03825, Barrington, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 03825, Barrington, New Hampshire is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.89 percent of residents in 03825 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Frisbie Memorial Hospital with a distance of 6.95 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Barrington, NH (ZIP Code 03825)

This comprehensive analysis assesses the overall health score for residents of Barrington, New Hampshire (ZIP Code 03825), focusing on the crucial aspect of healthcare access through various transportation modes. Understanding the ease and efficiency of reaching medical facilities is paramount to individual and community well-being. This report delves into drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, providing a nuanced picture for prospective residents or those seeking to improve their health outcomes.

The foundation of healthcare access in Barrington lies in its reliance on personal vehicles. The town’s rural character dictates that the primary mode of transportation to medical appointments is by car. Navigating the network of highways and roads is therefore essential. Residents typically utilize **Route 4** as the primary artery connecting Barrington to neighboring towns and cities. Traveling east on Route 4 provides access to Dover, a regional hub for healthcare services. Westward, Route 4 leads to the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16), offering faster travel to the Seacoast region and further afield.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary considerably depending on the destination and traffic conditions. Dover, with its concentration of medical providers, is generally accessible within a 15-to-30-minute drive, depending on the specific location within the city and the time of day. The drive to Portsmouth, a larger city with more specialized medical services, typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour via the Spaulding Turnpike and Route 95. Travel times can be significantly impacted during peak commuting hours, particularly on the Spaulding Turnpike.

Beyond the primary routes, the network of secondary roads, including **Route 125**, **Route 9**, and various local roads, provides access to smaller medical practices and urgent care facilities. However, these routes are often subject to seasonal variations in road conditions, particularly during winter months, potentially affecting travel times and safety. The condition of these roads is a critical factor influencing healthcare access, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in more remote areas of Barrington.

Public transportation options in Barrington are limited. The **Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST)** provides some bus service, though its routes and schedules are primarily geared towards serving larger population centers like Dover and Rochester. These routes do not directly serve Barrington, making public transit a less viable option for most residents seeking healthcare. This lack of robust public transportation presents a significant challenge for individuals without access to a personal vehicle, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

The absence of comprehensive public transit highlights the importance of considering the availability of ADA-compliant features on any existing routes. While COAST buses are generally ADA-accessible, the limited service area makes it difficult for Barrington residents to utilize these features effectively. The lack of accessible transportation further compounds the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing essential healthcare services.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the region, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability of these services in Barrington can be variable, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for some individuals, especially for frequent medical appointments. The reliability and affordability of ride-sharing services are crucial factors influencing healthcare access, especially for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a car.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer another option. Several companies operate in the region, providing specialized transportation for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. These services often include wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. While medical transport services can be a valuable resource, they can also be costly and may require advance booking, potentially limiting their accessibility for urgent or unplanned medical needs.

The availability and accessibility of medical transport services are crucial for ensuring that all residents, regardless of their physical condition, can access necessary healthcare. The efficiency and reliability of these services directly impact patient outcomes and overall community health.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Barrington is moderate. While the town benefits from its proximity to regional healthcare hubs like Dover and Portsmouth, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options present significant challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers some alternatives, but their cost and reliability can be barriers for some residents.

For individuals considering moving to Barrington, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is essential. Those who rely on public transportation or have mobility limitations should carefully evaluate the available options and plan accordingly. Understanding the drive times to various medical facilities, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport is crucial for making informed decisions about healthcare access.

Furthermore, the local government and healthcare providers could explore opportunities to improve healthcare access in Barrington. This could include advocating for expanded public transportation services, partnering with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments, and promoting the availability of medical transport services. Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as better road maintenance and the development of accessible transportation options, would also significantly enhance healthcare access for all residents.

In conclusion, while Barrington offers reasonable healthcare access for those with personal vehicles, the lack of robust public transit and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create challenges for certain segments of the population. A proactive approach to improving transportation options and promoting the availability of medical support is essential to ensure that all Barrington residents can access the healthcare they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives. The future health of the community depends on addressing the transportation needs of all its members.