03263, Pittsfield, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 03263, Pittsfield, New Hampshire is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Meredith, NH (ZIP Code 03263)

The picturesque Lakes Region of New Hampshire, encompassing the ZIP code 03263 (Meredith), boasts a relatively rural healthcare landscape. Residents, however, are not entirely isolated. Access to quality medical care involves a blend of local options and regional hubs, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like hospital quality, emergency room wait times, specialized services, and telehealth availability, offering a comprehensive picture for residents seeking the best care.

**Local Options: A Foundation of Care**

Within a reasonable driving distance of Meredith, several hospitals serve as primary care providers and offer essential services. These local facilities form the foundation of healthcare access for the community.

**Lakes Region General Hospital (LRGH), Laconia, NH:** Located approximately 15 minutes south of Meredith, LRGH is a crucial healthcare provider for the region. LRGH is part of the Dartmouth Health system, a large integrated healthcare network. As of the latest available data, LRGH has a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality metrics, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While not the highest rating, it indicates a generally acceptable level of care.

LRGH's emergency room (ER) wait times are a critical consideration. While specific real-time data fluctuates, it's advisable to check online resources like ERWaitTimes.com or the hospital's website for the most up-to-date information. Generally, expect wait times to be typical for a community hospital, potentially longer during peak hours or periods of high patient volume. LRGH offers a range of services, including general surgery, cardiology, and orthopedics. It also has a labor and delivery unit, catering to the needs of expectant mothers in the area.

**Speare Memorial Hospital, Plymouth, NH:** Situated about 30 minutes northwest of Meredith, Speare Memorial Hospital serves a different segment of the Lakes Region. Speare Memorial Hospital is also part of the Dartmouth Health system. Speare Memorial Hospital’s CMS star rating is 3 stars, similar to LRGH. This indicates a comparable level of quality based on CMS standards.

Speare Memorial Hospital's ER wait times should be checked on the same resources mentioned above. The hospital offers a range of services, including primary care, surgical services, and rehabilitation. Its proximity to Plymouth State University may also influence its patient demographics and the specific needs it addresses.

**Regional Hubs: Expanding Access to Specialized Care**

For more complex medical needs, residents often turn to larger hospitals located within a reasonable driving distance. These regional hubs offer specialized services and advanced technologies not always available at smaller community hospitals.

**Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC), Lebanon, NH:** Located approximately an hour west of Meredith, DHMC is the flagship hospital of the Dartmouth Health system. DHMC is a large, tertiary care center and a major teaching hospital. DHMC consistently receives high ratings from CMS, often achieving a 4- or 5-star rating. This reflects a commitment to high-quality care and positive patient outcomes.

DHMC's ER is a busy facility, and wait times can vary significantly. It's crucial to check online resources for real-time updates. DHMC offers a comprehensive array of specialty services, including advanced cardiology, oncology, neurology, and transplant services. It is also a major research institution, providing access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials. DHMC's comprehensive cancer center and heart and vascular center are particularly noteworthy.

**Catholic Medical Center (CMC), Manchester, NH:** Situated approximately an hour and a half south of Meredith, CMC is another significant regional hospital. CMC is part of the GraniteOne Health system. CMC has a 4-star rating from CMS. This indicates a high level of quality and patient satisfaction.

CMC's ER wait times can vary. CMC offers a wide range of specialty services, including a robust cardiology program, a comprehensive stroke center, and a well-regarded maternity unit. CMC is also known for its advanced surgical capabilities and its focus on patient-centered care.

**Specialty Centers: Addressing Specific Needs**

Beyond the general services offered by hospitals, specialized centers cater to specific medical needs. These centers often provide a higher level of expertise and dedicated resources.

**Cardiology:** Both DHMC and CMC have strong cardiology programs, offering comprehensive cardiac care, including interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, and cardiac surgery. LRGH also has a cardiology program, and offers cardiology services through Dartmouth Health.

**Oncology:** DHMC has a comprehensive cancer center, providing advanced cancer treatment, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology. CMC also offers oncology services, providing a range of treatments and support services for cancer patients.

**Orthopedics:** Both LRGH and DHMC offer orthopedic services, including joint replacement, sports medicine, and fracture care. DHMC's orthopedic department is particularly well-regarded.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access Remotely**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. It allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists.

**Dartmouth Health's Telehealth Initiatives:** Dartmouth Health, including LRGH and DHMC, has invested heavily in telehealth. They offer virtual visits for a wide range of specialties, including primary care, mental health, and cardiology. This is a significant advantage for residents of Meredith and the surrounding areas.

**Other Telehealth Options:** Patients can also access telehealth services through private providers and national telehealth platforms. These options can provide additional choices and flexibility.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Consideration**

ER wait times are a crucial factor in assessing healthcare access. Longer wait times can indicate overcrowding, staffing shortages, or other operational challenges. It's essential to check real-time data online before heading to the ER.

**Factors Influencing Wait Times:** Wait times are influenced by several factors, including the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of patient illnesses. Emergency departments often prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition.

**Resources for Checking Wait Times:** Websites like ERWaitTimes.com and hospital websites provide real-time or estimated wait times. Calling the hospital's ER can also provide information.

**Overall Health Score Considerations**

**Quality of Care:** CMS star ratings are a valuable indicator of hospital quality. However, they should be considered alongside other factors, such as patient reviews and the availability of specialized services.

**Access to Care:** Proximity to hospitals, ER wait times, and telehealth availability all impact access to care. Residents of Meredith benefit from having both local and regional options.

**Specialty Services:** The availability of specialized services is crucial for patients with complex medical needs. The proximity to DHMC and CMC provides access to a wide range of specialists.

**Patient Experience:** Patient reviews and satisfaction scores can provide valuable insights into the overall patient experience. These factors are not always reflected in CMS ratings but are important considerations.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

Residents of Meredith, NH (ZIP code 03263) have access to a healthcare system that balances local convenience with regional specialization. LRGH and Speare Memorial Hospital provide essential primary care and emergency services. DHMC and CMC offer access to a wider range of specialists and advanced treatments. Telehealth initiatives are expanding access to care remotely.

**Overall Health Score:**

Based on the factors discussed, the overall health score for residents of Meredith, NH, is considered good, with room for improvement. The presence of both local and regional hospital options provides a strong foundation for care. The availability of telehealth services further enhances access. However, ER wait times and the need to travel for specialized care remain challenges. Residents should carefully consider their individual healthcare needs and preferences when choosing a provider. Staying informed about hospital quality ratings, ER wait times, and telehealth options is crucial for making informed decisions about their healthcare.