The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 03586, Sugar Hill, New Hampshire is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
Health Scores in 03586, Sugar Hill, New Hampshire
Overall Health Score | 91 |
---|---|
People Score | 94 |
Provider Score | 68 |
Hospital Score | 44 |
Travel Score | 58 |
## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 03586 (Whitefield, NH)
The search for quality healthcare often begins with proximity. For residents of Whitefield, New Hampshire (ZIP code 03586), access to timely and effective medical services is crucial. This review assesses the overall health landscape near 03586, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and the availability of specialized care. Given the rural nature of the region, the scope of this review extends to hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, acknowledging the potential need for travel.
**The Landscape: Limited Options, High Stakes**
Whitefield, nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, presents a unique healthcare challenge. The area is characterized by a relatively small population and a geographic isolation that impacts access to specialized medical facilities. The primary hospitals serving this region are a mix of critical access hospitals (CAHs) and larger regional facilities. The limited number of options underscores the importance of understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each.
**Key Players: Analyzing the Hospitals**
**1. Littleton Regional Healthcare (Littleton, NH):** Located approximately 15 minutes from Whitefield, Littleton Regional Healthcare (LRH) is a critical access hospital, meaning it's designed to provide essential services to rural communities. LRH is a vital component of the healthcare ecosystem for 03586 residents.
* **CMS Star Rating:** LRH currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating is based on a composite score reflecting quality of care, patient safety, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it's essential to delve deeper into specific metrics.
* **Emergency Department:** ER wait times are a crucial factor for rural populations. LRH's ER wait times should be monitored, as extended waits can be a significant concern. Access to emergency services is critical in a region with potential for accidents and outdoor-related injuries.
* **Specialty Services:** LRH provides a range of services, including general surgery, orthopedics, and cardiology. The availability of these specialties is critical, reducing the need for travel to larger facilities for common medical needs.
* **Telehealth:** Telehealth services are increasingly important in rural areas. LRH's telehealth offerings, including access to specialists via video consultations, can bridge geographical gaps and improve access to care. Details on the types of telehealth services offered and their utilization rates are essential.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores, often gathered through surveys, provide insights into the patient experience. Reviewing these scores, particularly regarding communication, responsiveness, and overall care, is crucial.
**2. Androscoggin Valley Hospital (Berlin, NH):** Situated approximately 30 minutes from Whitefield, Androscoggin Valley Hospital (AVH) is another key player in the regional healthcare network. As a critical access hospital, it shares similar characteristics with LRH, but with its own strengths and challenges.
* **CMS Star Rating:** AVH’s CMS star rating is an important indicator of quality. The current rating, and its trend over time, provides insight into the hospital’s performance.
* **Emergency Department:** ER wait times at AVH are a critical consideration. The hospital's ability to efficiently handle emergency cases is a key factor in its value to the community.
* **Specialty Services:** AVH’s range of specialty services, including its capacity for surgery, cardiology, and other areas, directly impacts the healthcare options available to residents of 03586.
* **Telehealth:** The availability and scope of telehealth services at AVH are vital, particularly for residents in a rural area. Details on the types of telehealth services offered and their utilization rates are essential.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores are essential. These scores offer valuable insights into the patient experience, including communication, responsiveness, and overall care.
**3. Weeks Medical Center (Lancaster, NH):** Located about 20 minutes from Whitefield, Weeks Medical Center is another critical access hospital. It is a vital part of the healthcare network for the region.
* **CMS Star Rating:** Weeks Medical Center's CMS star rating is a crucial indicator of quality. The current rating, and its trend over time, provides insight into the hospital’s performance.
* **Emergency Department:** ER wait times at Weeks Medical Center are a critical consideration. The hospital's ability to efficiently handle emergency cases is a key factor in its value to the community.
* **Specialty Services:** Weeks Medical Center’s range of specialty services, including its capacity for surgery, cardiology, and other areas, directly impacts the healthcare options available to residents of 03586.
* **Telehealth:** The availability and scope of telehealth services at Weeks Medical Center are vital, particularly for residents in a rural area. Details on the types of telehealth services offered and their utilization rates are essential.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores are essential. These scores offer valuable insights into the patient experience, including communication, responsiveness, and overall care.
**4. Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (Lebanon, NH):** Although further afield (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours), Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, NH, is a flagship hospital and a major referral center for the region. For complex cases and specialized care, residents of 03586 may need to travel to DHMC.
* **CMS Star Rating:** DHMC's CMS star rating is a significant indicator of quality. Being a large teaching hospital, its performance metrics are closely scrutinized.
* **Specialty Centers:** DHMC boasts a wide array of specialty centers, including cancer centers, heart centers, and neurology centers. The availability of these specialized services is crucial for patients with complex medical needs.
* **ER Wait Times:** While DHMC is a major referral center, ER wait times can be a concern due to its high patient volume.
* **Telehealth:** DHMC has a robust telehealth program, offering consultations and remote monitoring services. This is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas who may need access to specialists.
* **Accessibility:** The distance to DHMC is a significant factor. The availability of transportation options and the ability to navigate the healthcare system are crucial considerations for patients.
**5. Other Considerations: Physician Availability and Community Health**
Beyond hospital-specific factors, the availability of primary care physicians and specialists in the immediate vicinity of 03586 is crucial. The number of physicians per capita, the types of specialties available, and the ease of scheduling appointments all impact access to care.
Community health initiatives, such as public health programs and preventative care services, also play a vital role in the overall health of the population. Access to these resources, along with information about local health trends, is a key part of the health landscape.
**Assessing the Overall Health Score: Key Metrics and Considerations**
Determining an "Overall Health Score" is complex and requires a nuanced approach. The following factors are critical:
* **Hospital Quality:** CMS star ratings, infection rates, patient safety metrics, and mortality rates are all essential indicators of hospital quality.
* **Accessibility:** ER wait times, travel distances, and the availability of transportation options significantly impact access to care.
* **Specialty Services:** The availability of specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics, reduces the need for patients to travel long distances.
* **Telehealth:** The availability and utilization of telehealth services can bridge geographical gaps and improve access to care.
* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction scores and feedback provide insights into the patient experience and the quality of care.
* **Physician Availability:** The number of primary care physicians and specialists in the area impacts access to care.
* **Community Health:** Public health programs, preventative care services, and local health trends influence the overall health of the population.
**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape in 03586**
Residents of Whitefield, NH (03586) face a unique healthcare landscape characterized by limited options and geographical challenges. While the critical access hospitals in the area provide essential services, residents may need to travel to larger facilities like Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for specialized care. The overall health score for the region is influenced by a combination of factors, including hospital quality, accessibility, the availability of specialty services, and the strength of community health initiatives. Individuals should carefully consider their healthcare needs, research the available options, and proactively engage with their healthcare providers to ensure they receive the best possible care. The ongoing monitoring of hospital performance, ER wait times, and the expansion of telehealth services will be crucial in improving the overall health of the community.
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