03848, Kingston, New Hampshire Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 03848, Kingston, New Hampshire is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.50 percent of residents in 03848 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Exeter Hospital Inc with a distance of 3.58 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Kingston, NH (ZIP Code 03848)

Considering a move to Kingston, New Hampshire (ZIP Code 03848), and managing asthma? This analysis provides a detailed "Asthma Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options for accessing healthcare. Understanding these factors is crucial for ensuring timely and reliable medical attention, particularly during asthma exacerbations. This write-up delves into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility in Kingston.

Kingston, a charming New England town, presents a unique set of transportation challenges and opportunities. Its semi-rural nature influences the availability and efficiency of various transportation modes. Residents with asthma need to carefully consider these factors to maintain optimal health and quality of life. This score aims to illuminate the practical realities of accessing healthcare from this location.

**Drive Times: The Primary Transportation Mode**

For most Kingston residents, personal vehicles represent the primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities. The efficiency of this mode heavily depends on traffic conditions, especially during peak hours and inclement weather. Key destinations, including hospitals, urgent care centers, and specialized clinics, require careful consideration of drive times.

To access the nearest major hospital, Exeter Hospital, the journey involves a drive of approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. This route primarily utilizes Route 125, a major north-south artery, and Route 108, a secondary road. During rush hour, particularly on weekday mornings and afternoons, traffic congestion can significantly extend this travel time.

For routine doctor's appointments or specialist visits, residents might travel to Portsmouth Regional Hospital, roughly a 30-40 minute drive via Route 101 and the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 4). This route, while generally faster than the Exeter Hospital route, can experience heavy traffic, especially near the Portsmouth area.

Smaller clinics and urgent care facilities, such as those in Plaistow or Haverhill, Massachusetts, offer alternative options. These destinations typically involve shorter drive times, ranging from 10-25 minutes, depending on the specific location and traffic. Route 121A and Route 102 provide access to these facilities.

Navigating these routes, especially during an asthma flare-up, demands careful planning. Always factor in potential delays, ensure the vehicle is well-maintained, and consider having an emergency plan in place, including alternative routes and contact information for medical professionals.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Kingston are limited, posing a significant challenge for individuals with asthma who may not have access to a personal vehicle. The primary public transit provider in the area is COAST (Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation). COAST offers bus routes, but service frequency and coverage are limited, particularly in the more rural areas of Kingston.

The primary bus route serving Kingston is Route 11, which connects the town to Exeter and Haverhill. While this route provides access to some healthcare facilities, the frequency of service is limited, with buses typically running on an hourly or bi-hourly schedule. This can make it difficult to schedule appointments and return home promptly, especially during an asthma episode.

Furthermore, the accessibility of COAST buses for individuals with disabilities, including those with mobility issues related to asthma, is crucial. All COAST buses are ADA-compliant, featuring ramps or lifts and designated seating areas. However, the limited route network and infrequent service remain significant drawbacks for those relying on public transit for healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Supplementary Solutions**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer an alternative transportation option, particularly for those without personal vehicles or when public transit is unavailable. However, the availability of these services in Kingston can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote areas.

The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments. Furthermore, the reliability of these services during emergencies, such as an asthma attack, is not guaranteed.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, play a crucial role in ensuring access to healthcare for individuals with asthma. Ambulance services are readily available for emergency situations, providing immediate medical attention and transport to the nearest hospital.

NEMT providers offer transportation for non-emergency medical appointments, such as doctor's visits, physical therapy, and dialysis treatments. These services typically require advance booking and may have specific eligibility requirements. Several NEMT providers serve the Kingston area, including AMR (American Medical Response) and local private companies.

**Healthcare Access: Weighing the Options**

The "Asthma Score" for transportation and healthcare access in Kingston, NH, reflects a mixed bag. While drive times to major hospitals are relatively short, the reliance on personal vehicles introduces potential challenges related to traffic congestion and weather conditions. Public transit options are limited, and ride-sharing services may not always be readily available.

Medical transport services offer essential support for emergency and non-emergency medical needs. However, their availability and cost should be considered.

For individuals with asthma considering moving to Kingston, a thorough assessment of their individual transportation needs is crucial. This includes evaluating the frequency of medical appointments, the severity of their asthma symptoms, and their ability to drive or access alternative transportation options.

**Moving to Kingston: A Personalized Approach**

When moving to Kingston, individuals with asthma should prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities. Consider the accessibility of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and emergency services. Research the availability of pharmacies and asthma-specific resources within the community.

Furthermore, assess the availability of reliable transportation options, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport providers. Develop an emergency plan that outlines the steps to take during an asthma exacerbation, including contact information for medical professionals, transportation arrangements, and emergency medications.

By carefully evaluating these factors, individuals with asthma can make informed decisions about their relocation to Kingston and ensure access to the healthcare they need to manage their condition effectively. This "Asthma Score" write-up provides a starting point for this critical assessment.