03830, East Wakefield, New Hampshire Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 03830, East Wakefield, New Hampshire is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

23.20 percent of residents in 03830 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Huggins Hospital with a distance of 11.25 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in East Wakefield, NH (ZIP Code 03830)**

The journey to breast cancer care in East Wakefield, New Hampshire, a town nestled in the Lakes Region, involves more than just a medical appointment; it's a complex equation of *transportation* options, time constraints, and the inherent challenges of *healthcare access*. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score," considers the practicalities of reaching diagnostic centers, treatment facilities, and support services, painting a picture of the ease or difficulty faced by residents in their pursuit of crucial care. Prospective residents *moving to East Wakefield* should understand these factors.

East Wakefield's relative isolation necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles. The major arteries guiding the way are Route 16, the primary north-south thoroughfare, and Route 109, offering east-west passage. Driving times to key healthcare destinations significantly impact the Breast Cancer Score.

For initial screenings, such as mammograms, residents might consider the Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro, approximately a 20-to-30-minute drive south via Route 109 and Route 28. The drive, while manageable, can be affected by traffic, particularly during peak hours or tourist season. Further diagnostic imaging or consultations might necessitate a trip to Portsmouth Regional Hospital, roughly an hour and fifteen minutes away, a journey that involves Route 16 South, then the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) and eventually I-95 South.

Treatment options, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy, are often concentrated in larger medical centers. The drive to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, is a significant undertaking, a drive of approximately two hours, primarily via Route 16 North, then the White Mountain Highway (Route 112) and I-93 North. This extended travel time can add considerable stress for patients undergoing regular treatments.

Public *transportation* options in East Wakefield are extremely limited. The local bus service, COAST, does not directly serve East Wakefield. The closest COAST routes are in Wolfeboro and Ossipee, and do not offer direct routes to medical facilities. ADA-accessible features are available on COAST buses, but the lack of service to East Wakefield significantly hinders *healthcare access*.

The absence of robust public *transportation* underscores the importance of ride-sharing services and medical transport. Uber and Lyft operate in the area, but availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Booking in advance is crucial.

Medical transport services, such as MedStar Ambulance, offer specialized transportation for patients with medical needs. These services can be costly, and insurance coverage varies. Patients should explore insurance coverage before relying on these options.

The Breast Cancer Score is not solely determined by drive times. It also considers the availability of support services. The American Cancer Society and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center offer resources, including patient navigation and financial assistance. These resources can help mitigate the challenges of *transportation* and *healthcare access*.

The Breast Cancer Score for East Wakefield reflects a mixed picture. While the area offers a beautiful and peaceful environment, the lack of public *transportation* and the distances to major medical centers present challenges. Residents must rely on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transport.

The Breast Cancer Score for East Wakefield considers the following:

* **Drive Times:** The time required to reach screening centers, treatment facilities, and support services.
* **Public *Transportation*:** The availability, frequency, and accessibility of public *transportation* options.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** The availability, cost, and reliability of ride-sharing services and medical transport.
* **Support Services:** The availability of patient navigation, financial assistance, and other resources.

The score is a composite measure, weighing these factors to provide a comprehensive assessment of the ease or difficulty of accessing breast cancer care in East Wakefield.

The drive to Portsmouth Regional Hospital, a major hub for cancer care, involves navigating the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16), a toll road that can add to the overall cost of care. The journey, while relatively straightforward, requires careful planning.

The drive to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, a comprehensive cancer center, involves a longer journey, primarily via Route 16 North and I-93 North. This drive can be particularly challenging during winter months due to potential road closures or hazardous conditions.

The lack of public *transportation* options necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transport. This reliance can be particularly challenging for patients who are unable to drive or who have limited financial resources.

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, can vary depending on the time of day and the demand. Patients should book rides in advance to ensure reliable *transportation*.

Medical transport services, such as MedStar Ambulance, offer specialized *transportation* for patients with medical needs. These services can be costly, and insurance coverage varies. Patients should explore insurance coverage before relying on these options.

The Breast Cancer Score is a dynamic measure, influenced by factors such as road conditions, traffic, and the availability of *transportation* services. Residents should be aware of these factors and plan accordingly.

The Breast Cancer Score is not a definitive measure of the quality of care. It is a tool to help residents understand the practical challenges of accessing care.

Residents *moving to East Wakefield* should consider the *transportation* challenges when planning their healthcare. Proactive planning, including securing reliable *transportation* and exploring support services, can help mitigate these challenges and improve *healthcare access*.

The journey to breast cancer care in East Wakefield is a testament to the resilience of patients and the importance of community support. While the *transportation* challenges are real, the availability of resources and the dedication of healthcare providers offer hope and support.

The Breast Cancer Score for East Wakefield serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing *healthcare access* disparities and ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to receive timely and effective care.