03781, Plainfield, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 03781, Plainfield, New Hampshire is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.03 percent of residents in 03781 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.86 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital with a distance of 7.15 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 03781 (Plainfield, NH)

This analysis provides a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 03781, focusing on their ability to access healthcare. We'll examine the multifaceted aspects of transportation, from driving times to public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, to assess the ease or difficulty of reaching necessary medical services. This information is crucial for anyone considering moving to Plainfield, NH, as it directly impacts their healthcare access.

The health score is not a single number but rather a composite understanding based on various factors. We'll consider the availability and efficiency of different transportation methods, the presence of ADA-compliant infrastructure, and the overall accessibility of healthcare facilities. This evaluation aims to provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape for residents.

**Driving Times: The Dominant Mode**

For most residents of Plainfield, the car remains the primary mode of transportation for healthcare appointments. The town's rural nature necessitates reliance on personal vehicles, making drive times a critical element of our health score.

Reaching Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, a major regional healthcare provider, typically involves navigating a combination of roads. From central Plainfield, the journey often begins on Route 12A, a scenic but often slower route. Traffic flow on Route 12A can vary, particularly during peak commuting hours.

The most direct route to DHMC involves a portion of Route 120, a more significant thoroughfare, and then transitioning to Interstate 89. This route offers a quicker, more predictable commute, especially when bypassing the village of Plainfield. However, weather conditions, particularly snow and ice during the winter months, can significantly impact travel times on both Route 12A and I-89.

Average drive times to DHMC from various points within Plainfield range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the starting location and traffic conditions. Smaller clinics and physician offices located closer to Plainfield may offer shorter drive times, providing more convenient options for routine appointments.

**Public Transit: Limited but Available**

Public transportation options in Plainfield and the surrounding area are limited, impacting the health score for those without access to a personal vehicle. The Advance Transit bus system provides some service, offering a potential alternative for those who cannot drive.

Advance Transit operates several routes, including the "Orange Route," which serves the Upper Valley region. While the Orange Route doesn't directly penetrate Plainfield, it offers connections to Lebanon and other towns with healthcare facilities. Riders may need to utilize a combination of routes and potentially rely on walking or other means to reach their final destination.

The availability of ADA-compliant features on Advance Transit buses is a crucial factor in assessing healthcare accessibility. Advance Transit strives to provide accessible services, including ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited frequency of service and the need for transfers can still pose challenges for some individuals.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Expanding Options**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Upper Valley region and offer an alternative to driving or public transit. However, the availability of these services in Plainfield can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. Residents may experience longer wait times or higher fares compared to more densely populated areas.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to assist patients with healthcare appointments, are another option. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require specialized assistance. Several medical transport providers operate in the Upper Valley, offering transportation to and from medical facilities.

The cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services can be a significant factor, particularly for individuals with limited financial resources. The health score must consider the financial burden these services impose on residents.

**Healthcare Access: The Ultimate Goal**

The ultimate goal of this health score assessment is to evaluate healthcare access for Plainfield residents. This involves considering the availability of healthcare providers, the ease of reaching those providers, and the overall affordability of healthcare services.

The presence of DHMC, a major regional medical center, provides a significant advantage. However, the distance to DHMC and the reliance on personal vehicles or limited public transit options can present challenges.

The availability of local clinics and physician offices, even if smaller in scale, plays a crucial role in improving healthcare access. These facilities offer more convenient options for routine appointments and preventative care, reducing the need for longer commutes.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

The "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in ZIP Code 03781 reflects a mixed picture. The reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for longer drive times, especially during inclement weather, present a challenge. The limited public transit options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services further complicate matters.

However, the presence of DHMC and the availability of medical transport services offer mitigating factors. The overall score would be improved by enhancing public transit frequency, expanding ride-sharing coverage, and increasing the availability of local healthcare providers.

For individuals considering moving to Plainfield, understanding these transportation and healthcare access dynamics is paramount. Careful consideration of personal mobility needs, financial resources, and the availability of support services is essential to ensure a positive healthcare experience. This analysis provides a framework for making informed decisions and navigating the healthcare landscape in Plainfield, NH.