03450, Harrisville, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 03450, Harrisville, New Hampshire is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Peterborough, NH (ZIP Code 03450)

This review assesses the healthcare landscape surrounding Peterborough, New Hampshire (ZIP code 03450), providing an "Overall Health Score" based on a comprehensive analysis of hospital performance, accessibility, and available services. The evaluation considers factors crucial to patient well-being, including quality of care, emergency services, specialized treatments, and the integration of telehealth. Data is drawn from publicly available sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital websites, and other reputable healthcare databases.

**The Landscape:**

Peterborough, nestled in the Monadnock Region, is primarily served by a network of hospitals and healthcare providers within a reasonable driving distance. The closest major hospitals offer a range of services, but residents may also travel further afield to access specialized care. The availability of primary care physicians and specialists, while not directly assessed in this review, significantly impacts the overall health of the community.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The cornerstone of this assessment is the evaluation of flagship hospitals, focusing on their CMS star ratings. These ratings, based on a five-star scale, offer a standardized measure of hospital quality, encompassing patient experience, safety, and effectiveness of care.

**Monadnock Community Hospital (Peterborough, NH):** Located directly in Peterborough, Monadnock Community Hospital is a critical access hospital. While it doesn't receive a CMS star rating due to its critical access designation (which uses a different evaluation system), it plays a vital role in providing essential healthcare services to the local community. This includes emergency care, inpatient services, and a range of outpatient clinics. Its proximity is a significant advantage for residents needing immediate medical attention.

**Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (Lebanon, NH):** Approximately an hour's drive from Peterborough, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) is a major tertiary care center and a highly regarded teaching hospital. DHMC consistently receives high marks for quality and patient safety. DHMC has earned a 4-star CMS rating, reflecting its commitment to providing high-quality care. DHMC offers a comprehensive range of specialties, including advanced cardiac care, cancer treatment, and complex surgical procedures. Its extensive network of specialists and state-of-the-art facilities make it a regional referral center.

**Cheshire Medical Center (Keene, NH):** Located about a 30-minute drive from Peterborough, Cheshire Medical Center is a regional hospital affiliated with Dartmouth Health. Cheshire Medical Center has earned a 4-star CMS rating, reflecting its commitment to providing high-quality care. It offers a wide array of services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, and specialized programs.

**Emergency Room Performance:**

Emergency room (ER) wait times are a crucial indicator of accessibility and efficiency. Shorter wait times generally correlate with better patient outcomes.

**Monadnock Community Hospital:** As a critical access hospital, Monadnock Community Hospital is designed to provide immediate care. While specific publicly available data on ER wait times is limited, its role as a local provider suggests a potentially shorter wait time compared to larger, busier hospitals.

**Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center:** DHMC, as a major referral center, can experience longer ER wait times, particularly during peak hours. Data from CMS and other sources suggests that wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the patient's condition. It's advisable to check real-time wait time information, which is often available on the hospital's website or through third-party apps, before heading to the ER.

**Cheshire Medical Center:** Cheshire Medical Center's ER performance is generally considered strong. Wait times are often shorter than those at larger tertiary centers.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

The availability of specialized care is a key determinant of the overall health score. This includes centers for cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and other specialized areas.

**Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center:** DHMC boasts a comprehensive array of specialty centers. Its Heart and Vascular Center offers advanced cardiac care, including interventional procedures and cardiac surgery. The Norris Cotton Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer treatment, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology. The hospital's orthopedic department is renowned for its expertise in joint replacement and sports medicine.

**Cheshire Medical Center:** Cheshire Medical Center offers a range of specialized services, including cardiology, cancer care, and orthopedic services. While it may not have the same breadth of specialized programs as DHMC, it provides essential services for the region.

**Monadnock Community Hospital:** While Monadnock Community Hospital provides essential services, its specialty offerings are more limited. Patients needing highly specialized care are typically referred to DHMC or other regional centers.

**Telehealth Integration:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas, to improve access to care. The extent of telehealth integration reflects a hospital's commitment to innovation and patient convenience.

**Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center:** DHMC is a leader in telehealth, offering a wide range of virtual care options, including virtual visits with specialists, remote patient monitoring, and chronic disease management programs. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas who may have difficulty traveling long distances for appointments.

**Cheshire Medical Center:** Cheshire Medical Center has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This allows patients to access care from the comfort of their homes.

**Monadnock Community Hospital:** Monadnock Community Hospital is expanding its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas who may have difficulty traveling long distances for appointments.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient experience is a crucial aspect of overall health. CMS collects data on patient satisfaction through the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. This data provides valuable insights into how patients perceive their care.

**Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center:** DHMC generally receives positive feedback on patient experience, with high ratings for communication, responsiveness, and overall care.

**Cheshire Medical Center:** Cheshire Medical Center consistently receives high ratings for patient experience, reflecting its commitment to patient-centered care.

**Monadnock Community Hospital:** While specific HCAHPS data is not readily available, the hospital's local presence and focus on community care suggest a strong emphasis on patient satisfaction.

**Accessibility and Transportation:**

Accessibility is a critical factor, especially in a rural area like Peterborough. The availability of public transportation, the distance to hospitals, and the ease of navigating the healthcare system all influence the overall health score.

**Peterborough:** The town itself is relatively accessible, but transportation to larger hospitals like DHMC can be a challenge for some residents, particularly those without personal vehicles.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

Based on the factors analyzed, the "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP code 03450 is as follows:

* **Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center:** Receives a high score due to its 4-star CMS rating, comprehensive specialty services, leadership in telehealth, and strong patient experience. The longer travel time and potential for longer ER wait times are the main drawbacks.
* **Cheshire Medical Center:** Earns a solid score, benefiting from its 4-star CMS rating, its proximity to Peterborough, and its good patient experience.
* **Monadnock Community Hospital:** Plays a vital role in providing local access to essential services. Its proximity to Peterborough is a significant advantage. However, its more limited specialty offerings and lack of a CMS star rating affect its overall score.

**Recommendations:**

Residents of the Peterborough area should consider the following when choosing healthcare providers:

* **For Emergency Care:** Monadnock Community Hospital is the closest option. However, for more complex emergencies, DHMC or Cheshire Medical Center may be preferable.
* **For Specialty Care:** DHMC offers the most comprehensive range of specialized services.
* **For Telehealth:** DHMC is a leader in telehealth, offering convenient virtual care options.
* **Consider Travel Time:** Factor in travel time when choosing a hospital, especially for routine appointments or less urgent conditions.
* **Utilize Online Resources:** Check hospital websites and other online resources for real-time ER wait times and other important information.

This "Overall Health Score" provides a valuable framework for understanding the healthcare landscape surrounding Peterborough, NH. By considering the factors outlined in this review, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and access the best possible care. The healthcare landscape is dynamic, and it is recommended that individuals continually seek the most up-to-date information from their healthcare providers.