03847, Kearsarge, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 03847, Kearsarge, New Hampshire is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.50 percent of residents in 03847 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.76 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Memorial Hospital, The with a distance of 1.24 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 03847

This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 03847, focusing on healthcare accessibility through various transportation methods. The score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. This is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Kearsarge, seeking a comprehensive understanding of their healthcare access.

The score is not a definitive metric but rather a holistic assessment, reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching essential medical services from this rural New Hampshire ZIP code. It acknowledges the limitations of each transportation mode, factoring in potential delays, accessibility challenges, and overall convenience.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in 03847 is the personal vehicle. The area's geography dictates this, with limited public transit options. The drive times to various healthcare facilities fluctuate based on the destination and traffic conditions.

For primary care, residents typically travel along **New Hampshire Route 125** and **Route 107**. Reaching the nearest primary care physician may take between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the specific location within the ZIP code and the clinic's proximity. During peak hours, especially during school drop-off and pick-up times, traffic congestion can extend these drive times.

Specialty care, including cardiology, dermatology, and other specialized services, often necessitates longer drives. Accessing specialists in nearby towns like Rochester or Concord, New Hampshire, requires navigating **Route 125**, **Route 107**, and potentially the **Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16)**. These trips can range from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on the distance and traffic flow.

Emergency services are available at Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New Hampshire, and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover, New Hampshire. The drive to either hospital typically takes between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the location within 03847 and the chosen route.

**Public Transit Challenges:**

Public transportation options within 03847 are severely limited, posing a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The availability of public transit is a crucial factor in the Overall Health Score.

The COAST (Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation) provides some bus services in the region. However, their routes are infrequent and primarily serve the more populated areas of the Seacoast region, making them less accessible for residents of Kearsarge.

Route 3, for example, might offer a limited connection to Dover, New Hampshire, but its schedule and frequency are not conducive to timely healthcare appointments. Furthermore, the lack of extensive routes and stops within 03847 presents a significant barrier.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility on COAST buses is available, including wheelchair lifts and designated seating. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent schedules still pose challenges for individuals with disabilities. The lack of frequent service significantly impacts the Overall Health Score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area, though their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in remote locations. The reliability of these services for healthcare appointments is questionable.

Medical transport services, such as Med-Ride, offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services are typically pre-booked and can provide door-to-door transportation to healthcare facilities. However, they often come with higher costs and require advance planning.

The availability of medical transport services is a positive factor, but their cost and the need for prior arrangements can be a deterrent. The Overall Health Score reflects this balance, recognizing the benefits while acknowledging the limitations.

**Assessing the Overall Health Score:**

The Overall Health Score for healthcare access in 03847 is moderate. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options present significant challenges.

Drive times to primary care facilities are generally acceptable, but reaching specialty care and emergency services can be time-consuming. The inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services and the cost of medical transport further complicate healthcare access.

The score reflects the importance of personal transportation for residents. Individuals considering moving to Kearsarge should carefully assess their ability to drive or arrange for transportation.

**Factors Influencing the Score:**

Several factors influence the Overall Health Score. The distance to healthcare facilities, the availability of transportation options, and the individual's mobility and financial resources all play a role.

The geographic isolation of 03847, combined with the limited public transit infrastructure, creates a significant hurdle for healthcare access. The score acknowledges these constraints.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

Improving healthcare access in 03847 requires a multi-pronged approach. Expanding public transit routes and increasing service frequency would significantly benefit residents.

Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation for healthcare appointments could also be beneficial. Encouraging telehealth services can also help bridge the gap in healthcare access.

**Conclusion:**

The Overall Health Score for healthcare access in 03847 is moderate, reflecting the challenges associated with transportation in a rural environment. While residents have access to healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options present significant barriers.

Individuals considering moving to Kearsarge should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and plan accordingly. Understanding the limitations of transportation options is crucial for ensuring timely and convenient access to healthcare services. Further investment in public transit and innovative transportation solutions is essential to improve the Overall Health Score for the residents of 03847.