03818, Conway, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 03818, Conway, New Hampshire is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Dover, NH (ZIP Code 03818)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near Dover, New Hampshire (ZIP code 03818), considering factors crucial to patient well-being, including quality of care, accessibility, and specialized services. This is not a ranking, but a comprehensive overview to aid informed decision-making.

**Understanding the Landscape:**

The healthcare landscape near Dover is primarily shaped by two major players: Wentworth-Douglass Hospital and Frisbie Memorial Hospital. Both offer a range of services, but their strengths and weaknesses differ. Proximity to Boston and Portland, Maine, provides access to tertiary care centers, but this can come with longer travel times.

**Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (Dover, NH):**

Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (WDH), part of the Mass General Brigham system, is a significant presence in the region. It holds a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a testament to its performance across various quality metrics. This rating, while not perfect, indicates above-average performance compared to other hospitals nationwide.

WDH's Emergency Department (ED) is a critical access point. While specific publicly available wait times fluctuate, the hospital strives to provide timely care. Patients should be aware that wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of presenting conditions. WDH is actively working on improving ED efficiency.

WDH boasts several specialized centers. The Seacoast Cancer Center offers comprehensive cancer care, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and support services. The hospital's heart and vascular center provides advanced cardiac care, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. WDH also features a robust maternity program.

Telehealth is increasingly integrated into WDH's services. The hospital offers telehealth consultations for various specialties, enhancing access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The utilization rate of telehealth services is growing, reflecting a shift towards virtual care delivery.

**Frisbie Memorial Hospital (Rochester, NH):**

Frisbie Memorial Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare, is another key provider in the region. While CMS star ratings are not publicly available for Frisbie, the hospital's performance can be assessed through other metrics and patient reviews.

Frisbie's ED is a vital resource for the community. Emergency room wait times, like at WDH, are subject to variability. The hospital is committed to providing prompt and efficient emergency care.

Frisbie offers a range of specialized services. The hospital has a dedicated surgical center, offering various surgical procedures. Frisbie also provides services in areas such as orthopedics, women's health, and behavioral health.

Telehealth services are also available at Frisbie. The hospital utilizes telehealth platforms to provide remote consultations and follow-up care, improving access to specialists and expanding its reach.

**Access to Tertiary Care:**

Residents near Dover have access to tertiary care centers in Boston and Portland. These hospitals offer specialized services not always available locally.

Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston) is a renowned academic medical center, known for its cutting-edge research and complex medical treatments. Patients may need to travel for specialized care in areas such as neurosurgery, transplant services, and advanced cancer treatments.

Maine Medical Center (Portland, ME) is another option for specialized care. It offers a wide range of advanced medical services, including trauma care, cardiology, and cancer treatment.

**Other Considerations:**

Beyond the flagship hospitals, several other factors influence the "Overall Health Score" for the region:

* **Primary Care Physician Availability:** Access to primary care physicians is crucial for preventive care and chronic disease management. The availability of primary care providers can impact the overall health of the community.
* **Mental Health Services:** The availability and accessibility of mental health services are critical. This includes access to psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups.
* **Substance Use Disorder Treatment:** The availability of treatment programs for substance use disorders is essential.
* **Community Health Initiatives:** Local health initiatives and programs can contribute to the overall health of the community.
* **Insurance Coverage:** The type of insurance coverage can significantly impact access to care.
* **Transportation:** Transportation options can affect access to healthcare services, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles or those living in rural areas.

**Specific Metrics and Data Points:**

* **Wentworth-Douglass Hospital:** CMS Star Rating: 4 stars. ED Wait Times: Variable, check real-time data on hospital websites. Telehealth Availability: Yes, for various specialties. Cancer Center: Seacoast Cancer Center. Cardiac Care: Heart and Vascular Center. Maternity Services: Robust program.
* **Frisbie Memorial Hospital:** CMS Star Rating: Not available. ED Wait Times: Variable, check real-time data on hospital websites. Telehealth Availability: Yes, for various specialties. Surgical Center: Dedicated surgical center. Orthopedics: Services available. Women's Health: Services available. Behavioral Health: Services available.
* **Boston Hospitals:** Access to Mass General Hospital (Boston) for specialized care.
* **Portland Hospitals:** Access to Maine Medical Center (Portland, ME) for specialized care.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

The "Overall Health Score" for the Dover area is strong, with access to two major hospitals offering a range of services. Wentworth-Douglass Hospital's 4-star CMS rating indicates a commitment to quality. The proximity to Boston and Portland provides access to tertiary care centers. However, patients should be aware of potential ED wait times and the need for travel for specialized care. The ongoing development of telehealth services is a positive trend.

**Recommendations:**

* **Research and Compare:** Patients should research both Wentworth-Douglass Hospital and Frisbie Memorial Hospital to determine which best meets their needs.
* **Check ED Wait Times:** Patients needing emergency care should check real-time ED wait times on hospital websites or through other available resources.
* **Consider Telehealth:** Explore telehealth options for convenient access to care.
* **Discuss Concerns:** Discuss any concerns about healthcare access or quality with a primary care physician.
* **Stay Informed:** Stay informed about local health initiatives and community resources.

This review provides a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape near Dover, NH (03818). Patients should use this information to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.