03227, Center Sandwich, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 03227, Center Sandwich, New Hampshire is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 03227 (Bristol, NH)

Finding the right healthcare provider is crucial, and for residents of Bristol, New Hampshire (ZIP code 03227), understanding the landscape of local hospitals is essential. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like quality of care, accessibility, and specialized services. Given the rural nature of the area, the focus will be on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, including those in neighboring towns and cities.

**Proximity and Primary Options:**

The immediate vicinity of Bristol doesn't boast a large, full-service hospital. Residents typically rely on facilities in nearby towns. This geographical reality necessitates a wider search radius, impacting access to specialized care and potentially increasing travel times during emergencies.

**Speare Memorial Hospital (Plymouth, NH):**

Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth, approximately 15 minutes from Bristol, serves as a primary healthcare provider for the region. While not a "flagship" hospital, Speare offers a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and various outpatient clinics.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Speare Memorial Hospital currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a hospital's overall quality of care, based on factors like patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** ER wait times are a crucial factor, particularly in emergencies. While specific, real-time data fluctuates, it's advisable to check the hospital's website or call ahead for current wait times. Longer wait times can indicate higher patient volume.
* **Specialty Centers:** Speare offers a variety of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and rehabilitation. The availability of these centers reduces the need for travel to larger hospitals for common medical needs.
* **Telehealth Services:** Speare has expanded its telehealth offerings, which is particularly beneficial for residents in rural areas. Telehealth can provide access to specialists, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, reducing the need for in-person visits.
* **Overall Assessment:** Speare Memorial Hospital provides essential healthcare services to the Bristol community. Its 3-star CMS rating suggests a solid level of care, but residents may need to travel for highly specialized procedures or treatments.

**Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (Lebanon, NH):**

Located in Lebanon, approximately a 45-minute drive from Bristol, Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (APD) offers a broader range of services than Speare. APD is part of Dartmouth Health, a larger healthcare system.

* **CMS Star Rating:** APD has a 4-star CMS rating. This indicates a higher level of overall quality compared to Speare.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** As with all hospitals, ER wait times vary. Checking the Dartmouth Health website or calling ahead is recommended.
* **Specialty Centers:** APD boasts a more extensive array of specialty centers, including cardiology, oncology, and women's health. Being part of a larger system allows for better access to specialized physicians and advanced treatments.
* **Telehealth Services:** APD, as part of Dartmouth Health, has a robust telehealth program. This provides convenient access to specialists and remote monitoring options.
* **Overall Assessment:** Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital offers a higher level of care than Speare, with a better CMS rating and a wider range of specialties. The longer travel time is a factor to consider.

**Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (Lebanon, NH):**

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon is the flagship hospital of Dartmouth Health and is approximately a 45-minute drive from Bristol. DHMC is a major regional medical center and a teaching hospital.

* **CMS Star Rating:** DHMC has a 4-star CMS rating.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** DHMC's ER typically experiences higher patient volumes, which can impact wait times. Checking the hospital's website or calling ahead is crucial.
* **Specialty Centers:** DHMC houses a comprehensive array of specialty centers, including advanced cancer care, heart and vascular care, and transplant services. Its status as a teaching hospital ensures access to the latest medical advancements.
* **Telehealth Services:** DHMC has a well-established telehealth program, offering a wide range of virtual consultations and remote monitoring options.
* **Overall Assessment:** DHMC provides the highest level of care in the region, with a wide range of specialties and advanced treatments. The longer travel time and potentially higher patient volumes are factors to consider.

**Other Considerations:**

**Accessibility and Travel:**

For residents of Bristol, travel time is a significant factor. While Speare Memorial Hospital is the closest, residents may need to travel to Lebanon for more specialized care. Weather conditions, particularly during winter, can further impact travel times and accessibility.

**Patient Experience and Reviews:**

Patient reviews and experiences are valuable indicators of a hospital's quality. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews provide insights into patient satisfaction, physician ratings, and overall hospital experiences. Reading these reviews can help patients make informed decisions.

**Financial Considerations:**

Healthcare costs can vary significantly between hospitals. Patients should inquire about insurance coverage, out-of-pocket expenses, and financial assistance programs before receiving care.

**Preventive Care:**

Access to preventive care services, such as routine checkups, screenings, and vaccinations, is essential for maintaining overall health. Residents should ensure that their chosen healthcare provider offers these services.

**Mental Health Services:**

Access to mental health services is crucial. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, should be considered when choosing a healthcare provider.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

For residents of Bristol, NH (ZIP code 03227), the "Overall Health Score" is influenced by the proximity and capabilities of the available hospitals.

* **Speare Memorial Hospital:** Offers convenient access to essential services, but with a lower CMS rating and fewer specialty options.
* **Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital:** Provides a higher level of care than Speare, with a better CMS rating and a wider range of specialties, but with a longer travel time.
* **Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center:** Represents the highest level of care in the region, with a comprehensive range of specialties and advanced treatments, but with a longer travel time and potentially higher patient volumes.

**Recommendations:**

* **For Routine Care:** Speare Memorial Hospital is a good option for primary care and routine medical needs.
* **For Specialized Care:** Consider Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital or Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for specialized treatments and services.
* **Telehealth:** Utilize telehealth services to access specialists and reduce the need for in-person visits, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations.
* **Research and Planning:** Research individual hospital websites, check CMS star ratings, and read patient reviews to make informed decisions. Consider travel time, insurance coverage, and the specific needs of the patient.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** In emergencies, call 911. Be aware of the closest hospitals and their estimated travel times.

The "Overall Health Score" for residents of Bristol, NH, reflects a trade-off between proximity and the level of care. Residents should carefully consider their individual healthcare needs and preferences when selecting a hospital or healthcare provider. The information provided in this review should serve as a starting point for making informed healthcare decisions.