than that individual will be given your medical record(s) and the authorization applies only to picking up your record(s) on that one occasion.

Will there be a charge for the copies of my medical records?

There is no charge for copies of your medical records when used for continuity of care.

Does Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital provide any college scholarships?

Yes, Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital has two annual scholarship programs, one for nursing students and one for students in allied health fields.  Applications become available on February 1st and completed applications must be submitted on or before the deadline in June (date varies.)  For more information, call 330-331-1583.

What are the hospital's visiting hours?

Medical-Surgical Unit:                     There are no restrictions for visiting hours on the Medical-Surgical Unit.  Those who visit after 8:30 p.m. must use the Emergency Center entrance and obtain a visitor’s badge.
Obstetrics/Maternity:                       Father of the newborn: any time
                                                              Grandparents of the newborn:  10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
                                                              All others: 12 to 8 p.m.
Physical Rehabilitation Center:     Monday through Friday:  4 to 8 p.m.
                                                              Saturday and Sunday:  11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Intensive Care Unit:                         Visiting hours are unlimited providing the patient’s condition warrants.

Children may visit during scheduled visiting hours, ALTHOUGH children visiting the Obstetrics unit must be age 12 or over unless they are a sibling of the newborn.  Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times and may not be left unattended in any area of the hospital. We do ask that visitors use discretion if they, or visiting children, have a cold or fever. 

To whom do I speak if I wish to volunteer at Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital?

Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital has two groups of volunteers:  the Auxiliary and the Red Cross.  Each group provides a variety of services for the hospital and its patients. The Auxiliary is primarily known for operating the Gift Shop and Snack bar and provided liaison services for the surgery department.  The Red Cross is primarily known for staffing the reception desk to direct patients and visitors, distributing mail and flowers, and providing liaison services for the Emergency Center. 

For information about joining the Auxiliary, call 330-336-9410.  For information about joining the Red Cross, call 330-334-1983.

Is Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital a "for-profit" or "not-for-profit" hospital?

Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit hospital.  This means that all funds are used to provide or enhance services and not distributed to stockholders as with a for-profit hospital.