[Hopes]

I can't go into detail.

What's the best hospital in Vermont or near Vermont?

Should one drive to Boston for very serious matters?

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by Hopes

I can't go into detail.
What's the best hospital in Vermont or near Vermont?
Should one drive to Boston for very serious matters?

It depends on the specialty you need. We live in Rutland and rely on Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon for my husband's condition, and it's where either of us would go for anything serious.

[bobd04]

That's a tough decision. I don't know anything about Vermont hospitals but I had a serious medical condition four years ago. We had just moved to this area of New Jersey two years earlier and I chose a local hospital based on a local doctor I found and immediately trusted. I could have gone to New York or Philly, both equidistant from our home, but chose to stay local because, as one of my long time doctors advised, it's good to be nearby to the hospital that performs the procedure if complications should arise during recovery. It worked out very well in my case. I can't imagine a hospital that could have possibly cared for me better.

Keep a strong, positive attitude. My doctor still tells me my attitude was a big factor in my outcome.

Best wishes on a good outcome for you, Hopes, and a speedy recovery.

[68vette]

I agree, it depends on your condition and what specialist you need to see. DHMC and FAHC have specialists and services that are nationally ranked. The two best hospitals would be FAHC in Burlington and then DHMC in NH. I don't mean to downplay or indicate that the smaller community hospitals are inferior, but they send their patients who require services outside of their scope of practice to either one of these centers.

[Hopes]

Thanks for the responses. I'm talking neurology if that helps.

[bobd04]

Originally Posted by Hopes

Thanks for the responses. I'm talking neurology if that helps.

You're welcome, Hopes. Again, I've never needed a hospital while visiting Vermont but I found some links to one of the hospitals 68vette mentioned, FAHC, that I hope might help.

Be well.

Neurology at Fletcher Allen
Department of Neurology - Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, VT

FAHC Search Results for Neurology
Search Results For Neurology - Fletcher Allen Health Care, Vermont

The Neurology staff appears to be very good. Check out Robert E. Shapiro, M.D., Ph.D. He seems to be very highly rated.
Robert*Shapiro*M.D., Ph.D.*-* Neurology - Fletcher Allen Health Care, Vermont

[CoventryDude]

Originally Posted by 68vette

I agree, it depends on your condition and what specialist you need to see. DHMC and FAHC have specialists and services that are nationally ranked. The two best hospitals would be FAHC in Burlington and then DHMC in NH. I don't mean to downplay or indicate that the smaller community hospitals are inferior, but they send their patients who require services outside of their scope of practice to either one of these centers.

I'd like to second this information.....two extremely good medical centers, both are world class.

[LisaMc46]

Both Dartmouth or Fletcher Allen provide excellent care. Doctors at Fletcher Allen saved my life two years ago when I almost died shortly after giving birth due to a rare complication. I've made a full recovery and continue to see specialists there for follow up visits.

The pediatric neurology dept at Fletcher Allen is wonderful. I have no experience with the adult department, but I have a neighbor who is happy with the care he's received there.

If you don't need emergency care, I'd go to consultations at both hospitals. I know plenty of people who've done that. Then, you could choose the hospital you feel most comfortable with. I'd ask the specialist you choose about whether it would be worth it to go to a big city hospital. In my case I was told it wouldn't make a difference because Fletcher Allen could provide the surgery and expertise I needed. But, they were still willing to refer me for a consult if I had wanted one.

[leadingedge04]

My only piece of advice is to avoid St. Albans!

[western mass and love it]

If you are in southern Vermont I would drive to Baystate Hospital in Springfield Mass.