03254, Moultonborough, New Hampshire Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 03254, Moultonborough, New Hampshire is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.04 percent of residents in 03254 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.10 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Huggins Hospital with a distance of 13.20 miles from the area.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Assessing Healthcare Access in Moultonborough, NH (ZIP Code 03254)**

The decision to relocate, especially when considering healthcare needs, requires a thorough understanding of local resources. This assessment focuses on prostate cancer care access for individuals considering moving to Moultonborough, New Hampshire (ZIP Code 03254), a picturesque town nestled in the Lakes Region. We will explore the available transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing, to determine the ease with which residents can access essential medical services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of healthcare access, crucial for informed decision-making.

Moultonborough, with its stunning natural beauty, offers a desirable lifestyle. However, its relative remoteness necessitates careful consideration of transportation logistics, particularly concerning specialized healthcare like prostate cancer treatment. The availability of timely and convenient access to urologists, oncologists, and radiation therapy centers is paramount for those seeking treatment or ongoing care. This analysis will provide a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities in navigating the healthcare landscape within and around ZIP Code 03254.

**Navigating the Roads: Drive Times and Accessibility**

For residents of Moultonborough, the primary mode of transportation for accessing healthcare is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The town's location, while offering tranquility, also presents challenges concerning travel times. The nearest major medical centers offering comprehensive prostate cancer care are located in Laconia, Concord, and Manchester, each presenting different driving experiences.

Traveling south to Laconia, the journey typically involves taking **NH Route 25** east, then connecting to **NH Route 104** south. The drive, approximately 20 miles, usually takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Laconia's medical facilities, including Lakes Region General Hospital, offer urology services and potential access to specialists. This route is generally well-maintained but can experience increased traffic during peak seasons, particularly summer weekends when tourists flock to the Lakes Region.

Venturing further south to Concord, the state capital, requires a longer drive. The primary route involves taking **NH Route 25** east to **NH Route 93** south. The distance is approximately 60 miles, and the drive time can range from 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Concord boasts a larger concentration of medical specialists and advanced treatment options, including radiation therapy and comprehensive cancer centers. The **NH Route 93** corridor can experience congestion, especially during rush hour.

Manchester, the largest city in New Hampshire, presents the most extensive range of healthcare options. The journey involves taking **NH Route 25** east to **NH Route 93** south, then connecting to various local roads depending on the specific medical facility. The distance is approximately 80 miles, and the drive time can be 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, again dependent on traffic. Manchester offers a wide array of specialists, advanced treatment centers, and research facilities, making it a crucial destination for complex prostate cancer cases.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Varying Accessibility**

Public transportation options in Moultonborough and the surrounding areas are limited, which can significantly impact healthcare access. There is no direct public transit system within Moultonborough itself. The primary regional bus service is the **Coös County Transit**, which offers routes in the northern part of the state, but does not reach Moultonborough.

For those relying on public transit, the closest options would involve traveling to Laconia or Plymouth, where limited bus services may be available. However, these services are infrequent and may not directly serve medical facilities. The lack of a robust public transit system presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles, especially those with mobility limitations.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration for public transit. While some buses may be equipped with wheelchair lifts and other accessibility features, the limited frequency and routes of available services can still pose challenges for individuals with disabilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Supplemental Solutions**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Lakes Region, including Moultonborough. However, their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in less populated areas. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments can be unreliable and potentially costly.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution for patients needing assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. Several companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations, those who cannot drive, or those who require assistance with medical equipment.

Some prominent medical transport brands operating in the area include **Care Ride**, **First Transit**, and **LogistiCare**. These services typically require advance booking and may have specific eligibility requirements. While medical transport services can be a valuable resource, they often come with associated costs and may not be readily available for immediate needs.

**Healthcare Access: A Holistic Perspective**

The prostate cancer score for Moultonborough, NH (ZIP Code 03254) must consider the limitations of public transit, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential for reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport. The relatively long drive times to major medical centers in Laconia, Concord, and Manchester pose a significant challenge.

The lack of robust public transit options exacerbates the difficulties for those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations. Ride-sharing services offer a supplemental solution, but their availability and cost can be unpredictable. Medical transport services provide a more specialized option, but they also come with costs and may not always be readily available.

**Conclusion: Weighing the Considerations for Moving to Moultonborough**

For individuals considering moving to Moultonborough and seeking prostate cancer care, a careful evaluation of transportation options is essential. While the town offers a desirable lifestyle, the relative remoteness and limited public transit options necessitate reliance on personal vehicles. The drive times to medical centers in Laconia, Concord, and Manchester should be factored into the decision-making process.

Prospective residents should explore the availability and reliability of ride-sharing services and medical transport options. Planning for healthcare access is crucial, including establishing relationships with local healthcare providers and understanding the logistics of accessing specialized care. Moving to Moultonborough requires careful consideration of the transportation challenges and opportunities to ensure access to timely and effective prostate cancer care.