05873, West Danville, Vermont Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 05873, West Danville, Vermont is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Vermont Hospitals Near ZIP Code 05873

Finding the best hospital for your healthcare needs can be a daunting task. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals near the 05873 ZIP code (St. Johnsbury, Vermont), focusing on key factors such as quality of care, accessibility, and specialized services. This analysis aims to provide a clear, fact-based overview to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.

**Defining the Scope and Methodology**

The primary focus of this review will be on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of St. Johnsbury, Vermont. This will primarily encompass hospitals in Vermont, with consideration given to facilities across the border in New Hampshire if they serve a significant patient population from the area. The “Overall Health Score” is not a single, numerical rating. Instead, it's a composite assessment based on publicly available data, including:

* **CMS Star Ratings:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to hospitals based on their performance across various quality metrics. These ratings provide a readily accessible benchmark.
* **Emergency Room Wait Times:** Average ER wait times are a critical indicator of accessibility and efficiency. Data from publicly available sources will be used.
* **Specialty Services:** Availability of specialized services, such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics, is crucial for comprehensive care.
* **Telehealth Capabilities:** The integration of telehealth services is increasingly important for patient convenience and access to care, especially in rural areas.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient experience data, such as HCAHPS scores (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems), will be considered.
* **Hospital Affiliations and Networks:** The affiliations and networks of hospitals can influence access to specialists, resources, and cutting-edge treatments.

**Key Hospitals in the Region**

The primary hospitals serving the 05873 ZIP code area include:

* **NVRH (Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital), St. Johnsbury, VT:** Located directly within the 05873 ZIP code, NVRH is a critical access hospital serving the immediate community.
* **Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH:** While located across the border, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) is a major regional referral center and serves a significant patient population from Vermont.
* **Copley Hospital, Morrisville, VT:** Situated further west, Copley Hospital provides services to a wider area.

**Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH)**

NVRH, as a critical access hospital, plays a vital role in providing essential healthcare services to the St. Johnsbury area. It has a 25-bed inpatient capacity. As of the latest CMS data, NVRH has a 3-star rating. This rating reflects its performance across various quality measures. The hospital is part of the Northern Vermont Health Network.

**Emergency Room Performance at NVRH**

ER wait times at NVRH are a crucial factor in assessing accessibility. Data indicates that average ER wait times can fluctuate, but it is important to note that as a critical access hospital, NVRH may have a smaller ER volume than larger facilities. The availability of rapid assessment protocols and the efficiency of triage processes are important considerations. Real-time wait time information is often available on the hospital's website or through third-party apps, and it is recommended to check this information before visiting the ER.

**Specialty Services at NVRH**

NVRH offers a range of core services, including:

* **Emergency Care:** 24/7 emergency services are available.
* **Surgical Services:** NVRH provides surgical procedures.
* **Diagnostic Imaging:** Imaging services, such as X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, are available.
* **Laboratory Services:** Comprehensive laboratory services are provided.
* **Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation:** Rehabilitation services are available to aid in recovery.
* **Women's Health:** Services for women's health are provided.

**Telehealth at NVRH**

NVRH has increasingly integrated telehealth services to expand access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. Telehealth capabilities may include virtual consultations with specialists, remote patient monitoring, and access to educational resources. The hospital’s telehealth offerings are constantly evolving, and it's recommended to check their website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.

**Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC)**

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, New Hampshire, is a major tertiary care center and a significant healthcare provider for residents of Vermont, including those in the 05873 ZIP code. DHMC is a Level I Trauma Center and a teaching hospital affiliated with the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality at DHMC**

DHMC consistently receives high ratings from CMS. Its CMS star rating reflects its strong performance across a broad range of quality metrics, including patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient experience. DHMC's commitment to quality is further demonstrated by its accreditations and recognitions from various healthcare organizations.

**Emergency Room Performance at DHMC**

As a large, comprehensive medical center, DHMC's ER sees a high volume of patients. Average ER wait times can be longer than those at smaller facilities. However, DHMC has implemented strategies to improve ER efficiency, such as:

* **Triage Protocols:** Efficient triage processes help prioritize patients based on their medical needs.
* **Fast Track Programs:** Fast track programs are designed to expedite care for patients with less severe conditions.
* **Real-Time Wait Time Updates:** DHMC provides real-time ER wait time information on its website and through other channels.

**Specialty Services at DHMC**

DHMC offers a comprehensive range of specialty services, including:

* **Cardiology:** DHMC has a nationally recognized cardiology program.
* **Oncology:** The Dartmouth Cancer Center provides advanced cancer care.
* **Neurology and Neurosurgery:** DHMC has a comprehensive neurology and neurosurgery department.
* **Orthopedics:** The orthopedic department offers a wide range of services, including joint replacements and sports medicine.
* **Transplant Services:** DHMC is a regional leader in transplant services.
* **Women's Health:** DHMC provides comprehensive women's health services.
* **Behavioral Health:** DHMC provides mental health services.

**Telehealth at DHMC**

DHMC is a leader in telehealth. They offer a wide range of telehealth services, including:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Patients can access specialists through virtual consultations.
* **Remote Patient Monitoring:** DHMC utilizes remote patient monitoring technologies to track patient health.
* **Specialty Telehealth Programs:** DHMC has developed specialized telehealth programs for various conditions.

**Copley Hospital**

Copley Hospital in Morrisville, Vermont, is a community hospital that serves a broader area. It is a critical access hospital.

**CMS Star Rating and Quality at Copley Hospital**

Copley Hospital has a CMS star rating. The hospital's performance across various quality measures is reflected in this rating.

**Emergency Room Performance at Copley Hospital**

ER wait times at Copley Hospital are a factor in assessing accessibility. The hospital's ER volume is smaller than at DHMC.

**Specialty Services at Copley Hospital**

Copley Hospital offers a range of core services, including:

* **Emergency Care:** 24/7 emergency services are available.
* **Surgical Services:** Copley Hospital provides surgical procedures.
* **Diagnostic Imaging:** Imaging services, such as X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, are available.
* **Laboratory Services:** Comprehensive laboratory services are provided.
* **Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation:** Rehabilitation services are available.
* **Women's Health:** Services for women's health are provided.

**Telehealth at Copley Hospital**

Copley Hospital has integrated telehealth services to expand access to care, especially for patients in rural areas.

**Patient Satisfaction**

Patient satisfaction is an important indicator of the quality of care. HCAHPS scores provide insights into patient experiences. Both NVRH, DHMC, and Copley Hospital have HCAHPS data available. DHMC, as a large medical center, may have different patient satisfaction scores compared to smaller community hospitals.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

**Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH):** NVRH provides essential healthcare services to the immediate community. Its 3-star CMS rating indicates a level of quality. Accessibility is a key strength, and the hospital is investing in telehealth.

**Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC):** DHMC is a regional leader in healthcare. Its high CMS star rating reflects its commitment to quality. It offers a comprehensive range of specialty services and is a leader in telehealth. ER wait times can be longer due to the high volume of patients.

**Copley Hospital:** Copley Hospital provides essential healthcare services to the wider community. Its CMS star rating indicates a level of quality. Accessibility is a key strength, and the hospital is investing in telehealth.

**Recommendations**

* **For immediate needs:** NVRH is the closest option.
* **For specialized care:** DHMC offers a comprehensive range of specialties and is a regional referral center.
* **For a community hospital experience:** Copley Hospital is a good option.

**Disclaimer:** This review is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs. Hospital ratings and wait times can change, so it is recommended to verify the most up-to-date information directly with the hospitals.