03873, Sandown, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 03873, Sandown, New Hampshire is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.29 percent of residents in 03873 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.38 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Parkland Medical Center with a distance of 7.66 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Sandown, NH (ZIP Code 03873)

This analysis provides an “Overall Health Score” for residents of Sandown, New Hampshire (ZIP code 03873), focusing on the critical aspect of *healthcare access* through various *transportation* options. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport, offering a comprehensive view for individuals considering *moving to Sandown* or seeking to understand the community’s healthcare accessibility.

The score is not a single number but a holistic assessment, weighting factors based on their impact on timely and convenient healthcare access. Factors like the availability of multiple healthcare providers, the efficiency of transportation options, and the presence of specialized medical transport services are evaluated. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score highlights potential challenges. This write-up aims to illuminate the realities of navigating the healthcare landscape in and around Sandown.

Sandown, a primarily residential town, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. Its relative remoteness, coupled with limited public transportation, necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles and ride-sharing services. The proximity to larger towns and cities, however, offers access to a wider range of healthcare providers.

**Drive Times: The Primary Mode**

For residents of Sandown, personal vehicles are the most common mode of transportation to healthcare facilities. The primary arteries for accessing medical care are Route 121A, Route 121, and Route 111A, connecting Sandown to neighboring towns and cities. These roads are generally well-maintained, but traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can impact drive times.

The closest immediate healthcare options are typically found in nearby towns like Hampstead, Atkinson, and Kingston. A quick trip to a primary care physician or urgent care clinic in these towns usually takes between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic. However, accessing specialized care, such as hospitals or specialist offices in larger cities like Salem or Exeter, necessitates longer commutes.

For instance, driving to Parkland Medical Center in Derry, a major regional hospital, typically takes 20 to 30 minutes via Route 121 and Interstate 93. The drive to Exeter Hospital, another significant healthcare provider, is approximately 30 to 40 minutes via Route 121 and Route 107. These drive times can be considerably longer during inclement weather or rush hour.

The ease of access to major highways like Interstate 93 and Route 101 is a significant advantage for Sandown residents. These highways provide efficient routes to a broader range of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, specialist offices, and rehabilitation centers. However, reliance on personal vehicles presents challenges for individuals without a car, the elderly, or those with mobility limitations.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Sandown are extremely limited, posing a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle. The primary public transit provider in the region is the Co-operative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (Coast), which operates bus routes throughout Rockingham County.

Unfortunately, Coast's service in Sandown is minimal, with limited routes and infrequent schedules. There are no direct routes that serve Sandown. Residents would likely need to travel to a neighboring town, such as Hampstead or Plaistow, to access a Coast bus route. This additional travel time, coupled with potential transfer times, can significantly increase the overall commute time to healthcare facilities.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for individuals with disabilities. Coast strives to provide accessible services, but the limited route coverage and infrequent schedules can still pose challenges for those requiring accessible transportation. Detailed information on specific routes, schedules, and ADA features can be found on the Coast website.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option for Sandown residents. While availability may vary depending on demand, these services can provide convenient access to healthcare appointments, especially for those without access to a personal vehicle. However, ride-sharing costs can be a factor, particularly for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, play a vital role in ensuring healthcare access for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. These services offer specialized transportation, often with trained medical personnel, to transport patients to and from medical appointments.

Several medical transportation providers operate in the Sandown area, including local ambulance services and regional NEMT companies. These services are essential for individuals who require assistance with mobility, such as those using wheelchairs or walkers. The availability and responsiveness of these services are crucial for ensuring timely access to healthcare.

**Healthcare Provider Proximity: A Crucial Element**

The proximity of healthcare providers is a critical factor in evaluating healthcare access. Sandown itself has limited healthcare facilities. Residents rely on neighboring towns and cities for most medical services. The presence of primary care physicians, specialists, urgent care clinics, and hospitals in nearby communities significantly impacts the overall health score.

The availability of a wide range of healthcare providers within a reasonable driving distance is a positive factor. However, the concentration of providers in specific areas can create challenges for residents in more remote locations. The ability to access specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, or physical therapy, is crucial for comprehensive healthcare.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

Considering all factors, the "Overall Health Score" for residents of Sandown, NH (ZIP code 03873), is moderate. While the proximity to major highways and neighboring towns provides access to a range of healthcare facilities, the limited public transportation options and reliance on personal vehicles present challenges.

The score is positively impacted by the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers. The presence of healthcare providers in nearby towns and cities also contributes to a favorable score. However, the lack of robust public transit and the potential for traffic congestion negatively impact the score.

Individuals *moving to Sandown* should carefully consider their transportation needs and the availability of healthcare services. Those who rely on public transportation or have mobility limitations may face significant challenges. However, the proximity to major highways and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offer viable alternatives.

**Recommendations**

To improve the "Overall Health Score" for Sandown residents, several recommendations can be considered. Investing in improved public transportation, including expanding bus routes and increasing service frequency, would significantly enhance healthcare access. Encouraging the development of healthcare facilities within Sandown or nearby towns would also reduce drive times and improve convenience.

Furthermore, promoting awareness of ride-sharing and medical transportation services and providing financial assistance for those who cannot afford these services would be beneficial. Continued efforts to ensure ADA accessibility in all transportation options are crucial for inclusivity. Finally, clear and accessible information about healthcare providers, transportation options, and associated costs is essential for empowering residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare.