05351, South Newfane, Vermont Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 05351, South Newfane, Vermont is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 05351 (Springfield, VT)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near Springfield, Vermont (ZIP code 05351), offering a snapshot of their strengths and weaknesses based on publicly available data. The goal is to provide residents with information to make informed decisions about their care. This assessment considers factors like quality ratings, wait times, specialized services, and telehealth capabilities.

**The Landscape:**

The immediate vicinity of Springfield, VT, is primarily served by smaller community hospitals. While large, tertiary care centers are not directly within the ZIP code, they are accessible and play a significant role in the regional healthcare ecosystem. Access to specialized care often necessitates travel.

**Key Players and Their Scores:**

The primary hospital serving Springfield, VT, is **Springfield Hospital**. This critical access hospital is a cornerstone of the community. However, it's crucial to understand its limitations and consider options for more complex needs. Due to the lack of publicly available data for CMS star ratings for Springfield Hospital, an overall score is difficult to calculate.

**Analyzing Springfield Hospital:**

Springfield Hospital, as a critical access hospital, is designed to provide essential services to a rural population. They offer a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and various outpatient clinics. Their focus is on providing accessible and immediate care. While the hospital’s emergency room wait times are not publicly available on a regular basis, residents should be prepared for potential delays, particularly during peak hours. The hospital does have a website with information on its services and departments. Springfield Hospital has a partnership with Dartmouth Health, offering some specialty care services.

**Dartmouth Health and Affiliated Facilities:**

Dartmouth Health, a major academic medical center, is a significant healthcare provider in the region. While not directly in Springfield, its influence is considerable.

* **Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (Lebanon, NH):** This is the flagship hospital of Dartmouth Health. It is a large, tertiary care center offering a comprehensive range of specialties. Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center holds a 4-star rating from CMS, reflecting its overall quality. The hospital's emergency room typically sees a higher volume of patients, and wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the severity of the cases. The hospital's website provides current wait time estimates. Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center is a regional referral center, meaning it handles complex cases and offers specialized treatments not readily available at smaller hospitals.

* **Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (Lebanon, NH):** This hospital is also part of the Dartmouth Health system. It focuses on providing community-based care. Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital has a 3-star rating from CMS. It offers a variety of services, including primary care, surgical services, and rehabilitation. Emergency room wait times at Alice Peck Day are generally shorter than at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, but the scope of services is more limited.

**Other Considerations:**

* **Cheshire Medical Center (Keene, NH):** Located approximately an hour from Springfield, Cheshire Medical Center is a regional hospital affiliated with the Dartmouth Health system. Cheshire Medical Center has a 3-star rating from CMS. It provides a broad range of services and is a good option for residents seeking care outside of the immediate Springfield area. Emergency room wait times at Cheshire Medical Center are generally moderate.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Access to specialized care is a key consideration.

* **Cancer Care:** Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center offers comprehensive cancer care services, including radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology. Springfield Hospital may offer some cancer support services, but patients often need to travel to Dartmouth Hitchcock for specialized treatment.

* **Cardiac Care:** Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center has a well-regarded cardiology program, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. Springfield Hospital may provide initial cardiac assessments, but complex cardiac cases are typically referred to Dartmouth Hitchcock.

* **Orthopedic Services:** Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center provides a wide range of orthopedic services, including joint replacements, sports medicine, and spine surgery. Springfield Hospital may offer some orthopedic services, but advanced procedures are generally performed at Dartmouth Hitchcock.

* **Behavioral Health:** Access to mental health services is a critical need. Springfield Hospital provides behavioral health services. Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center also offers comprehensive behavioral health programs, including inpatient and outpatient care.

**Telehealth Capabilities:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas.

* **Dartmouth Health:** Dartmouth Health has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual visits for a variety of specialties, including primary care, cardiology, and mental health. This can significantly improve access to care for residents of Springfield.

* **Springfield Hospital:** Springfield Hospital is likely to offer some telehealth services, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:**

Emergency room wait times are a crucial factor in assessing healthcare access. Publicly available data on ER wait times is not consistently available for all hospitals in the region. However, residents should be aware that wait times can vary significantly.

* **Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center:** Due to its status as a major trauma center, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center may experience longer wait times, especially during peak hours. Checking the hospital's website for current wait time estimates is advisable.

* **Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital:** Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital generally has shorter wait times compared to Dartmouth Hitchcock.

* **Springfield Hospital:** Wait times at Springfield Hospital can vary.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The "Overall Health Score" for residents near ZIP code 05351 is complex.

* **Strengths:** The presence of Springfield Hospital provides immediate access to essential care. The proximity to Dartmouth Health, a major medical center, offers access to a wide range of specialized services. Telehealth options are available through Dartmouth Health, improving access to care.

* **Weaknesses:** The lack of a large, tertiary care hospital directly within Springfield necessitates travel for specialized care. ER wait times can be a concern at larger facilities. The limited data available for CMS ratings for Springfield Hospital makes it difficult to provide a comprehensive assessment.

**Recommendations:**

* **For Routine Care:** Springfield Hospital is a good option for primary care and basic medical needs.

* **For Specialized Care:** Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center is the primary referral center for complex cases.

* **For Emergency Care:** Assess the severity of the condition. If the condition is life-threatening, go to the nearest emergency room. For less critical conditions, consider wait times at both Springfield Hospital and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.

* **Utilize Telehealth:** Explore telehealth options offered by Dartmouth Health to improve access to care and reduce travel time.

* **Research and Plan:** Before needing care, research the services offered by each hospital and understand their strengths and weaknesses.

This review provides a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape near Springfield, VT. Residents should always consult with their physicians and healthcare providers to determine the best course of action for their individual needs. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, so it is important to stay informed about changes in services and access.