03845, Intervale, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 03845, Intervale, New Hampshire is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

86.85 percent of residents in 03845 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.97 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Memorial Hospital, The with a distance of 1.89 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Intervale, NH (ZIP Code 03845)

The crisp air of Intervale, New Hampshire, whispers promises of mountain views and a slower pace of life. Yet, before packing your bags and embracing the idyllic scenery, prospective residents must consider a critical aspect of well-being: healthcare access. This report provides an "Overall Health Score" for the 03845 ZIP code, focusing on the complexities of transportation and its impact on accessing medical care.

The score, a composite of factors, analyzes the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach various healthcare providers. It incorporates drive times, public transportation options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. This holistic view aims to offer a realistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing those seeking healthcare in this beautiful, yet geographically isolated, corner of the Granite State.

Intervale's remoteness significantly influences the healthcare landscape. The primary arteries for transportation are Route 16, a major north-south thoroughfare, and the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), offering scenic east-west passage. These roadways, while beautiful, can become congested during peak tourist seasons and challenging during winter months, impacting travel times and healthcare access.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a primary determinant of the Health Score. Memorial Hospital in North Conway, approximately 10 minutes south via Route 16, serves as the primary acute care facility. This relatively short drive contributes positively to the score. However, specialized care often necessitates longer journeys. The drive to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, a regional referral center, is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, primarily via Route 16 and I-93. This longer travel time, while expected in rural settings, lowers the overall score. Similarly, access to Boston-area hospitals, though offering a wider range of specialists, requires a 2.5- to 3-hour drive, adding further complexity.

Public transportation options in Intervale are limited. The Conway Scenic Railroad, while offering a scenic experience, is primarily geared toward tourism and does not provide regular transportation to healthcare facilities. The local transportation authority, the Coös County Transit, offers limited routes within the region. However, these routes are infrequent and may not directly serve healthcare facilities in a timely manner. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant features on these routes is crucial for individuals with disabilities, impacting their ability to independently access medical care. The lack of robust public transit significantly impacts the Health Score.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, have a presence in the area, but their availability is inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on these services for medical appointments is risky, as surge pricing and driver availability can fluctuate significantly. This unreliability detracts from the score, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles.

Medical transport services play a crucial role in bridging the gap for those unable to drive themselves. Several companies, including local ambulance services and specialized medical transport providers, operate in the region. However, the cost of these services can be prohibitive, and their availability may be limited, especially for non-emergency appointments. The reliance on these services further underscores the transportation challenges and their impact on the Health Score.

The overall Health Score for Intervale, NH (03845) reflects a mixed picture. The proximity to Memorial Hospital in North Conway provides a positive element. However, the limitations in public transportation, the unreliability of ride-sharing services, and the potential costs of medical transport services significantly diminish the score. The longer travel times to specialized care facilities and the potential for weather-related delays further exacerbate these challenges.

For those considering moving to Intervale, careful consideration of these transportation factors is essential. Individuals who are highly dependent on healthcare, or who lack reliable personal transportation, may find accessing medical care challenging.

The Health Score is not static. It can be improved through several initiatives. Increased investment in public transportation, with expanded routes and ADA-compliant features, would significantly enhance healthcare access. Partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also prove beneficial. Furthermore, promoting telehealth services and expanding the availability of mobile healthcare clinics would help mitigate the challenges of geographic isolation.

The final Health Score reflects the current reality of healthcare access in Intervale. It is a call to action, urging residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to collaborate on innovative solutions to improve transportation and ensure that all residents have equitable access to the medical care they need. The beauty of Intervale should not be overshadowed by the difficulties of reaching healthcare.