03779, Piermont, New Hampshire Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 03779, Piermont, New Hampshire is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.42 percent of residents in 03779 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cottage Hospital with a distance of 10.96 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in Piermont, NH (ZIP Code 03779)

The crisp air of Piermont, New Hampshire, nestled in the heart of the Upper Valley, offers a serene escape. However, when facing a serious health concern like lung cancer, the idyllic landscape presents a unique challenge: **transportation** to specialized **healthcare access**. This write-up analyzes the commute to oncology services for residents of ZIP code 03779, focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-share options, and medical transport, ultimately providing a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the accessibility of care. Considering a move to Piermont? This is vital information.

Piermont itself lacks immediate access to comprehensive cancer care. The nearest facilities equipped for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management are located in neighboring towns and cities, requiring a degree of travel that can significantly impact a patient’s well-being and treatment adherence. The "Lung Cancer Score" will quantify the challenges and provide a realistic understanding of the **healthcare access** landscape.

**Driving Distances and Drive Times:**

The primary mode of **transportation** for most Piermont residents is personal vehicle. The major roadways dictate the journey. The most direct route to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, NH, a leading regional cancer center, involves heading south on Route 10. The drive covers approximately 30 miles and, under ideal conditions, takes around 45 minutes. However, this estimate doesn't account for potential traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather.

Alternatively, residents can take Route 25 East to Interstate 91 South, then to Route 120 South, which also leads to DHMC. This route, while slightly longer in distance, might offer a marginally faster travel time depending on traffic conditions. The scenic drive along Route 25 offers a different perspective, but it can be susceptible to delays due to its winding nature.

For those seeking care at smaller oncology practices or hospitals, the drive times vary. The drive to the Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital in Lebanon, NH, is similar to DHMC, while other options, such as facilities in White River Junction, VT, require navigating different routes and may involve crossing state lines. This adds to the complexity of planning and navigating the **transportation** landscape.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transit options in Piermont are limited. The Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission (UVLSRPC) provides some public **transportation** services, but they are primarily focused on serving the needs of the elderly and disabled. These services require advance booking and are not designed for frequent trips to medical appointments.

The Advance Transit bus system, which provides free public **transportation** throughout the Upper Valley, does not directly serve Piermont. The closest bus stops are in neighboring towns, requiring a significant drive or ride-share to reach. This severely limits the viability of public transit for regular oncology appointments.

ADA accessibility is a critical consideration. While UVLSRPC and Advance Transit strive to provide accessible services, the limited routes and schedules make them less convenient for individuals with mobility limitations. Planning for **healthcare access** necessitates understanding these constraints.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Upper Valley, but their reliability and availability in Piermont can be variable. The cost of ride-shares can also quickly accumulate, especially for frequent appointments. The remote location of Piermont can also mean longer wait times for a ride.

Medical **transportation** services specifically designed for patients are available in the area. These services, such as FirstLight HomeCare and Comfort Keepers, offer door-to-door **transportation** to medical appointments. They often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. However, these services typically come at a higher cost than ride-sharing or personal vehicle **transportation**.

The availability of medical **transportation** is a significant advantage for those unable to drive or who lack access to a personal vehicle. However, it is crucial to research and book these services well in advance to ensure availability and minimize stress.

**Lung Cancer Score Methodology:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be based on a multi-faceted approach, considering the following factors:

* **Drive Time to DHMC:** The primary cancer center.
* **Availability of Public Transit:** Frequency, accessibility, and cost.
* **Reliability of Ride-Share Services:** Availability and cost.
* **Cost and Availability of Medical Transport:** Options and accessibility.
* **Proximity to Urgent Care and Emergency Services:** Crucial for managing complications.

Each factor will be assigned a weighted value based on its impact on **healthcare access** and patient well-being. The final score will range from 1 to 10, with 1 representing the least accessible and 10 representing the most accessible.

**Preliminary Assessment:**

Based on the initial analysis, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Piermont, NH (03779) is likely to be in the moderate range. The drive time to DHMC is manageable, but the lack of reliable public transit and the potential for variable ride-share availability pose challenges. The availability of medical **transportation** services provides a crucial safety net, but the associated costs need to be factored in.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

* **Advocate for Expanded Public Transit:** Increased routes and frequency of service, especially connecting Piermont to major medical centers.
* **Explore Partnerships with Ride-Share Services:** Negotiate discounted rates or subsidized programs for medical appointments.
* **Promote Awareness of Medical Transport Options:** Ensure residents are aware of available services and how to access them.
* **Support Telemedicine Initiatives:** Encourage the use of telehealth to reduce the need for frequent in-person visits.

**Conclusion:**

Living in Piermont offers a peaceful lifestyle, but residents must carefully consider the **transportation** challenges associated with **healthcare access**, especially for those facing a serious illness like lung cancer. Understanding the drive times, public transit limitations, ride-share reliability, and medical **transportation** options is crucial for making informed decisions about care. The "Lung Cancer Score" provides a framework for assessing the overall accessibility of care, and the recommendations offer potential solutions for improving the **healthcare access** landscape. For those **moving to Piermont**, a thorough evaluation of these factors is essential to ensure access to timely and effective treatment.