03885, Stratham, New Hampshire Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 03885, Stratham, New Hampshire is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.69 percent of residents in 03885 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Exeter Hospital Inc with a distance of 2.43 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Stratham, NH (ZIP Code 03885)

The crisp air of Stratham, New Hampshire, nestled in the Seacoast region, offers a certain charm. But for residents facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the beauty of the surroundings must be weighed against the practicalities of **healthcare access**. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment for residents of ZIP code 03885, focusing on **transportation** options to vital medical facilities, critical for timely diagnosis and treatment. This is particularly relevant for anyone **moving to Stratham**, as understanding these factors is paramount to their well-being.

The Lung Cancer Score considers various factors: the proximity of specialized cancer centers, the ease of reaching these facilities via different **transportation** methods, and the availability of support services. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score highlights potential challenges. This assessment is not a definitive medical guide but a practical overview of the **healthcare access** landscape.

**Driving Times and Roadways:**

The primary concern for residents of Stratham is the distance to comprehensive cancer care. The closest major facility is the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven Health, New London, CT. This is a 2-hour and 30-minute drive, mostly on the I-95 South. This drive can be significantly impacted by traffic, especially during peak hours, potentially delaying crucial appointments.

The Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover, NH, offers cancer care, including radiation and chemotherapy. This is a much closer option, approximately a 15-minute drive via NH-108 East. This makes it the most accessible option for many residents.

Another option is the Exeter Hospital, also providing cancer services. This is about a 10-minute drive via NH-101 East, offering a convenient alternative. The ease of access to Exeter Hospital significantly boosts the Lung Cancer Score.

The drive times assume normal traffic conditions. Inclement weather, common in New England, can drastically increase travel times, particularly on the I-95. The availability of multiple routes, like NH-101 and NH-108, provides some flexibility but doesn't eliminate the challenges.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public **transportation** options in Stratham are limited, impacting **healthcare access**. There is no direct bus service to major cancer centers. The COAST (Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation) offers bus routes within the Seacoast area. However, these routes primarily serve local communities and do not provide direct access to specialized cancer treatment facilities.

The COAST route 3, for instance, connects Dover and Portsmouth, offering a limited option for reaching appointments in those towns. However, transferring between routes and the overall travel time make public **transportation** a less viable option for those undergoing cancer treatment. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant buses is crucial for patients with mobility limitations. While COAST strives to provide accessible services, the limited frequency and route coverage remain a significant hurdle.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation Services:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Stratham area, offering a potentially convenient alternative to driving. However, the cost of frequent rides to cancer centers can be substantial. Furthermore, the availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours or for early morning appointments, cannot be guaranteed.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those provided by CareRide or FirstLight Home Care, offer specialized assistance for patients needing transport to medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door service, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. While they offer a valuable resource, they come with an added cost, and availability may vary depending on demand and insurance coverage. The reliability and cost-effectiveness of these services are critical considerations.

**Accessibility and Support Services:**

The availability of support services in Stratham is another key aspect of the Lung Cancer Score. The American Cancer Society and other organizations offer resources like patient navigation, financial assistance, and support groups. These services can help patients navigate the complexities of cancer treatment and access the necessary support.

Accessibility to these services, both in-person and online, is crucial. The ability to easily connect with support networks can significantly improve a patient's quality of life and treatment outcomes.

**Lung Cancer Score Breakdown:**

* **Proximity to Specialized Care:** Exeter Hospital (10-minute drive) offers a good starting point, boosting the score. Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (15-minute drive) provides another accessible option.
* **Transportation Options:** Limited public **transportation** significantly lowers the score. Ride-sharing and medical **transportation** offer alternatives, but cost and availability are concerns.
* **Road Conditions:** Traffic on I-95 can be a significant factor, especially during peak hours, making the drive to Smilow Cancer Hospital challenging.
* **Support Services:** The availability of local and national support networks positively impacts the score.

**Overall Assessment:**

The Lung Cancer Score for Stratham (ZIP code 03885) is moderate. While the proximity to Exeter Hospital and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital offers convenient **healthcare access**, the limited public **transportation** options and the potential challenges of driving to more specialized facilities, like Smilow Cancer Hospital, lower the score. Residents of Stratham should carefully consider their **transportation** needs when facing a lung cancer diagnosis.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize Proximity:** When possible, utilize the cancer services available at Exeter Hospital or Wentworth-Douglass Hospital to minimize travel time.
* **Explore Medical Transportation:** Investigate medical **transportation** options and understand the associated costs and insurance coverage.
* **Plan for Delays:** Factor in potential traffic delays, especially when traveling to distant facilities.
* **Utilize Support Services:** Connect with local and national cancer support organizations for guidance and resources.
* **Advocate for Improved Transportation:** Support initiatives aimed at expanding public **transportation** options and improving **healthcare access** in the region.

For those **moving to Stratham**, this analysis emphasizes the importance of considering **healthcare access** and **transportation** options when making decisions about their new home.