03583, Jefferson, New Hampshire Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 03583, Jefferson, New Hampshire is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.19 percent of residents in 03583 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Weeks Medical Center with a distance of 7.69 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Jefferson, NH (ZIP Code 03583)

The crisp air of Jefferson, New Hampshire, a town nestled in the White Mountains, offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, for residents facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the idyllic setting presents a unique challenge: **transportation** to and from vital **healthcare access**. This write-up explores the practicalities of navigating the healthcare landscape for those living in ZIP Code 03583, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" based on accessibility. This is especially crucial for anyone **moving to Jefferson** or currently residing there.

The primary concern for anyone battling lung cancer is timely access to specialized medical care. This includes diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgical interventions, and ongoing follow-up appointments. In Jefferson, these services are not readily available within the town's borders, necessitating travel to larger medical centers. The Lung Cancer Score considers the various modes of **transportation** available, their reliability, and the potential impact on a patient's physical and emotional well-being.

**Drive Times: The Road to Recovery**

The most common mode of **transportation** in Jefferson is the personal vehicle. The drive times to the nearest comprehensive cancer centers are a significant factor. The closest major hospital with oncology services is Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, approximately 90 miles south. The primary route involves taking US Route 2 east to Interstate 93 south. The drive, under ideal conditions, takes roughly two hours, but this can be significantly impacted by weather, particularly during the harsh New Hampshire winters. Road closures due to snow or ice are not uncommon, potentially delaying or even preventing access to critical appointments.

Another option, though further afield, is the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, VT, approximately 110 miles west. The journey involves taking US Route 2 west, which can be a scenic but winding drive, especially during the fall foliage season. This route also takes approximately two hours under optimal conditions. The availability of parking at these facilities, particularly for frequent appointments, can also pose a challenge.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public **transportation** options in Jefferson are extremely limited. There is no local bus service within the town itself. The closest public transit options are the Concord Area Transit (CAT) and the Greyhound Bus Lines, but these are located in the larger cities and require a significant drive to access.

The CAT does offer routes that connect to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, but these routes typically originate from Concord, NH, which is over 100 miles south of Jefferson. The journey involves multiple transfers and can take upwards of four to five hours, making it impractical for most patients.

Greyhound bus lines operate routes that pass through Whitefield, NH, a town adjacent to Jefferson. However, the frequency of these routes is limited, and they do not provide direct access to the major cancer centers. Furthermore, the lack of ADA-compliant features on some routes could pose a significant barrier for patients with mobility issues.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are available in Jefferson, but their availability can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of a ride to a distant medical center could also become a significant financial burden.

Medical **transportation** services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and LifeCare Ambulance provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, including stretcher services, for patients who require assistance. These services are typically more expensive than ride-share options but offer a higher level of care and support. However, their availability and coverage area should be verified in advance.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **American Medical Response (AMR):** National provider of ambulance and medical transport services.
* **LifeCare Ambulance:** Local ambulance and medical transport provider.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Critical Assessment**

Considering the factors outlined above, the Lung Cancer Score for residents of ZIP Code 03583 is relatively low. The primary reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential for unpredictable ride-share availability create significant challenges for patients. The long drive times, especially during winter, can exacerbate the physical and emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis. The financial burden of frequent **transportation** to and from medical appointments can also be substantial.

For individuals **moving to Jefferson** or currently residing there, careful consideration must be given to **healthcare access**. It is crucial to establish a robust support network, including family, friends, and potentially medical **transportation** services, to ensure timely and reliable access to care. Proactive planning, including understanding the limitations of available **transportation**, is essential for navigating the challenges of living with lung cancer in this beautiful but geographically isolated community.

The Lung Cancer Score for Jefferson, NH (03583) is a reflection of the realities of rural healthcare access. It underscores the importance of advocacy for improved public **transportation** options, particularly for medical needs. It also emphasizes the need for individuals to be prepared for the practical challenges of managing a serious illness in a location where access to specialized care requires significant travel. The score serves as a call to action for both individuals and the community to prioritize and address the unique needs of those battling lung cancer in this scenic corner of New Hampshire.