03827, East Kingston, New Hampshire Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 03827, East Kingston, New Hampshire is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.35 percent of residents in 03827 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.36 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Exeter Hospital Inc with a distance of 5.44 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in East Kingston (03827)

East Kingston, New Hampshire (ZIP Code 03827), a charming New England town, offers a tranquil lifestyle, attracting individuals and families seeking respite from urban hustle. However, the idyllic setting necessitates careful consideration of healthcare access, particularly for those managing hypertension. This write-up explores the transportation landscape influencing healthcare accessibility in East Kingston, providing a "Hypertension Score" assessment to aid informed decisions for residents and prospective movers.

The Hypertension Score considers factors like drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability to determine the ease with which residents can reach essential medical appointments and pharmacies. A higher score indicates better healthcare accessibility, crucial for individuals managing hypertension, a condition demanding regular monitoring and medication adherence.

**The Drive to Care:**

East Kingston's relatively rural character dictates a reliance on personal vehicles for most transportation needs. The primary arteries for accessing healthcare facilities are Route 107 and Route 108. Route 107, a north-south thoroughfare, provides access to Exeter and Kingston, while Route 108, running east-west, leads to Brentwood and beyond.

Drive times to healthcare providers are a critical component of the Hypertension Score. Exeter Hospital, the closest major medical facility, is approximately a 15-20 minute drive via Route 107. This drive time, while manageable, can be significantly impacted by traffic, especially during peak commuting hours. Kingston, with its medical offices and pharmacies, is a shorter 5-10 minute drive on Route 107. Brentwood, offering additional healthcare options, is a 10-15 minute drive via Route 108.

For those requiring specialized care, such as cardiology or nephrology, the drive times to larger hospitals in Portsmouth (30-45 minutes via Route 101 and the Spaulding Turnpike) or Manchester (45-60 minutes via Route 101) become more significant. These longer drives can present challenges for individuals with hypertension, particularly during emergencies or for frequent follow-up appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in East Kingston are limited, presenting a challenge for individuals without personal vehicles. The Co-operative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) offers bus service in the Seacoast region, but its routes and frequency in East Kingston are restricted.

COAST Route 3 provides service to Exeter, connecting to other routes that may offer access to healthcare facilities. However, the frequency of Route 3 is limited, and the travel time to Exeter can be substantial, potentially exceeding 30 minutes. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities (ADA) is a key consideration. COAST buses are equipped with features to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

Public transit's limitations significantly impact the Hypertension Score, as it reduces healthcare access for those unable to drive or lacking reliable transportation. The infrequent service and longer travel times can make it difficult to adhere to appointment schedules and medication refills.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the East Kingston area, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, availability can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Ride-sharing costs can also accumulate, making them a potentially expensive option for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for individuals with healthcare needs, are another option. These services often cater to those requiring assistance with mobility or needing transport to and from medical appointments. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and local ambulance services may provide non-emergency medical transport. These services, while offering convenience, can be costly and require pre-booking, which may not always align with the urgency of healthcare needs.

**The Hypertension Score Calculation:**

The Hypertension Score is calculated based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. Drive times to key healthcare facilities receive the highest weight, reflecting their primary influence on accessibility. Public transit availability and ride-sharing/medical transportation options are weighted lower, acknowledging their limited impact.

The score is graded on a scale of 1-10, with 1 representing extremely limited healthcare access and 10 representing excellent access.

**Hypertension Score for East Kingston (03827): 6**

East Kingston receives a score of 6. This score reflects the moderate level of healthcare access. The proximity to Exeter Hospital and Kingston medical offices contributes positively, while the limited public transit options and potential for longer drive times to specialized care facilities detract from the score. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation provides some flexibility, but their limitations impact the overall assessment.

**Implications for Residents and Prospective Movers:**

For individuals with hypertension, the Hypertension Score highlights the importance of considering transportation when choosing a residence in East Kingston. While the town offers a desirable lifestyle, healthcare access requires proactive planning.

Residents should:

* Maintain a reliable vehicle and be prepared for potential drive times.
* Explore ride-sharing and medical transportation options, especially for appointments requiring specialized care.
* Familiarize themselves with COAST bus routes and schedules, recognizing their limitations.
* Develop a network of support, including family, friends, or neighbors, for transportation assistance.

Prospective movers to East Kingston should carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities. The town's appeal must be weighed against the potential challenges of healthcare access.

**Conclusion:**

East Kingston offers a desirable lifestyle, but healthcare access requires careful consideration, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit options, dictates the need for proactive planning and resourcefulness. While the Hypertension Score of 6 indicates moderate access, residents and prospective movers must prioritize transportation strategies to ensure timely access to essential medical care. This includes understanding drive times on roads like Route 107 and Route 108, exploring ride-sharing, and acknowledging the limitations of public transit. By proactively addressing transportation challenges, residents can effectively manage their hypertension and enjoy the benefits of living in this charming New England town.