03217, Ashland, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 03217, Ashland, New Hampshire is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 03217 (Bristol, NH)

The picturesque town of Bristol, New Hampshire, nestled in the heart of the Lakes Region, presents a unique challenge when it comes to healthcare access. While the immediate area offers a limited selection of hospitals, residents benefit from proximity to larger medical centers in surrounding towns and cities. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like hospital quality, accessibility, specialty services, and telehealth options, for the best healthcare options available near the 03217 ZIP code.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

Bristol itself is served primarily by smaller community hospitals and clinics. However, the region's healthcare network extends to larger facilities in Laconia, Plymouth, and even further afield, offering a broader range of services. This review will evaluate the primary contenders, focusing on their strengths and weaknesses to provide a comprehensive overview for residents seeking quality medical care.

**Key Players and Their Performance:**

**1. Speare Memorial Hospital (Plymouth, NH):** Located approximately 15 miles from Bristol, Speare Memorial Hospital serves as a vital regional resource. While it is a critical access hospital, meaning it is smaller and focuses on providing essential services, it holds a significant role in the community. Speare Memorial Hospital does not have a CMS star rating, as critical access hospitals are not rated. However, it provides 24/7 emergency services and offers a range of inpatient and outpatient care, including surgical services, rehabilitation, and specialized clinics. ER wait times are generally moderate, averaging around 30-60 minutes, based on recent data. Speare Memorial has been actively expanding its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and follow-up appointments, particularly for specialty care like cardiology and endocrinology.

**2. Lakes Region General Hospital (Laconia, NH):** Situated about 20 miles from Bristol, Lakes Region General Hospital (LRGH) is a larger, more comprehensive facility. LRGH is part of the Dartmouth Health system, which enhances its access to resources and specialized expertise. While LRGH does not have a CMS star rating, it provides a wider array of services than Speare Memorial. LRGH offers a full-service emergency department, a comprehensive cardiac care program, including interventional cardiology, and a robust surgical department. ER wait times are typically longer than at Speare Memorial, averaging between 60-90 minutes, reflecting its higher patient volume. LRGH is actively involved in telehealth initiatives, offering virtual appointments for various specialties and remote patient monitoring programs.

**3. Franklin Regional Hospital (Franklin, NH):** Located about 20 miles from Bristol, Franklin Regional Hospital is another option for residents. While it is also a critical access hospital, Franklin Regional offers a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and outpatient clinics. Franklin Regional Hospital does not have a CMS star rating. ER wait times are generally moderate, similar to Speare Memorial. Franklin Regional is also expanding its telehealth offerings to improve access to care for its patients.

**4. Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (Lebanon, NH):** While further afield (approximately 60 miles from Bristol), Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, NH, is a flagship facility within the Dartmouth Health system. DHMC is a tertiary care center and a teaching hospital, offering a vast array of specialized services and cutting-edge treatments. DHMC has a CMS star rating of 4 stars, indicating a high level of quality and patient care. However, the distance and potential travel time make it less accessible for routine care. DHMC's emergency department is highly specialized, but wait times can be significant, often exceeding 2 hours. DHMC is a leader in telehealth, offering extensive virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual specialty clinics, making it a valuable resource for complex medical needs.

**Evaluating Key Metrics:**

**Emergency Room Wait Times:** ER wait times are a crucial indicator of accessibility and efficiency. Speare Memorial and Franklin Regional generally have shorter wait times, making them more convenient for immediate needs. Lakes Region General Hospital and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, while offering more comprehensive services, often experience longer wait times due to higher patient volumes.

**Specialty Services:** The availability of specialized services varies significantly. Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center offers the broadest range of specialties, including advanced cardiac care, oncology, neurosurgery, and transplant services. Lakes Region General Hospital provides a strong cardiac program and surgical services. Speare Memorial and Franklin Regional offer essential services but have a more limited scope of specialty care.

**Telehealth Integration:** Telehealth is increasingly important for expanding access to care, particularly in rural areas. All the mentioned hospitals are investing in telehealth initiatives, with Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center leading the way. Telehealth options range from virtual consultations to remote patient monitoring, enhancing the convenience and reach of healthcare services.

**CMS Star Ratings:** CMS star ratings provide a standardized measure of hospital quality. Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center's 4-star rating indicates a high level of patient care and outcomes. The other hospitals, being critical access hospitals or not rated, do not have these ratings, but their performance is evaluated through other means.

**Accessibility and Geographic Considerations:** The geographic location of hospitals significantly impacts accessibility for Bristol residents. Speare Memorial and Franklin Regional are the closest options, offering more convenient access for routine care and emergencies. Lakes Region General Hospital is a moderate distance, providing a broader range of services. Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, while a premier facility, requires a longer travel time.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the evaluation of the key metrics, the "Overall Health Score" for residents of Bristol, NH, can be summarized as follows:

* **For Routine Care and Emergencies:** Speare Memorial Hospital and Franklin Regional Hospital offer the best accessibility due to their proximity and moderate ER wait times. They are suitable for routine care and less complex medical needs.
* **For Comprehensive Services:** Lakes Region General Hospital provides a broader range of services, including specialized cardiac care and surgical options, but with potentially longer wait times.
* **For Specialized and Complex Needs:** Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, despite its distance, is the premier choice for specialized care, advanced treatments, and access to cutting-edge medical expertise. Its extensive telehealth program further enhances its accessibility.

**Recommendations:**

Residents of Bristol should consider their individual healthcare needs when choosing a hospital. For routine care and immediate needs, Speare Memorial Hospital and Franklin Regional Hospital are convenient options. For more complex medical issues or specialized care, Lakes Region General Hospital and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center offer a wider range of services. Utilizing telehealth options can bridge the distance and improve access to specialized care. The decision should be based on the specific medical needs, the urgency of the situation, and the individual's willingness to travel. Regularly reviewing hospital performance metrics, including ER wait times and patient satisfaction scores, can help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare.