03894, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 03894, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 03894 (York, Maine)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near York, Maine (ZIP code 03894), focusing on key metrics to help residents make informed decisions. We'll examine flagship hospitals, CMS star ratings, emergency room wait times, specialty centers, and telehealth capabilities, offering a comprehensive picture of available care.

**Defining the Scope:**

The review concentrates on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of York, Maine. This primarily includes facilities in southern Maine and parts of coastal New Hampshire. Proximity and accessibility are paramount for residents seeking timely medical attention.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

A cornerstone of healthcare evaluation is the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star rating system. This provides a publicly available, easily digestible measure of hospital quality based on various factors, including patient outcomes, safety, and patient experience.

**York Hospital:** Located in York, Maine, York Hospital is a primary care facility serving the local community. It is not currently rated by CMS. The hospital provides a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and specialized clinics.

**Portsmouth Regional Hospital (Portsmouth, NH):** Portsmouth Regional Hospital is a significant regional player. It is a 200-bed acute care facility and is a member of HCA Healthcare. Portsmouth Regional Hospital has a CMS star rating of 3 stars. This rating reflects a moderate level of performance across the evaluated categories.

**Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (Dover, NH):** Located in Dover, New Hampshire, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital is a well-regarded regional hospital. It is a 206-bed not-for-profit facility and a member of the Mass General Brigham system. Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has a CMS star rating of 4 stars. This indicates a higher level of quality compared to Portsmouth Regional Hospital, reflecting better performance in areas like patient outcomes and patient experience.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a crucial indicator of a hospital's ability to handle urgent medical needs. Long wait times can be detrimental, potentially delaying critical care. Data on ER wait times can fluctuate, and it's essential to consider these as averages, not guarantees.

**York Hospital:** Data on York Hospital's ER wait times is limited. However, as a smaller community hospital, it generally experiences shorter wait times than larger regional facilities.

**Portsmouth Regional Hospital:** Portsmouth Regional Hospital typically reports ER wait times that are in line with or slightly above the national average. Patients can expect to wait an average of 20-40 minutes, depending on the time of day and patient volume.

**Wentworth-Douglass Hospital:** Wentworth-Douglass Hospital often reports ER wait times that are comparable to or slightly shorter than Portsmouth Regional Hospital. Patients can generally expect wait times in the range of 15-30 minutes, though this can vary.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Beyond general care, the availability of specialized services is a critical factor. This includes centers for cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and other areas of medicine.

**York Hospital:** York Hospital offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. It also has a cancer care center and a rehabilitation center.

**Portsmouth Regional Hospital:** Portsmouth Regional Hospital boasts a comprehensive array of specialty centers. These include a heart and vascular institute, a comprehensive cancer center, a neuroscience institute, and a bariatric surgery center. They also offer specialized services in areas like robotic surgery.

**Wentworth-Douglass Hospital:** Wentworth-Douglass Hospital provides a broad spectrum of specialty services. They have a heart and vascular center, a cancer center, an orthopedic center, and a comprehensive stroke center. They also offer specialized programs for diabetes management and women's health.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly for accessing care remotely. This includes virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other services.

**York Hospital:** York Hospital offers telehealth services, including virtual visits with primary care physicians and specialists. The hospital is expanding its telehealth capabilities to improve access to care for patients in remote areas.

**Portsmouth Regional Hospital:** Portsmouth Regional Hospital actively utilizes telehealth. They provide virtual visits for various specialties, including primary care, behavioral health, and cardiology. They also offer remote patient monitoring programs.

**Wentworth-Douglass Hospital:** Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has a robust telehealth program. They offer virtual consultations across a wide range of specialties, including primary care, mental health, and chronic disease management. They also use telehealth for remote monitoring and follow-up care.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient experience is a critical component of overall healthcare quality. This encompasses factors like communication with doctors, responsiveness of staff, and the overall hospital environment. Patient satisfaction scores are often measured through surveys like the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS).

**York Hospital:** Patient satisfaction data for York Hospital is generally positive. Patients often praise the hospital's friendly staff and personalized care.

**Portsmouth Regional Hospital:** Portsmouth Regional Hospital's patient satisfaction scores are often average. Patients sometimes report concerns about wait times and communication.

**Wentworth-Douglass Hospital:** Wentworth-Douglass Hospital frequently receives high marks for patient satisfaction. Patients often commend the hospital's attentive staff, clear communication, and comfortable environment.

**Specific Considerations for York, Maine Residents:**

For residents of York, Maine, proximity is a key factor. York Hospital offers convenient access for routine care and emergencies. However, for more specialized services, residents may need to travel to Portsmouth Regional Hospital or Wentworth-Douglass Hospital.

**Accessibility and Transportation:**

Accessibility is a vital aspect of healthcare access. Consider the ease of travel to each hospital, including traffic patterns and public transportation options.

**York Hospital:** York Hospital is easily accessible for York residents.

**Portsmouth Regional Hospital:** Portsmouth Regional Hospital is a reasonable drive from York, Maine, but traffic can be a factor, especially during peak hours.

**Wentworth-Douglass Hospital:** Wentworth-Douglass Hospital is further away than Portsmouth Regional Hospital.

**Financial Considerations:**

Healthcare costs are a significant concern. It's crucial to consider insurance coverage, out-of-pocket expenses, and the hospital's financial assistance programs.

**York Hospital:** Information on York Hospital's financial assistance programs is available on their website.

**Portsmouth Regional Hospital:** Portsmouth Regional Hospital offers financial assistance programs for eligible patients.

**Wentworth-Douglass Hospital:** Wentworth-Douglass Hospital provides financial assistance programs and accepts a wide range of insurance plans.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

Based on the factors discussed, here's a general "Overall Health Score" assessment, keeping in mind that individual needs vary:

* **York Hospital:** Offers convenient access for local residents. Limited data on CMS ratings. Strong for primary care and emergency services.
* **Portsmouth Regional Hospital:** Provides a wider range of specialty services and a 3-star CMS rating. Expect slightly longer ER wait times.
* **Wentworth-Douglass Hospital:** Possesses a 4-star CMS rating, indicating a higher level of quality. Offers comprehensive specialty services and generally shorter ER wait times compared to Portsmouth Regional.

**Recommendations:**

Residents of York, Maine, should consider the following when choosing a hospital:

* **For Routine Care and Emergencies:** York Hospital provides convenient access.
* **For Specialized Services:** Portsmouth Regional Hospital and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital offer broader options.
* **For Quality and Patient Experience:** Wentworth-Douglass Hospital generally scores higher on CMS ratings and patient satisfaction.
* **For Emergency Care:** Consider ER wait times when making a decision.

**Disclaimer:** This review is based on publicly available data and information. Healthcare quality is constantly evolving. Always consult with your physician and conduct your own research to make informed healthcare decisions. Hospital ratings and wait times can fluctuate.