03845, Intervale, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 03845, Intervale, New Hampshire is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Rochester, NH (ZIP Code 03845)

Navigating healthcare can feel like charting unknown waters. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals readily accessible to residents near Rochester, New Hampshire (ZIP code 03845), offering a snapshot of their strengths, weaknesses, and key performance indicators. This analysis considers factors like CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, telehealth availability, and overall reputation. The goal is to empower informed decision-making when choosing a healthcare provider.

**Understanding the Landscape**

Rochester, NH, is served primarily by hospitals in the immediate vicinity and those within a reasonable driving distance. Proximity to larger cities like Portsmouth and Dover expands options. This review focuses on the most relevant facilities, acknowledging that travel time and individual needs play a significant role in the final choice.

**Key Players: Core Hospitals and Their Performance**

**1. Frisbie Memorial Hospital (Rochester, NH):** Located directly within the target ZIP code, Frisbie Memorial Hospital is a cornerstone of the local healthcare system. It is a community hospital offering a range of services.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Frisbie Memorial Hospital currently holds a **3-star rating** from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This rating reflects a hospital's overall quality of care based on various metrics, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience. While a 3-star rating is considered average, it indicates areas where improvement is possible.
* **Emergency Department:** Frisbie's ER is a critical access point for the community. ER wait times are a crucial indicator of access. Data on average ER wait times can fluctuate. Checking the hospital's website or using a tool like Google's ER wait time information is recommended for the most up-to-date information.
* **Specialty Services:** Frisbie offers a variety of specialties, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The hospital is equipped with surgical suites and offers inpatient and outpatient services.
* **Telehealth:** The availability of telehealth services at Frisbie Memorial Hospital can vary. Checking the hospital's website or contacting them directly is advised to ascertain the current offerings. Telehealth can be a valuable tool for follow-up appointments, consultations, and managing chronic conditions.
* **Overall Assessment:** Frisbie Memorial Hospital serves as a vital resource for the Rochester community. While the CMS rating suggests areas for improvement, the hospital's accessibility and range of services make it a primary care provider for many residents.

**2. Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (Dover, NH):** Situated approximately 15-20 minutes from Rochester, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (WDH) is a larger, regional medical center.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Wentworth-Douglass Hospital currently holds a **4-star rating** from CMS. This rating signifies a higher level of quality compared to Frisbie Memorial Hospital.
* **Emergency Department:** WDH's ER is known for its higher volume and often longer wait times compared to Frisbie. Real-time or near-real-time ER wait time information is often available on the hospital's website or through online platforms.
* **Specialty Services:** WDH boasts a broader array of specialty services than Frisbie, including a comprehensive cancer center, advanced cardiology programs, and a robust surgical department. They also offer specialized services for women and children.
* **Telehealth:** Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has actively expanded its telehealth offerings. They provide virtual visits for a variety of specialties, including primary care, mental health, and follow-up appointments.
* **Overall Assessment:** Wentworth-Douglass Hospital offers a more comprehensive range of services and generally receives higher marks for quality. However, its location and potentially longer ER wait times should be considered.

**3. Portsmouth Regional Hospital (Portsmouth, NH):** Located approximately 30-40 minutes from Rochester, Portsmouth Regional Hospital (PRH) is a major regional medical center.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Portsmouth Regional Hospital currently holds a **3-star rating** from CMS.
* **Emergency Department:** PRH's ER is typically busy, and wait times can vary. Checking online resources or the hospital's website for real-time information is crucial.
* **Specialty Services:** PRH offers a wide range of specialty services, including a Level II Trauma Center, a comprehensive heart and vascular program, and advanced surgical capabilities. They also have specialized programs for stroke care and other critical conditions.
* **Telehealth:** Portsmouth Regional Hospital has invested in telehealth infrastructure, providing virtual visits for various specialties.
* **Overall Assessment:** Portsmouth Regional Hospital is a strong option for residents near Rochester, particularly for complex medical needs. The longer travel time is a factor, but the hospital's advanced capabilities are a draw.

**4. Exeter Hospital (Exeter, NH):** Located approximately 30-40 minutes from Rochester, Exeter Hospital is another regional medical center.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Exeter Hospital currently holds a **4-star rating** from CMS.
* **Emergency Department:** Exeter Hospital's ER wait times can vary.
* **Specialty Services:** Exeter Hospital offers a range of specialties, including cardiology, orthopedics, and cancer care.
* **Telehealth:** Exeter Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings.
* **Overall Assessment:** Exeter Hospital is a strong option for residents near Rochester.

**Additional Considerations: Factors Beyond Ratings**

Beyond CMS star ratings and ER wait times, several other factors influence the "Overall Health Score" for each hospital:

* **Patient Experience:** Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), provide valuable insights into the patient experience. These surveys assess factors like communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, and the cleanliness of the hospital.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation by organizations like The Joint Commission or DNV GL Healthcare indicates that a hospital meets specific quality and safety standards. All hospitals mentioned are accredited.
* **Physician Availability:** The availability of specialists and primary care physicians in the area is crucial. Access to timely appointments and specialist consultations is a key factor in overall healthcare.
* **Community Reputation:** Word-of-mouth referrals and online reviews can provide valuable insights into a hospital's reputation within the community.
* **Financial Stability:** A hospital's financial stability is an important consideration, as it can impact its ability to invest in new technology, maintain staffing levels, and provide quality care.
* **Specific Needs:** Individuals with specific medical conditions or needs should research hospitals with specialized programs and expertise in those areas. For example, a patient with heart disease might prioritize a hospital with a renowned cardiology program.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure the hospital accepts your insurance plan.

**Telehealth: A Growing Component**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in healthcare delivery. It offers convenient access to care, especially for follow-up appointments, chronic disease management, and mental health services. The availability and quality of telehealth services vary among hospitals.

**ER Wait Times: A Critical Metric**

ER wait times are a significant concern for patients. While hospitals strive to minimize wait times, factors like patient volume, staffing levels, and the severity of patient conditions can influence them. Checking real-time or near-real-time wait time information online or by phone before heading to the ER is recommended.

**Specialty Centers: Meeting Specific Needs**

The presence of specialty centers, such as cancer centers, heart centers, and orthopedic centers, is a key factor in assessing a hospital's capabilities. These centers often provide specialized expertise, advanced technology, and comprehensive care for specific conditions.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice**

Choosing a hospital is a personal decision. This "Overall Health Score" review provides a starting point for evaluating hospitals near Rochester, NH (03845). The CMS star ratings, ER wait times, specialty services, and telehealth offerings are crucial factors to consider. However, individual needs, preferences, and travel time should also be weighed. Residents are encouraged to research each hospital further, considering their specific healthcare needs and consulting with their primary care physician before making a decision. This review serves as a guide, not a definitive recommendation. The best hospital is the one that best meets your individual needs.