03448, Gilsum, New Hampshire Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 03448, Gilsum, New Hampshire is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.08 percent of residents in 03448 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.38 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cheshire Medical Center with a distance of 6.68 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Gilsum, NH (ZIP Code 03448)

The serenity of Gilsum, New Hampshire, a quaint town nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Monadnock region, offers a lifestyle that many find idyllic. However, the promise of rural tranquility can sometimes mask a significant challenge: access to essential healthcare services, particularly for those facing the complexities of a breast cancer diagnosis. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP code 03448, assesses the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access, focusing specifically on commute times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions. This information is crucial for anyone considering moving to Gilsum, as timely and reliable access to medical care is paramount.

The foundation of this score lies in understanding the geographical realities of Gilsum. Located in Cheshire County, the town is largely defined by its rural character. The primary transportation mode is the personal vehicle, necessitating an examination of drive times to key healthcare facilities specializing in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The most direct route to Keene, the county seat and regional hub for medical services, typically involves traveling along Route 10. This scenic, though often winding, road connects Gilsum to Keene, a drive that usually takes between 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

For more specialized care, residents often travel to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, approximately 60 miles away. This journey involves navigating Route 10 to Route 12A, and then onto Interstate 89. The drive time to Lebanon can range from 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, contingent on traffic, especially during peak commuting hours. This longer commute underscores the importance of considering the potential impact of travel time on treatment schedules and the overall well-being of a patient.

Public transportation options within and around Gilsum are limited. The Monadnock Community Transit (MCT) provides some services in the region, but its routes and schedules are not designed to cater specifically to medical appointments. The MCT operates on a demand-response basis, meaning that riders must schedule their trips in advance. This can be a significant barrier for those requiring immediate medical attention or who have fluctuating treatment schedules. The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is a crucial factor, and the MCT does offer this service, but it is subject to availability and requires advance booking.

The absence of a robust public transportation system elevates the significance of ride-sharing services. Uber and Lyft operate in the Monadnock region, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas like Gilsum. Ride-share availability is often tied to the presence of drivers, and wait times can vary considerably, potentially impacting appointment schedules. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent trips to medical facilities.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for transporting patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services often prioritize reliability and accessibility, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Several medical transportation providers serve the Monadnock region, but their service areas and pricing structures vary. Thorough research is essential to identify providers that serve Gilsum and meet the specific needs of a patient. This includes understanding the types of vehicles available, the ability to accommodate medical equipment, and the level of assistance provided to patients.

The Breast Cancer Score for Gilsum, therefore, must acknowledge the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transport. The drive times to Keene are relatively manageable, but the longer commute to Lebanon and the uncertainties associated with alternative transportation methods present challenges. The score should incorporate these factors, recognizing that healthcare access is not simply about the proximity of medical facilities but also about the ease and reliability of transportation.

For someone considering moving to Gilsum, the Breast Cancer Score should be a key component of their decision-making process. It should prompt a deeper investigation into the availability of medical services, the feasibility of different transportation options, and the potential impact of travel time on their quality of life. Planning for healthcare access is a crucial aspect of rural living, and the score provides a framework for assessing the transportation infrastructure and its impact on the ability to receive timely and effective breast cancer care.

The score would also consider the availability of support services within the community. Does Gilsum have support groups or resources for breast cancer patients? Are there local pharmacies that provide specialized services? The presence of these support systems can significantly enhance the overall healthcare experience.

In conclusion, the Breast Cancer Score for Gilsum (03448) emphasizes the importance of comprehensive transportation planning. While the town offers a desirable lifestyle, its rural location necessitates a proactive approach to healthcare access. Understanding the drive times, the limitations of public transit, and the nuances of ride-sharing and medical transportation is essential for anyone considering moving to Gilsum, especially those with a history of breast cancer or a heightened risk. The score serves as a crucial tool for evaluating the practicality of receiving timely and reliable care within this charming New Hampshire town.