03223, Campton, New Hampshire Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 03223, Campton, New Hampshire is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.47 percent of residents in 03223 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.72 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Speare Memorial Hospital with a distance of 6.46 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Campton, NH (ZIP Code 03223)

The crisp mountain air of Campton, New Hampshire, might seem a world away from the complexities of healthcare access. Yet, for residents facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the journey to treatment and support can be a critical factor in their prognosis. This write-up, a “Lung Cancer Score” analysis, explores the transportation landscape within and around ZIP code 03223, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities for those seeking timely and effective care. This is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Campton, NH, and needing to understand their healthcare access.

The primary concern for anyone facing a lung cancer diagnosis is swift and reliable transportation to medical appointments. In Campton, the vastness of the White Mountains and the relative sparseness of public transportation present unique hurdles. The geography dictates a reliance on personal vehicles, with drive times becoming a crucial determinant of healthcare access.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The nearest significant healthcare facilities are located in Plymouth, NH (approximately 15-20 minutes by car), and Lebanon, NH (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes). Accessing these facilities primarily involves navigating the winding roads that characterize the region. From Campton, the most direct route to Plymouth is via Interstate 93 (I-93) South. This is a relatively straightforward drive, typically free of major traffic congestion.

For those needing specialized care or advanced treatments, the drive to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon becomes essential. This journey involves taking I-93 South to Route 104 East, then connecting to I-89 North. While the highways themselves are generally well-maintained, winter weather conditions can significantly impact travel times, potentially adding hours to the commute. Road closures due to snowstorms are not uncommon, making reliable transportation planning a necessity.

**Public Transportation Limitations:**

Public transportation options within Campton and the surrounding areas are extremely limited. The Lakes Region Transportation Company (LRTC) provides some bus services, but these are infrequent and primarily serve the larger towns and cities within the region. They do not have routes that directly serve Campton or offer frequent service to medical facilities.

The absence of robust public transportation presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive due to their illness or treatment side effects. The lack of frequent bus routes exacerbates the difficulties in accessing healthcare.

**ADA Accessibility:**

While LRTC buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, including ramps and designated seating, the limited service frequency and route coverage render this a less viable option for many residents of Campton. The reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation becomes even more critical for those with mobility limitations.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas like Campton. Surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can also make these services prohibitively expensive.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies specializing in non-emergency medical transport, are a more reliable option for individuals needing assistance. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, these services can be costly, and availability may require advance booking.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

Several medical transport brands operate in the region, including:

* **Care Ride:** Offers non-emergency medical transportation services to various medical facilities.
* **Ambulance Service of the White Mountains:** Provides ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport.
* **First Student:** Often contracted to provide transportation for medical appointments.

**The Impact on Lung Cancer Patients:**

For individuals undergoing lung cancer treatment, the challenges of transportation are compounded by the physical and emotional toll of the disease. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery can cause fatigue, nausea, and other debilitating side effects, making driving difficult or impossible. The need for frequent appointments for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care underscores the critical importance of reliable transportation.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" Considerations:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Campton, NH (ZIP code 03223) would be significantly impacted by the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** The relatively short drive to Plymouth, NH, for basic medical care is a positive factor. However, the longer drive to Lebanon, NH, for specialized treatment and the potential for weather-related delays are significant drawbacks.
* **Public Transportation:** The lack of public transportation options severely limits healthcare access for those without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Share Availability:** The inconsistent availability and potential cost of ride-sharing services pose a challenge.
* **Medical Transportation Services:** The availability of medical transportation services offers a crucial lifeline, but the cost and the need for advance booking can be barriers.
* **Accessibility:** The ADA-compliant features of LRTC buses are rendered less useful by the lack of service to Campton.

**Recommendations and Considerations for Moving to Campton:**

For individuals considering moving to Campton, NH, and facing a lung cancer diagnosis or the potential for one, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is essential. The following recommendations are crucial:

* **Vehicle Ownership:** Owning a reliable vehicle is practically a necessity.
* **Insurance:** Ensure adequate insurance coverage for medical transportation.
* **Transportation Planning:** Develop a detailed transportation plan, including backup options for inclement weather or unexpected delays.
* **Research Medical Transport:** Research and establish contact with medical transportation providers.
* **Proximity to Healthcare:** Consider the proximity to healthcare facilities when choosing a residence.
* **Support Network:** Build a strong support network of family, friends, or caregivers who can provide transportation assistance.

**Conclusion:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Campton, NH (ZIP code 03223) reflects the challenges of healthcare access in a rural environment. While the natural beauty and tranquility of the area are undeniable, the limitations in transportation options present significant hurdles for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. Careful planning, proactive resource utilization, and a strong support network are essential for navigating the complexities of healthcare access in this beautiful but geographically challenging region. Moving to Campton requires careful consideration of these factors to ensure access to timely and effective medical care.