03824, Durham, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 03824, Durham, New Hampshire is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Dover, NH (ZIP Code 03824)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can feel daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the Dover, New Hampshire (ZIP code 03824) area, considering factors like quality of care, accessibility, and patient experience. This isn't a simple ranking, but a comprehensive look at the strengths and weaknesses of each facility, empowering you to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.

**Understanding the Score:**

The "Overall Health Score" is a composite assessment, drawing on data from various sources, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star ratings, publicly available hospital data, and information on specialty services and telehealth offerings. It's important to remember that this is a snapshot in time, and healthcare landscapes can change. Always verify information directly with the hospital and consult with your physician for personalized medical advice.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance:**

The primary hospital serving the Dover area is **Wentworth-Douglass Hospital**, located in nearby Dover. It's a significant regional provider, and its performance warrants a close look.

**Wentworth-Douglass Hospital:**

Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (WDH) currently holds a **4-star rating from CMS**. This rating reflects a generally good performance in areas like patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. However, it's crucial to delve deeper than the star rating.

**Emergency Department (ED) Performance:** WDH's ED is a critical access point for the community. While specific wait times fluctuate, publicly available data suggests that average wait times are generally in line with or slightly better than national averages. However, it's essential to be aware that wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of the presenting cases. Patients with life-threatening conditions are, of course, prioritized.

**Specialty Services:** WDH offers a broad range of specialty services, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital has a well-regarded cardiac program, and its cancer center provides comprehensive care. The hospital also has a strong focus on robotic surgery, offering minimally invasive options for various procedures.

**Telehealth:** Telehealth is increasingly important, and WDH has expanded its telehealth offerings, particularly in areas like behavioral health and follow-up appointments. This can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility challenges. Specific telehealth availability will vary by specialty, so confirming options directly with the hospital is recommended.

**Other Considerations for Wentworth-Douglass Hospital:**

* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction scores are a key indicator of quality. Reviewing patient feedback on websites like Healthgrades and Vitals can provide insights into the patient experience at WDH. Look for trends in areas like communication with doctors, nursing care, and overall satisfaction.
* **Community Involvement:** WDH is actively involved in the Dover community, offering health education programs and screenings. This commitment to community health is a positive indicator.
* **Accreditation:** Verify that WDH maintains accreditation from reputable organizations like The Joint Commission, which ensures adherence to high standards of care.

**Other Hospitals in the Region:**

While Wentworth-Douglass Hospital is the primary provider, residents of the 03824 ZIP code may also access care at hospitals in surrounding areas. The following are some key considerations:

**Portsmouth Regional Hospital (Portsmouth, NH):**

Located a short drive from Dover, Portsmouth Regional Hospital (PRH) is another significant healthcare provider. PRH is a **5-star rated hospital by CMS**, indicating a higher level of overall performance compared to WDH.

**Emergency Department Performance:** PRH's ED is known for its efficiency. However, wait times can fluctuate, and it's always advisable to check current wait times on hospital websites or through online tools.

**Specialty Services:** PRH offers a comprehensive range of services, including a Level II Trauma Center, a comprehensive stroke center, and specialized programs in areas like cardiology, neurosurgery, and women's health.

**Telehealth:** PRH has also invested in telehealth, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring options.

**Important Considerations for Portsmouth Regional Hospital:**

* **Proximity:** While PRH offers excellent care, the distance from Dover may be a factor for some patients, especially in emergencies.
* **Specialized Expertise:** PRH's specialized centers, like its trauma center, may be particularly advantageous for certain conditions.
* **Patient Feedback:** Review patient satisfaction scores to understand the patient experience at PRH.

**Exeter Hospital (Exeter, NH):**

Exeter Hospital, located further south, is another option for residents of the 03824 area.

**Emergency Department Performance:** Exeter Hospital’s ED is a critical resource, and its performance should be evaluated based on wait times and patient feedback.

**Specialty Services:** Exeter Hospital offers a range of services, and it's important to determine if its specialties align with your needs.

**Telehealth:** Exeter Hospital also offers telehealth services.

**Important Considerations for Exeter Hospital:**

* **Travel Time:** The distance from Dover to Exeter should be factored into your decision-making process.
* **Specific Needs:** Assess whether Exeter Hospital's specialty services match your healthcare requirements.

**Assessing ER Wait Times and Accessibility:**

ER wait times are a crucial factor, especially in urgent situations. Websites like ERWaitTimes.com and individual hospital websites often provide real-time or estimated wait times. However, remember that these are estimates, and actual wait times can vary. Consider factors like:

* **Time of Day:** EDs are often busiest during evenings and weekends.
* **Day of the Week:** Weekends and holidays can see higher patient volumes.
* **Severity of Condition:** Patients with life-threatening conditions are always prioritized.

**Accessibility:**

Accessibility encompasses more than just physical location. Consider factors like:

* **Transportation:** How easy is it to get to the hospital, especially if you don't drive?
* **Insurance Coverage:** Does the hospital accept your insurance plan?
* **Language Services:** Does the hospital offer services for non-English speakers?
* **Patient Portals:** Does the hospital offer a patient portal for easy access to medical records and communication with providers?

**Telehealth: A Growing Trend:**

Telehealth is transforming healthcare delivery. Hospitals near Dover are increasingly offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services. Benefits include:

* **Convenience:** Access care from the comfort of your home.
* **Reduced Travel:** Eliminate the need to travel to the hospital.
* **Improved Access:** Access specialists and services that may not be readily available locally.

However, telehealth isn't suitable for all conditions. Consult with your doctor to determine if telehealth is right for you.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

Based on the available data, the hospitals near Dover, NH (ZIP code 03824) offer a range of healthcare options. **Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (4-star CMS rating) provides a comprehensive array of services and is a key provider for the community.** **Portsmouth Regional Hospital (5-star CMS rating) offers a higher overall rating and specialized services, but is further away.** **Exeter Hospital also provides care and should be considered based on individual needs and proximity.**

**Key Recommendations:**

* **Research:** Thoroughly research each hospital's services, specialties, and patient reviews.
* **Consider Your Needs:** Choose a hospital that best meets your specific healthcare needs.
* **Consult Your Doctor:** Discuss your options with your primary care physician for personalized recommendations.
* **Verify Information:** Always confirm information directly with the hospital, especially regarding wait times and telehealth availability.
* **Stay Informed:** Healthcare landscapes change. Stay updated on hospital performance and service offerings.

This "Overall Health Score" review provides a starting point for your healthcare decision-making process. By considering the factors discussed, you can make informed choices that prioritize your health and well-being.