03819, Danville, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 03819, Danville, New Hampshire is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Dover, NH (ZIP Code 03819)

Navigating healthcare can feel like charting unknown waters. For residents of Dover, New Hampshire (ZIP Code 03819), understanding the local hospital landscape is crucial. This review offers an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like quality ratings, wait times, specialized services, and telehealth offerings. This isn't a simple ranking, but a comprehensive look at the strengths and weaknesses of the primary healthcare providers in the area, helping you make informed decisions about your care.

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

Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (WDH), located directly within Dover, is the dominant healthcare provider for the 03819 ZIP code. It's a cornerstone of the community, and its performance significantly impacts the overall health score for the area. WDH is a 200-bed hospital, a member of the Mass General Brigham system, offering a broad range of services.

**CMS Star Rating:** WDH currently holds a 3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating, based on data submitted by the hospital, reflects performance across various categories, including mortality, safety of care, readmission rates, patient experience, and timely and effective care. While a 3-star rating indicates average performance, it's essential to delve deeper into specific areas to understand WDH's strengths and weaknesses. CMS ratings are updated periodically, so it's wise to check for the most current information.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:** ER wait times are a critical concern for many patients. WDH's ED, a busy hub, generally experiences wait times in line with national averages. Data from the CMS Hospital Compare website and other sources indicates that the average wait time to see a provider in the ED is around 30-45 minutes, with overall length of stay for discharged patients around 2-3 hours. These times can fluctuate depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of patient needs. It's always advisable to call ahead or check online resources for real-time wait time updates, particularly during peak hours.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** WDH boasts several specialized centers. The Seacoast Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer care, including radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology services. The hospital's Heart and Vascular Center offers a range of cardiac services, from diagnostic testing to interventional procedures. WDH also has a robust Women's Health Center, offering obstetrics, gynecology, and other women's health services. The hospital's Orthopedics Department is well-regarded, providing care for various musculoskeletal conditions.

**Telehealth Integration:** Telehealth has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery. WDH has expanded its telehealth offerings, particularly in the areas of behavioral health and follow-up appointments. Patients can access virtual consultations with specialists, reducing the need for in-person visits and improving access to care, especially for those in remote areas or with mobility issues. The hospital has been actively working to integrate telehealth into more service lines, expanding its reach.

**Beyond Dover: Exploring Regional Options**

While WDH is the primary provider, residents of 03819 have access to other hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, expanding their healthcare options.

**Portsmouth Regional Hospital (Portsmouth, NH):** Located approximately 15 miles from Dover, Portsmouth Regional Hospital is a major regional hospital, part of the HCA Healthcare network. It offers a broader range of specialized services than WDH, including a Level II Trauma Center, a comprehensive stroke center, and a dedicated pediatric emergency department.

**CMS Star Rating:** Portsmouth Regional Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS, similar to WDH.

**Emergency Department Performance:** Portsmouth Regional Hospital's ED is generally busier than WDH's, reflecting its role as a regional referral center. Wait times can be longer, often exceeding the national average, especially during peak hours. Real-time wait time information is available through online resources and hospital websites.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** Portsmouth Regional excels in areas like trauma care, cardiology, and neurosurgery. Its specialized centers include the Seacoast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center and the Portsmouth Regional Hospital Cancer Care Center. The hospital also has a dedicated maternity unit and a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

**Telehealth Integration:** Portsmouth Regional Hospital has also expanded its telehealth services, offering virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring. They have focused on integrating telehealth into areas like behavioral health, cardiology, and follow-up care.

**Exeter Hospital (Exeter, NH):** Situated about 10 miles from Dover, Exeter Hospital is another option for residents. It is part of the Exeter Health Resources network.

**CMS Star Rating:** Exeter Hospital has a 4-star rating from CMS, indicating a higher level of overall quality compared to WDH and Portsmouth Regional.

**Emergency Department Performance:** Exeter Hospital's ED typically experiences shorter wait times than Portsmouth Regional, but longer than WDH.

**Specialty Centers and Services:** Exeter Hospital offers a range of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. It has a comprehensive cancer center and a dedicated birthing center.

**Telehealth Integration:** Exeter Hospital has also invested in telehealth, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services.

**Other Considerations: Ambulatory Surgical Centers and Urgent Care**

Beyond hospitals, residents of 03819 have access to ambulatory surgical centers and urgent care clinics. These facilities provide convenient options for less complex medical needs.

**Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs):** These centers offer same-day surgical procedures, often at a lower cost than hospital-based surgeries. Several ASCs are located within driving distance of Dover, specializing in areas like ophthalmology, orthopedics, and gastroenterology.

**Urgent Care Clinics:** Urgent care clinics provide immediate care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Several urgent care clinics are located in and around Dover, offering convenient alternatives to the ED for conditions like colds, flu, minor cuts, and sprains.

**Overall Health Score Assessment for 03819**

The overall health score for residents of Dover, NH (03819) is positive, with a few caveats. The presence of a major hospital like Wentworth-Douglass within the community is a significant advantage, providing access to a wide range of services. The availability of regional hospitals like Portsmouth Regional and Exeter Hospital further expands healthcare options, particularly for specialized care.

**Strengths:**

* **Local Access:** WDH provides readily accessible healthcare services within the community.
* **Specialty Centers:** The presence of specialized centers for cancer care, cardiology, women's health, and orthopedics at WDH and regional hospitals.
* **Telehealth Expansion:** Increased availability of telehealth services, improving access to care.
* **Choice of Providers:** Multiple hospital options within a reasonable driving distance.
* **Urgent Care and ASCs:** Convenient options for less complex medical needs.

**Weaknesses:**

* **CMS Ratings:** The 3-star CMS ratings for WDH and Portsmouth Regional indicate areas for improvement in quality of care.
* **ER Wait Times:** ED wait times can be a concern, particularly at Portsmouth Regional.
* **Service Limitations:** Residents may need to travel to access highly specialized services not available locally.

**Recommendations:**

* **Research and Compare:** Before seeking care, research the specific services offered by each hospital and clinic to determine the best fit for your needs.
* **Check Wait Times:** Utilize online resources and hospital websites to check real-time ED wait times.
* **Explore Telehealth:** Consider using telehealth options for appropriate medical needs.
* **Advocate for Quality:** Stay informed about hospital quality ratings and advocate for improvements in healthcare services.
* **Consider Insurance:** Ensure your health insurance plan covers the hospitals and providers you choose.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape for residents of 03819 is generally favorable. While there are areas for improvement, the availability of a major hospital, regional options, and convenient urgent care and ambulatory surgical centers provides a solid foundation for quality healthcare. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare providers, residents can make informed decisions and proactively manage their health. This "Overall Health Score" assessment provides a starting point for that journey, encouraging residents to be active participants in their own well-being.