03883, South Tamworth, New Hampshire Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 03883, South Tamworth, New Hampshire is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.36 percent of residents in 03883 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.54 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Huggins Hospital with a distance of 17.97 miles from the area.

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, becomes a critical factor when considering a move, like relocating to South Tamworth, ZIP Code 03883. This analysis dissects the transportation landscape surrounding this community, focusing on access to breast cancer treatment and diagnostic facilities. We'll explore drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing possibilities, providing a comprehensive picture of healthcare access in this region.

For residents of South Tamworth, the closest major medical center equipped to handle comprehensive breast cancer care is likely the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover, New Hampshire. The drive to Dover, a journey of approximately 30 miles, primarily involves navigating Route 113 and then merging onto Route 16. The drive itself, under normal traffic conditions, typically takes around 45 to 60 minutes. However, this estimate can fluctuate significantly depending on traffic flow, particularly during peak commuting hours or seasonal tourist influxes.

Alternatively, residents might consider the Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New Hampshire. This option involves a slightly shorter drive, primarily utilizing Route 113 and then turning onto Route 125. The drive time to Rochester is usually around 30 to 45 minutes, offering a potentially quicker route for some. Both hospitals offer a range of services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and medical oncology, making them viable options for breast cancer patients.

Venturing further afield, the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, presents another possibility, though it necessitates a considerably longer drive. This journey, encompassing approximately 130 miles, involves a combination of Route 113, Route 16, and then transitioning onto Interstate 91. The drive time to Lebanon can easily exceed two hours, making it a less practical option for frequent appointments or emergency situations.

Public transportation options in the South Tamworth area are limited. The availability of buses and trains is a critical element of healthcare access. Currently, there are no direct public transportation routes that serve South Tamworth. Individuals relying on public transit would need to utilize a combination of services, which would significantly extend travel times and increase the complexity of accessing healthcare. This lack of public transportation underscores the importance of personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods for residents of this community.

The closest public transit options might be found in nearby towns like Conway or Ossipee, offering some limited bus services. However, these services are infrequent and may not align with the needs of patients undergoing cancer treatment. The availability of accessible public transit, including ADA-compliant features like ramps and designated seating, is also a crucial consideration for individuals with mobility limitations.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation avenue, but their availability in rural areas like South Tamworth can be inconsistent. While these services may be available, wait times can be lengthy, and surge pricing during peak demand or inclement weather can significantly increase costs. This variability makes ride-sharing a less reliable option for regular medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like Care Ride and MedRide specialize in non-emergency medical transportation, providing door-to-door service and assisting with mobility challenges. These services are often more expensive than ride-sharing but offer greater reliability and support for patients.

The availability of these services is crucial for those facing breast cancer. The emotional and physical toll of the disease is immense, and the added burden of transportation challenges can exacerbate the stress and anxiety associated with treatment.

The decision to move to South Tamworth, or any rural area, necessitates careful consideration of healthcare access. For individuals with a history of breast cancer or those at high risk, the transportation infrastructure becomes a critical factor. The drive times to medical facilities, the availability of public transit, and the reliability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services all play a significant role in determining the feasibility of living in this community.

The absence of robust public transportation options and the potential limitations of ride-sharing highlight the importance of personal vehicles. For individuals without access to a car, the challenges of accessing healthcare are compounded. This underscores the need for careful planning and consideration when evaluating healthcare access in South Tamworth.

The healthcare access in ZIP Code 03883 is inextricably linked to transportation. The ability to navigate the roads, whether by personal vehicle or through alternative means, directly impacts the ability to receive timely and appropriate care. The drive times, the availability of public transit, and the reliability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services all contribute to the overall 'Breast Cancer Score' for this community.

The potential for long drive times, the limitations of public transit, and the variability of ride-sharing services underscore the importance of exploring all available options. Residents may need to rely on a combination of transportation methods, including family members, friends, or specialized medical transportation services, to ensure access to care.

When considering a move to South Tamworth, prospective residents, especially those with a history of breast cancer or other health concerns, should prioritize a thorough assessment of transportation options. This should include researching drive times to nearby hospitals, evaluating the availability of public transit and ride-sharing services, and investigating the availability of medical transportation providers.

The journey to healthcare is not just about the distance; it's about the accessibility, the reliability, and the affordability of the transportation options available. For individuals facing the challenges of breast cancer, these factors can significantly impact their quality of life and their ability to receive the care they need. The transportation landscape in South Tamworth, while offering some options, presents challenges that prospective residents must carefully consider. The 'Breast Cancer Score' for this community is inextricably linked to the availability and accessibility of transportation.