03847, Kearsarge, New Hampshire Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 03847, Kearsarge, New Hampshire is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.50 percent of residents in 03847 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.76 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Memorial Hospital, The with a distance of 1.24 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 03847

The crisp air of the Kearsarge region, nestled in the heart of New Hampshire, offers a picturesque setting for life. However, the serenity of this locale, ZIP Code 03847, masks a crucial consideration: **healthcare access**, particularly for individuals facing a diagnosis as daunting as lung cancer. This analysis, a "Lung Cancer Score," examines the **transportation** landscape, revealing the practical challenges and opportunities for those seeking timely and effective care. For anyone **moving to Kearsarge**, this information is vital.

The score considers drive times to specialized oncology centers, availability of public transit, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services. It offers a realistic assessment of the logistical hurdles and potential solutions that patients and their families must navigate. The goal is to provide a clear picture of how easily, or with how much difficulty, residents of 03847 can access the critical healthcare they need.

The primary challenge in this rural setting is the distance to comprehensive cancer care. The closest major oncology centers are located in Portsmouth, approximately 40 miles southeast, and Manchester, roughly 70 miles southwest. The journey to Portsmouth, the more accessible option, typically involves traveling along Route 125, a two-lane highway that can experience significant traffic during peak hours. The drive, usually taking about an hour, can be considerably longer during inclement weather, a frequent occurrence in New Hampshire.

Alternatively, the route to Manchester involves a combination of Route 125 and the more extensive Interstate 95 (I-95) and Interstate 293 (I-293). This journey, although longer in mileage, may sometimes be quicker due to the higher speeds and greater traffic flow capacity of the interstate system. However, traffic congestion around Manchester can also add considerable time to the commute. These long drives can be particularly arduous for patients undergoing treatment, potentially impacting their physical and emotional well-being.

Public **transportation** options in 03847 are limited. The local bus service, COAST (Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation), offers a limited route network. While COAST does provide some service to neighboring towns, its routes do not directly connect to major medical centers. This necessitates a multi-leg journey involving transfers, which significantly increases travel time and complexity. Furthermore, the frequency of service is limited, and weekend schedules are often reduced, making it challenging to schedule appointments.

COAST does provide ADA-accessible buses, equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent service remain significant barriers. For lung cancer patients, who may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, and other mobility challenges, relying on public transit is often impractical and can exacerbate their condition.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Kearsarge region, but their reliability and cost can vary. While these services offer a more direct and flexible mode of **transportation** compared to public transit, their availability is not always guaranteed, particularly in rural areas. Surge pricing, common during peak hours or periods of high demand, can also make ride-sharing an expensive option, adding to the financial burden of cancer treatment.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to assist patients with healthcare appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several companies operate in the region, including CareRide and Medical Transport Services. These services provide door-to-door transport, often with trained personnel to assist patients with mobility and medical needs. However, these services are typically more expensive than ride-sharing or personal vehicles, and availability may be limited, requiring advance booking.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 03847 reflects the challenges and opportunities presented by the **transportation** landscape. The score considers the following factors: drive times to oncology centers, availability of public transit, reliability of ride-sharing services, and cost and accessibility of medical **transportation**.

The score is calculated based on a weighted average, with drive times carrying the most weight, reflecting the critical importance of timely access to care. Public transit availability and ride-sharing reliability are also factored in, acknowledging their potential as alternative **transportation** options. The cost and accessibility of medical **transportation** services are considered, recognizing their value for patients with specific needs.

The score is presented on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing extremely limited access and 10 representing excellent access. A lower score indicates significant challenges in accessing healthcare, while a higher score suggests a more favorable situation.

For residents of 03847, the score is likely to fall in the moderate range. While the region offers some access to care, the long drive times, limited public transit, and variable ride-sharing availability present significant obstacles. Patients and their families must carefully consider these factors when planning treatment and navigating the healthcare system.

The score serves as a valuable tool for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer, enabling them to make informed decisions about their care. It also highlights the need for ongoing efforts to improve **healthcare access** in rural areas. This includes advocating for expanded public transit options, promoting the availability of affordable ride-sharing services, and supporting the growth of medical **transportation** providers.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that all residents of 03847, regardless of their location or financial circumstances, have equal access to the life-saving care they need. This requires a concerted effort from healthcare providers, **transportation** agencies, and community organizations. By working together, we can improve the "Lung Cancer Score" and create a healthier, more supportive environment for those facing this challenging disease. For those **moving to Kearsarge**, this is a critical factor to consider.