03820, Dover, New Hampshire Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 03820, Dover, New Hampshire is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.00 percent of residents in 03820 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.54 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wentworth-Douglass Hospital with a distance of 1.37 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Dover, NH (ZIP Code 03820)

The air, crisp and bracing, off the Piscataqua River defines Dover, New Hampshire (ZIP code 03820). But beneath the charming facade of this historic city lies a critical reality: the potential for a lung cancer diagnosis. Understanding the accessibility of healthcare, particularly for those needing specialized treatment, is paramount. This "Lung Cancer Score" assesses the ease of **transportation** to vital medical resources, considering factors like drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, all crucial elements of **healthcare access**. This analysis will prove particularly valuable for anyone **moving to Dover**, ensuring they're well-informed about the healthcare landscape.

The primary healthcare provider in Dover is Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, a crucial hub for initial diagnoses and treatment. The hospital, conveniently located, is the starting point for our journey. From the heart of Dover, driving to Wentworth-Douglass is a straightforward affair. Most residents can reach the hospital within 5-10 minutes, primarily utilizing Central Avenue, a major artery through the city. The route is generally free-flowing, barring occasional traffic congestion during peak hours, particularly near the downtown area and the intersection with Route 16.

For those residing in the more rural outskirts of Dover, such as along the Bellamy River or near the University of New Hampshire, the drive time may extend slightly. However, even from these areas, the hospital remains easily accessible, typically within a 15-20 minute drive. Accessing the hospital from these areas primarily involves using Route 16, a major north-south highway that connects Dover to neighboring towns and cities. The highway is generally well-maintained, although winter weather can sometimes impact travel times.

Beyond Wentworth-Douglass, specialized lung cancer care often necessitates travel to larger medical centers. The closest major facility is the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, offering advanced oncology services. The journey to Lebanon, however, is considerably longer. The most direct route involves taking Route 4 west, then merging onto Interstate 89 north. This drive spans approximately 150 miles and typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Another option is the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, a renowned center for cancer treatment. The drive to Boston from Dover involves navigating the bustling highways of southern New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The most common route involves taking Route 16 south to the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 4), then merging onto Interstate 95 south. The journey is approximately 70 miles and can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic, especially during rush hour.

Public transit options in Dover are limited, posing a challenge for those without personal vehicles. The COAST (Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation) provides bus services within the Seacoast region. Several COAST routes serve Dover, including routes 1, 3, and 9. However, these routes primarily focus on local travel within the city and to neighboring towns like Durham and Rochester. They do not offer direct connections to major medical centers like Dartmouth-Hitchcock or Massachusetts General Hospital.

The COAST buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts and accessible seating. However, the frequency of service on some routes can be limited, particularly during evenings and weekends. This necessitates careful planning for appointments and treatments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Dover. These services provide a convenient alternative to personal vehicles, particularly for short trips within the city. However, the availability of drivers can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing can accumulate, particularly for longer trips to specialized treatment centers.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer another avenue for accessing healthcare. Several companies operate in the Seacoast region, providing non-emergency medical transport. These services typically involve pre-scheduled rides in specialized vehicles, often equipped with wheelchair lifts and other accessibility features. While these services can be a valuable resource, they often require advance booking and may involve higher costs compared to ride-sharing or public transit.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Dover, therefore, reflects a mixed picture. While Wentworth-Douglass Hospital offers readily accessible care, accessing specialized lung cancer treatment necessitates longer travel times. The limited public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services pose challenges for some residents. The availability of medical transportation services offers a crucial lifeline, but careful planning and consideration of costs are essential.

For individuals considering **moving to Dover**, the accessibility of healthcare should be a key consideration. Assessing the potential need for specialized treatment and evaluating the available **transportation** options is crucial. Understanding the limitations of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing is essential. The availability of medical **transportation** services offers a vital resource, but requires careful planning.

The **healthcare access** landscape in Dover, while offering local services, necessitates careful consideration of **transportation** logistics for specialized care. The "Lung Cancer Score" highlights the importance of proactive planning, ensuring that residents are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of accessing potentially life-saving treatment.