05046, Groton, Vermont Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 05046, Groton, Vermont is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Examining Hospitals Near ZIP Code 05046 (Hartford, VT)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals readily accessible to residents near ZIP code 05046 (Hartford, Vermont), focusing on key metrics like quality of care, accessibility, and specialized services. This analysis considers the proximity of hospitals, their performance data, and the availability of crucial healthcare resources.

**Defining the Scope:**

The primary hospitals considered in this review include those within a reasonable driving distance of Hartford, VT, accounting for the geographical realities of the Upper Valley region. This includes hospitals in Vermont and neighboring New Hampshire, as these are the most likely destinations for residents seeking care.

**Key Metrics and Their Significance:**

The "Overall Health Score" is not a single, easily quantifiable number. Instead, it's a composite assessment based on several critical factors:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings (1-5 stars) to hospitals based on quality of care, patient experience, and other factors. These ratings offer a standardized benchmark for comparison.
* **ER Wait Times:** Emergency room wait times are a crucial indicator of accessibility and efficiency. Shorter wait times often indicate better resource allocation and responsiveness.
* **Specialty Centers:** The availability of specialized services, such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics, reflects a hospital's capacity to handle complex medical needs.
* **Telehealth Availability:** The presence and accessibility of telehealth services are increasingly important, particularly in rural areas, offering convenient access to care.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient feedback, often measured through surveys, provides insights into the overall patient experience, including communication, responsiveness, and comfort.
* **Accreditation:** Accreditation from reputable organizations, such as The Joint Commission, signifies adherence to high standards of quality and safety.

**Hospital Profiles and Assessments:**

**1. Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (Lebanon, NH):**

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) is the flagship hospital for the Dartmouth Health system and the most significant healthcare provider in the region. It is located approximately 15-20 minutes from Hartford, VT.

* **CMS Star Rating:** DHMC currently holds a 4-star rating from CMS. This signifies above-average performance across various quality metrics.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at DHMC can fluctuate, but generally, they are competitive compared to other hospitals in the region. Data is readily available on their website.
* **Specialty Centers:** DHMC boasts a comprehensive array of specialty centers, including a renowned heart and vascular center, a comprehensive cancer center, and advanced orthopedic services. They also have specialized centers for neurological care, women's health, and children's health.
* **Telehealth:** DHMC has significantly expanded its telehealth offerings, providing virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services across numerous specialties. This is particularly beneficial for residents in rural areas.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction scores at DHMC are generally positive, reflecting a commitment to patient-centered care.
* **Accreditation:** DHMC is fully accredited by The Joint Commission.

**Overall Health Score for DHMC:** High. DHMC is the clear leader in the region, offering a broad range of services, strong quality metrics, and a commitment to innovation.

**2. Gifford Medical Center (Randolph, VT):**

Gifford Medical Center is a critical access hospital located approximately 30-40 minutes from Hartford, VT.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Gifford does not have a CMS star rating as a critical access hospital.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Gifford are generally reasonable, reflecting its role as a community hospital.
* **Specialty Centers:** Gifford offers a range of primary and specialty care services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health.
* **Telehealth:** Gifford has implemented telehealth services to improve access to care, particularly for behavioral health and specialist consultations.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction at Gifford is generally positive, with a focus on personalized care.
* **Accreditation:** Gifford is accredited by The Joint Commission.

**Overall Health Score for Gifford:** Moderate. Gifford provides essential services to the community and is a vital resource for residents in the area.

**3. Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center (Windsor, VT):**

Mt. Ascutney Hospital is a critical access hospital located approximately 15-20 minutes from Hartford, VT.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Mt. Ascutney does not have a CMS star rating as a critical access hospital.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Mt. Ascutney are generally moderate.
* **Specialty Centers:** Mt. Ascutney offers a range of primary care and some specialty services.
* **Telehealth:** Mt. Ascutney has implemented telehealth services.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction at Mt. Ascutney is generally positive.
* **Accreditation:** Mt. Ascutney is accredited by The Joint Commission.

**Overall Health Score for Mt. Ascutney:** Moderate. Mt. Ascutney serves as a local resource for essential care.

**4. Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (Lebanon, NH):**

Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital is a smaller community hospital located approximately 20 minutes from Hartford, VT.

* **CMS Star Rating:** Alice Peck Day does not have a CMS star rating.
* **ER Wait Times:** ER wait times at Alice Peck Day are generally moderate.
* **Specialty Centers:** Alice Peck Day offers a range of primary care and some specialty services.
* **Telehealth:** Alice Peck Day has implemented telehealth services.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient satisfaction at Alice Peck Day is generally positive.
* **Accreditation:** Alice Peck Day is accredited by The Joint Commission.

**Overall Health Score for Alice Peck Day:** Moderate. Alice Peck Day provides essential services and is a convenient option for some residents.

**Comparative Analysis and Considerations:**

The primary choice for residents near 05046 is likely to be DHMC due to its comprehensive services, high quality ratings, and advanced specialty centers. However, the proximity of Gifford and Mt. Ascutney hospitals makes them valuable resources for basic care and emergency services. Alice Peck Day provides another local option.

**Accessibility and Geographic Considerations:**

The Upper Valley region presents unique challenges regarding healthcare access. The rural nature of the area means that travel times to hospitals can be a significant factor, especially during emergencies. Residents should consider the proximity of each hospital, traffic conditions, and the availability of transportation when making healthcare decisions.

**Telehealth's Growing Role:**

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in this region. It expands access to care, particularly for those in remote locations or with mobility limitations. Patients should inquire about telehealth options when seeking care from any of these hospitals.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient satisfaction is a crucial indicator of quality. It's important to consider patient reviews and experiences when choosing a hospital. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals can provide additional insights.

**Emergency Preparedness:**

It's important to be aware of the closest emergency room and its average wait times. In a medical emergency, every minute counts. DHMC is the best equipped for the most complex medical emergencies.

**Conclusion:**

For residents near ZIP code 05046, DHMC stands out as the leading healthcare provider, offering a wide range of services and strong quality metrics. However, Gifford, Mt. Ascutney, and Alice Peck Day hospitals provide valuable local resources. The "Overall Health Score" assessment emphasizes the importance of considering a range of factors, including quality ratings, wait times, specialty services, and patient satisfaction, when making healthcare decisions. Residents should weigh these factors based on their individual needs and preferences, considering the geographical realities of the Upper Valley region.