03873, Sandown, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 03873, Sandown, New Hampshire is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Portsmouth, NH (ZIP Code 03873)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an “Overall Health Score” for hospitals within a reasonable radius of Portsmouth, New Hampshire (ZIP Code 03873), considering factors like quality of care, accessibility, and patient experience. This analysis aims to offer a comprehensive snapshot, empowering informed healthcare decisions.

**Defining the Scope:**

The primary focus is on hospitals within a roughly 30-mile radius of Portsmouth. This includes major players in the Seacoast region, as well as those in nearby Massachusetts and Maine. This geographic scope allows for a realistic assessment of options available to residents of the 03873 ZIP code.

**Key Metrics and Their Significance:**

The “Overall Health Score” is derived from a composite of several key metrics. These include:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on quality of care, patient safety, and patient experience. Higher ratings indicate better performance.
* **Emergency Room (ER) Wait Times:** This is a critical indicator of accessibility and efficiency. Shorter wait times are generally preferable.
* **Specialty Centers and Services:** The availability of specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics, is crucial for addressing complex medical needs.
* **Telehealth Availability and Usage:** Telehealth services have become increasingly important, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations.
* **Patient Satisfaction Scores:** Patient feedback provides valuable insights into the overall patient experience, including communication, responsiveness, and care coordination.
* **Physician Quality and Credentials:** The qualifications and expertise of physicians are paramount to quality of care.
* **Accreditation and Certifications:** Accreditation from organizations like The Joint Commission demonstrates adherence to rigorous standards of care.
* **Hospital Affiliations and Networks:** Affiliations with larger healthcare systems can provide access to a broader range of resources and expertise.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance:**

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

Portsmouth Regional Hospital (PRH) is the closest major hospital to the 03873 ZIP code. It is a 200-bed acute care facility and a Level II Trauma Center. PRH is part of the HCA Healthcare network, a large for-profit hospital system.

* **CMS Star Rating:** PRH currently holds a 3-star rating from CMS. This indicates average performance compared to other hospitals nationwide.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at PRH tend to fluctuate. Data from recent months suggests an average wait time in the range of 20-40 minutes, but this can vary significantly depending on the time of day and patient volume.
* **Specialty Centers:** PRH offers a range of specialty services, including a comprehensive cardiac center, a cancer center, and a robotic surgery program. It has a dedicated women's health center.
* **Telehealth:** PRH has expanded its telehealth offerings in recent years, providing virtual consultations and follow-up appointments.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores at PRH are mixed. Some patients report positive experiences, while others express concerns about communication and wait times.
* **Accreditation:** PRH is accredited by The Joint Commission.

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

Located approximately 15 miles from Portsmouth, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (WDH) is a community hospital with a strong reputation. It is part of the Mass General Brigham system.

* **CMS Star Rating:** WDH currently holds a 4-star rating from CMS, indicating above-average performance.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at WDH are generally shorter than those at PRH, often averaging between 15-30 minutes.
* **Specialty Centers:** WDH has a well-regarded cardiac program, a comprehensive cancer center, and a dedicated women's health center. It is known for its strong primary care network.
* **Telehealth:** WDH has embraced telehealth, offering a variety of virtual care options, including primary care, specialty consultations, and behavioral health services.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores at WDH are generally positive, with patients frequently praising the staff's responsiveness and the quality of care.
* **Accreditation:** WDH is accredited by The Joint Commission.

**3. York Hospital (York, ME):**

York Hospital, located across the state line in Maine, is another option for residents of the 03873 ZIP code. It is a smaller community hospital.

* **CMS Star Rating:** York Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at York Hospital are typically in the 20-40 minute range.
* **Specialty Centers:** York Hospital offers a range of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and rehabilitation.
* **Telehealth:** York Hospital provides telehealth services, including virtual appointments and remote monitoring.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores at York Hospital are generally good.
* **Accreditation:** York Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission.

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

Exeter Hospital is approximately 20 miles from Portsmouth. It is part of the Exeter Health Resources system.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Exeter Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Exeter Hospital are variable, often averaging between 20-45 minutes.
* **Specialty Centers:** Exeter Hospital offers a range of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and cancer care.
* **Telehealth:** Exeter Hospital has expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual consultations and follow-up appointments.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores at Exeter Hospital are mixed.
* **Accreditation:** Exeter Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission.

**Other Considerations:**

* **Access to Specialists:** Access to specialized care can vary depending on the hospital and the specific specialty. Patients with complex medical needs may need to travel to larger hospitals, such as those in Boston, for certain treatments.
* **Cost of Care:** The cost of healthcare can vary significantly between hospitals and insurance plans. Patients should inquire about costs and insurance coverage before receiving care.
* **Hospital Affiliations:** The affiliations of hospitals with larger healthcare systems can influence access to resources, specialists, and innovative treatments.
* **Community Health Needs:** Hospitals play a vital role in addressing the health needs of their communities. Consider the hospital's involvement in community health initiatives.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

Based on the available data, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (Dover, NH) appears to have the highest “Overall Health Score” among the hospitals near Portsmouth, NH (03873), due to its higher CMS star rating, generally shorter ER wait times, and positive patient satisfaction scores. However, the best choice for an individual will depend on their specific healthcare needs and preferences. Portsmouth Regional Hospital offers a wide range of services and is the closest major hospital. York Hospital and Exeter Hospital also provide valuable healthcare options for residents of the 03873 ZIP code.

**Caveats and Disclaimer:**

This “Overall Health Score” is based on publicly available data and information. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individual experiences may vary. It is always recommended to consult with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your healthcare. Hospital performance can change over time, so it's crucial to check the latest data and ratings.