03452, Jaffrey, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 03452, Jaffrey, New Hampshire is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Peterborough, NH (ZIP Code 03452)

Navigating healthcare can feel like traversing a complex maze. For residents of Peterborough, New Hampshire (ZIP code 03452), access to quality medical care is a critical consideration. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of the hospitals within a reasonable radius, considering factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth availability. The goal is to offer a clear, fact-based perspective to help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Defining the Scope: Proximity and Accessibility**

Given Peterborough's location, the primary hospitals serving the area are located in Keene, NH, and Nashua, NH, with Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, also being a significant regional provider. This review will focus on these institutions, acknowledging that smaller clinics and urgent care centers offer additional options for immediate care. Accessibility is a key factor, and travel times, especially in New England's often challenging weather conditions, are an important consideration.

**Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (Lebanon, NH): A Regional Powerhouse**

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC), located approximately an hour's drive from Peterborough, is a major tertiary care center and the flagship hospital of the Dartmouth Health system. DHMC holds a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects its performance across various quality measures, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience.

DHMC boasts a comprehensive range of specialty centers. These include the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, offering advanced cancer treatment and research. The hospital also houses specialized centers for cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, and women's health. This breadth of services means that residents can access a wide array of medical expertise without necessarily traveling to larger metropolitan areas.

Telehealth is a significant component of DHMC's service offerings. The hospital has invested heavily in telehealth infrastructure, providing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists for patients in rural areas. This is particularly relevant for Peterborough residents, who may benefit from remote access to specialists or follow-up appointments, reducing the need for travel. While specific telehealth usage statistics for Peterborough residents are not readily available, the overall system-wide utilization demonstrates a commitment to this technology.

ER wait times at DHMC fluctuate, but the hospital strives to meet national benchmarks. Publicly available data often shows wait times that are competitive with other regional hospitals, with a focus on efficient triage and treatment protocols. Patients can access real-time wait time information through the hospital's website or through third-party platforms, allowing them to make informed decisions about their care.

**Cheshire Medical Center (Keene, NH): A Community-Focused Hub**

Cheshire Medical Center, located in Keene, NH, approximately a 30-minute drive from Peterborough, serves as a crucial community hospital for the region. It is part of the Dartmouth Health system, providing a seamless continuum of care for patients who may need to be transferred to DHMC for more specialized treatments. Cheshire Medical Center holds a 3-star CMS rating.

Cheshire Medical Center offers a range of core services, including a well-equipped emergency department, surgical services, and a comprehensive primary care network. It has a strong focus on preventative care and chronic disease management, which are vital for maintaining the health of the local population.

The hospital has a dedicated cancer center, providing oncology services and treatment close to home. It also offers specialized services in areas like cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. This means that many common medical needs can be addressed locally, reducing the need for travel to larger medical centers.

Cheshire Medical Center has expanded its telehealth capabilities, offering virtual visits and remote monitoring options. This allows patients to connect with their providers from the comfort of their homes, especially useful for follow-up appointments or managing chronic conditions. Telehealth utilization data specific to Peterborough residents is not available, but the hospital's commitment to telehealth reflects a broader trend of embracing technology to improve patient access and convenience.

ER wait times at Cheshire Medical Center are generally competitive with other regional hospitals. The hospital strives to provide timely care, and its emergency department is well-equipped to handle a variety of medical emergencies. Real-time wait time information is often available online, enabling patients to make informed decisions about their care.

**Southern New Hampshire Medical Center (Nashua, NH): A Suburban Option**

Southern New Hampshire Medical Center (SNHMC), located in Nashua, NH, approximately a 1-hour and 15-minute drive from Peterborough, provides a suburban hospital option. SNHMC does not have a CMS star rating.

SNHMC offers a full range of services, including a busy emergency department, surgical suites, and a comprehensive network of specialists. It is a large, modern facility with a focus on providing high-quality care to the surrounding communities.

SNHMC has specialized centers for cardiology, cancer care, and women's health. The hospital also offers a wide range of other specialty services, making it a convenient option for residents seeking specialized medical care.

Telehealth is an important component of SNHMC's service offerings. The hospital has invested in telehealth infrastructure, providing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists for patients. This is particularly relevant for Peterborough residents, who may benefit from remote access to specialists or follow-up appointments, reducing the need for travel. While specific telehealth usage statistics for Peterborough residents are not readily available, the overall system-wide utilization demonstrates a commitment to this technology.

ER wait times at SNHMC fluctuate, but the hospital strives to meet national benchmarks. Publicly available data often shows wait times that are competitive with other regional hospitals, with a focus on efficient triage and treatment protocols. Patients can access real-time wait time information through the hospital's website or through third-party platforms, allowing them to make informed decisions about their care.

**Other Considerations: Smaller Clinics and Urgent Care**

In addition to the major hospitals, residents of Peterborough have access to smaller clinics and urgent care centers in the surrounding area. These facilities can provide immediate care for minor illnesses and injuries, as well as routine medical services. While these facilities may not offer the same level of specialized care as the larger hospitals, they can be a convenient option for many healthcare needs.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

For residents of Peterborough, NH (ZIP code 03452), the "Overall Health Score" reflects a landscape of solid healthcare options.

* **Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (Lebanon, NH):** Offers a high-quality, comprehensive range of services, backed by a 4-star CMS rating, and a strong telehealth program. The distance is a factor, but the specialized care available makes it a valuable resource.

* **Cheshire Medical Center (Keene, NH):** Provides a convenient, community-focused option with a 3-star CMS rating. It offers a good balance of core services and specialty care, with a growing telehealth presence.

* **Southern New Hampshire Medical Center (Nashua, NH):** Provides a suburban option with a full range of services.

The choice of hospital will depend on individual needs and preferences. Factors such as the severity of the medical condition, the availability of specialized services, and the patient's preferred location will all play a role in the decision-making process. Residents should research their options, consider their individual healthcare needs, and consult with their primary care physicians to determine the best course of action.