03216, Andover, New Hampshire Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 03216, Andover, New Hampshire is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.18 percent of residents in 03216 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.04 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Concord Hospital- Franklin with a distance of 7.88 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Andover, NH (ZIP Code 03216)

The crisp air of Andover, New Hampshire, a town nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Merrimack Valley, offers a serene backdrop for life. However, the tranquility of 03216 must be considered through the lens of healthcare access, particularly for residents managing hypertension. This write-up explores the transportation landscape, crucial for those needing regular medical attention, and ultimately contributes to a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of receiving timely care. It is a vital consideration for anyone moving to Andover, especially those with pre-existing health conditions.

The primary concern for individuals with hypertension is consistent access to medical appointments, medication refills, and potential emergency care. The ability to navigate the local transportation infrastructure becomes a critical determinant of their quality of life.

**Roadways and Drive Times: The Arteries of Healthcare**

The backbone of transportation in Andover is, undoubtedly, the automobile. The town is primarily served by **Interstate 89 (I-89)**, a major north-south artery. Access to I-89 is relatively straightforward, providing a quick route to larger towns and cities where specialized medical services are more readily available. Driving times are crucial. Reaching Concord Hospital, a major regional healthcare provider, typically takes about 30-45 minutes via I-89 South. This drive, while manageable, necessitates careful planning, especially during peak traffic hours.

Local roads like **Route 11** and **Route 4** are essential for navigating within Andover and connecting to neighboring communities. Route 11 runs east-west, offering access to nearby towns like New London and Wilmot, where some primary care physicians and pharmacies may be located. Route 4, connecting to the east, provides access to the town of Boscawen and beyond. These routes are generally less congested than I-89, but can be subject to seasonal weather conditions, particularly during winter months, which could impact travel times and safety.

For those without personal vehicles, the reliance on alternative transportation options becomes paramount. The Hypertension Score will reflect the availability and accessibility of these alternatives.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public transportation options in Andover are limited, presenting a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The closest significant public transit hub is in Concord, approximately 30-45 minutes away by car. The **Concord Area Transit (CAT)** system serves Concord and surrounding areas, but does not directly extend into Andover. This necessitates a ride-sharing service or taxi to reach a CAT bus stop, adding travel time and expense.

The CAT system does offer ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can utilize the service. However, the lack of direct service to Andover significantly reduces the practicality of public transit for healthcare access. The Hypertension Score will reflect this limitation.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in the region, offering a potential solution for transportation to medical appointments. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing can accumulate, posing a financial burden for those with frequent medical needs.

Medical transport services, such as **CareRide** and **First Student Medical Transportation**, provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often offer door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services typically require advance booking and may be subject to eligibility requirements and insurance coverage. The Hypertension Score must acknowledge the potential limitations of these services.

**Healthcare Access: Proximity and Availability**

The proximity of healthcare facilities is a crucial factor in the Hypertension Score. Andover itself has limited healthcare resources. Residents typically rely on primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals located in neighboring towns and cities. The drive times to these facilities, as outlined above, are a key consideration.

The availability of appointments is another important factor. Accessing timely appointments with specialists, such as cardiologists, is essential for managing hypertension. The Hypertension Score will reflect the ease or difficulty of securing these appointments, considering factors like wait times and insurance coverage.

**Pharmacies and Medication Management**

Access to pharmacies for medication refills is critical for individuals with hypertension. Andover has limited pharmacy options. Residents often rely on pharmacies in nearby towns, such as New London or Concord. The drive times to these pharmacies, coupled with the need for medication refills, must be factored into the overall Hypertension Score.

**The "Hypertension Score" – A Synthesis**

The "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 03216 must reflect the following:

* **Drive Times:** Moderate drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly Concord Hospital, via I-89.
* **Public Transit:** Limited public transit options, with no direct service to Andover.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Variable availability and potential cost of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport:** Availability of medical transport services, but with potential limitations.
* **Healthcare Proximity:** Reliance on healthcare facilities outside of Andover.
* **Pharmacy Access:** Limited pharmacy options within Andover.

Based on these factors, the Hypertension Score for Andover, NH (03216) is moderate. While the town offers a tranquil setting, the limited transportation options and reliance on healthcare resources outside of the town can pose challenges for individuals managing hypertension. Anyone considering moving to Andover, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare access requirements. Planning is essential to ensure consistent and timely access to the medical care required for effective hypertension management. The score emphasizes the need for careful consideration of transportation and healthcare access when making the decision to move to Andover.