Lung Cancer Score

03849, Madison, New Hampshire Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

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Travel Score in 03849, Madison, New Hampshire

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 03849, Madison, New Hampshire is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.85 percent of residents in 03849 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Memorial Hospital, The with a distance of 9.39 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 03849, Madison, New Hampshire

Lung Cancer Score 31
People Score 44
Provider Score 45
Hospital Score 24
Travel Score 52

Closest Hospital - MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, THE

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 03849 Madison New Hampshire
No Cars 0.00 0.00 1.54
1 Car 12.77 12.77 15.54
2 Cars 32.51 32.51 44.29
3 or More Cars 54.72 54.72 38.64

Vehicular Access in 03849, Madison, New Hampshire

Travel Score Review of 03849, Madison, New Hampshire

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Madison, NH (ZIP Code 03849)

The crisp mountain air and picturesque landscapes of Madison, New Hampshire, offer a compelling allure for those seeking a tranquil life. However, when considering a move to this charming community, it’s crucial to assess the practicalities of accessing essential healthcare, particularly for a condition as serious as lung cancer. This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP code 03849, focusing on transportation options to specialized care, a critical factor in treatment and survival. We will explore the realities of healthcare access in Madison, ensuring prospective residents are well-informed.

Madison, nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, presents unique challenges in healthcare access. The town's remote location dictates that residents rely heavily on personal vehicles for transportation. Public transit options are limited, and the availability of ride-sharing services may be inconsistent. This geographical isolation necessitates careful consideration of travel times and alternative transportation strategies when dealing with a diagnosis like lung cancer, which often demands frequent appointments for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Backbone of Access**

The primary artery connecting Madison to larger medical centers is Route 16, a vital north-south thoroughfare. Driving south on Route 16, one encounters the White Mountain National Forest. Accessing specialized lung cancer care necessitates journeys to larger hospitals in the region. Driving to Memorial Hospital in North Conway, approximately 15 miles south, takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. This facility offers a range of medical services, including oncology, which is a crucial first step for a lung cancer diagnosis.

Further south, approximately 50 miles, is the Portsmouth Regional Hospital, a larger facility with more comprehensive cancer treatment options, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This drive, primarily on Route 16 and the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 4), can take approximately one hour and 15 minutes, assuming favorable traffic conditions.

For the most advanced treatments, including specialized surgical procedures and clinical trials, patients may need to travel to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. This journey, approximately 120 miles west, requires a drive of about two and a half hours, primarily on Route 16, the Spaulding Turnpike, and Interstate 89. This trip underscores the importance of planning and support systems, as long drives can be physically and emotionally taxing for patients and their caregivers.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Madison are extremely limited. The local transit authority, the Conway Area Transportation System (CATS), provides bus service within the Mount Washington Valley, but the routes and schedules are infrequent, and they may not directly serve Madison. The CATS system does offer some routes that connect with hospitals in the area, but the frequency and the need for transfers make them less than ideal for patients with frequent medical appointments.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible features on these buses should be verified. Individuals with mobility limitations, common among those undergoing lung cancer treatment, require reliable and accessible transportation. The lack of robust public transit options in Madison necessitates a reliance on alternative transportation methods.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Mount Washington Valley, but their presence can be sporadic, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Reliance on these services for regular medical appointments is not always feasible. The availability of drivers and the cost of rides can fluctuate, making it difficult to plan and budget for transportation needs.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more reliable option. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services require advance booking and can be expensive, but they offer a crucial lifeline for patients who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation.

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

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Madison, NH (03849) is a composite assessment, considering factors beyond simple drive times. It weighs the availability of transportation options, the accessibility of healthcare facilities, and the potential impact of geographical isolation on patient well-being.

The score acknowledges the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services. It also considers the need for long-distance travel to access specialized cancer care.

**Factors Influencing the Score:**

* **Drive Time to Nearest Oncology Services:** Moderate, with a 20-30 minute drive to Memorial Hospital.
* **Drive Time to Comprehensive Cancer Centers:** Longer, with 1-2.5 hour drives to Portsmouth Regional Hospital and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, respectively.
* **Public Transit Availability:** Extremely limited, with infrequent CATS bus routes.
* **Ride-Sharing Reliability:** Variable, with potential for limited availability and cost fluctuations.
* **Medical Transportation Services:** Available, but require advance booking and are costly.
* **ADA Accessibility:** Limited in public transit; needs to be confirmed for CATS and ride-sharing services.
* **Impact of Weather:** Significant, with potential for road closures and travel delays during winter months.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents**

For individuals considering moving to Madison, NH, and who have concerns about lung cancer or other serious health conditions, a thorough evaluation of transportation options is essential. The following recommendations are crucial:

* **Assess Personal Transportation:** Ensure reliable access to a personal vehicle and consider the cost of vehicle maintenance, fuel, and potential repairs.
* **Explore Medical Transportation Services:** Research and establish relationships with local medical transportation providers. Understand their services, costs, and booking procedures.
* **Investigate Support Networks:** Build a support system of family, friends, or caregivers who can provide transportation assistance.
* **Consider Proximity to Medical Facilities:** Evaluate the location of healthcare providers and choose a residence that minimizes travel times.
* **Plan for Contingencies:** Prepare for unexpected travel delays due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
* **Stay Informed:** Keep abreast of changes in local transportation services, healthcare options, and public health initiatives.

**Conclusion: Navigating Healthcare in Madison**

Moving to Madison, NH, offers a lifestyle of natural beauty and tranquility. However, prospective residents must carefully consider the challenges of healthcare access, especially for conditions like lung cancer. The "Lung Cancer Score" highlights the importance of proactive planning, reliable transportation, and a strong support network. While the drive times to specialized care may be longer than in more urban areas, the beauty and peace of Madison can still be enjoyed with careful preparation and a commitment to prioritizing healthcare access. This assessment is designed to help individuals make informed decisions about their move and ensure they can receive the best possible care in this unique and beautiful corner of New Hampshire.

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Health Scores Near 03849, Madison, New Hampshire

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Health Scores in 03849, Madison, New Hampshire