03231, East Andover, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 03231, East Andover, New Hampshire is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

34.15 percent of residents in 03231 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Concord Hospital- Franklin with a distance of 5.21 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 03231 (East Andover, NH)

This analysis provides a comprehensive ‘Overall Health Score’ assessment for residents of ZIP Code 03231, focusing specifically on the accessibility of healthcare services. The score integrates various transportation modalities, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. This information is crucial for anyone contemplating **moving to East Andover**, as it directly impacts their ability to access necessary medical care. Understanding these factors offers a clear picture of the community's healthcare landscape.

The overall health score is based on a weighted average, with drive times to various healthcare facilities receiving the highest weight. Public transportation availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services are also factored in, reflecting their impact on healthcare access. This analysis considers the practical realities of navigating the region, providing a realistic evaluation of healthcare accessibility.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of transportation in this rural region is the personal vehicle. Consequently, drive times to healthcare facilities are a significant determinant of the overall health score. Several major highways and roads facilitate travel within and beyond the ZIP code.

The primary artery is **Interstate 89 (I-89)**, which runs north-south, offering relatively quick access to larger medical centers in Concord and Lebanon. Residents can typically reach Concord Hospital, a major regional hospital, within a 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic. This drive usually involves taking **NH Route 104** east to I-89 South.

Traveling north on I-89 provides access to the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, a comprehensive healthcare facility. This drive, however, takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, significantly impacting the overall health score. The route often involves taking **NH Route 11** west to I-89 North.

Local roads, such as **NH Route 4** and **NH Route 104**, are essential for accessing local clinics and physician offices. These roads, while offering shorter distances, can be subject to slower speeds and seasonal variations in road conditions, particularly during winter months. These roads are the gateway to local pharmacies and smaller medical facilities.

The drive times to these facilities are crucial. Longer drive times, especially in emergency situations, can compromise healthcare access. The overall health score reflects this reality, penalizing longer travel times and rewarding shorter, more accessible options. The efficiency of the road network is a key factor in determining the overall health score.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in 03231 are limited, which significantly impacts the overall health score. The primary provider of public transit in the region is the **Concord Area Transit (CAT)**, but service to East Andover is infrequent and primarily focuses on connecting to the larger towns.

CAT offers routes that may reach the periphery of East Andover, but direct routes into the heart of the town are limited. The frequency of these routes is often low, and service may not be available during evenings or weekends. This limited service severely restricts the healthcare access for those without personal vehicles, especially the elderly or those with disabilities.

Furthermore, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of these routes is a critical consideration. While CAT strives to comply with ADA regulations, the rural nature of the area and the limited resources may affect the availability of accessible vehicles and facilities. The lack of robust public transportation options negatively impacts the overall health score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, in 03231 is also limited. These services are often less reliable in rural areas, with longer wait times and potential surges in pricing. This inconsistency impacts the overall health score, particularly for those who rely on these services for transportation.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available. Ambulance services are essential in emergency situations. However, NEMT services, which transport patients to and from medical appointments, may have limited availability and require advance booking. The reliability and availability of these services are crucial, but the overall health score reflects the potential challenges associated with their use.

Several medical transport brands operate in the area, including private ambulance companies and NEMT providers. However, their coverage area and availability may vary. Residents should research these options and understand their limitations. The overall health score considers the accessibility and reliability of these medical transport services.

**Healthcare Access and Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in 03231 is moderate. While residents have access to quality healthcare facilities, the primary challenge is the transportation factor. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transportation and ride-sharing options, can create barriers to healthcare access.

The drive times to larger medical centers, particularly those in Lebanon, can be significant. The limited public transportation options further exacerbate this issue, particularly for those without personal vehicles. The availability of ride-sharing services is also inconsistent.

The overall health score reflects these challenges, highlighting the need for careful consideration when evaluating healthcare access in the area. The score serves as a valuable tool for anyone considering **moving to East Andover**, providing a realistic assessment of the healthcare landscape.

**Recommendations:**

Residents of 03231 should proactively plan for their healthcare needs, considering the transportation challenges. This includes:

* **Establishing relationships with local healthcare providers:** This can facilitate access to care and reduce travel distances.
* **Exploring medical transport options:** Researching and understanding the availability and limitations of NEMT services is crucial.
* **Considering carpooling or ride-sharing with neighbors:** This can provide an alternative to relying solely on personal vehicles.
* **Advocating for improved public transportation:** Supporting initiatives that enhance public transit options can improve healthcare access for the entire community.

By understanding the challenges and taking proactive steps, residents of 03231 can mitigate the transportation barriers and ensure access to the healthcare they need. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and improving the overall health score. The overall health score is a dynamic measure, and community efforts can improve it over time.