Arthritis Score

04978, Smithfield, Maine Arthritis Score Travel Score

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Travel Score in 04978, Smithfield, Maine

The Travel Score for the Arthritis Score in 04978, Smithfield, Maine is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.40 percent of residents in 04978 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.23 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Redington Fairview General Hospital with a distance of 9.67 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 04978, Smithfield, Maine

Arthritis Score 89
People Score 87
Provider Score 87
Hospital Score 41
Travel Score 44

Closest Hospital - REDINGTON FAIRVIEW GENERAL HOSPITAL

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 04978 Smithfield Maine
No Cars 1.31 1.31 2.13
1 Car 9.19 9.19 18.39
2 Cars 52.52 52.52 45.49
3 or More Cars 36.98 36.98 34.00

Vehicular Access in 04978, Smithfield, Maine

Travel Score Review of 04978, Smithfield, Maine

## Arthritis Score: Navigating Healthcare in Smithfield, Maine (ZIP Code 04978)

Smithfield, Maine, a town nestled in the heart of Somerset County, offers a tranquil lifestyle characterized by its scenic beauty and close-knit community. However, for individuals managing arthritis, the accessibility of healthcare, particularly rheumatological care, is a crucial factor to consider. This "Arthritis Score" aims to provide a comprehensive overview of transportation options and healthcare access within and around ZIP Code 04978, aiding potential residents in understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with their health needs.

The very essence of healthcare access hinges on the ability to reach medical facilities. In Smithfield, the primary mode of transportation is personal vehicles. The town's rural nature means public transportation options are limited. Therefore, understanding drive times and road conditions is paramount.

The most direct route to larger medical centers often involves navigating the local roads. From Smithfield, a journey to the nearest major hospital, Redington-Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan, typically involves a drive along Smithfield Road, connecting to Route 201. This route, generally well-maintained, is approximately 15 miles and can take around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

For specialized rheumatological care, residents might need to travel further. Augusta, the state capital, offers a wider array of specialists. The journey to Augusta usually involves heading south on Route 201, then merging onto Interstate 95. This trip is roughly 50 miles and can take about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes, contingent on traffic. This is where the importance of reliable transportation becomes apparent.

Bangor, another city with significant healthcare resources, is also accessible. The route typically involves taking Route 201 to I-95 North. This journey, about 70 miles, could take an hour and a half, making it a longer commitment. The availability of a car, and the capacity to drive, are important factors for those considering moving to Smithfield.

Public transit options in Smithfield and the surrounding areas are limited. Somerset Explorer, a local public transportation service, provides demand-response transportation within Somerset County. However, service frequency and route coverage are limited, especially for areas outside of Skowhegan. While Somerset Explorer offers ADA-accessible vehicles, the service is best suited for local errands, not for regular trips to specialized rheumatology appointments.

The lack of robust public transportation underscores the significance of personal vehicles. The ability to drive safely, especially during inclement weather, is essential. For individuals with arthritis, this can pose challenges. The pain and stiffness associated with the condition can make driving difficult, especially during long distances.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability in Smithfield can be inconsistent. The rural setting means waiting times can be longer, and the service area may be limited. This makes them a less dependable option for regular medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like Med-Ride and other local providers offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services require advance booking and can be expensive, especially for frequent appointments. Investigating the coverage of these services by health insurance plans is crucial.

The availability of these medical transportation services is vital. They provide a lifeline for individuals who cannot drive themselves. However, the cost and scheduling constraints can still present barriers to healthcare access.

Healthcare access in Smithfield, Maine, is intrinsically linked to transportation. The drive times to larger medical centers, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services all contribute to the challenges faced by individuals with arthritis.

The choice of where to live, especially for those with chronic conditions, requires careful consideration of healthcare access. The ability to get to appointments, access medications, and receive necessary treatments is paramount.

For individuals considering moving to Smithfield with arthritis, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is essential. This assessment should include an evaluation of their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation, and the affordability and reliability of medical transportation services.

The Arthritis Score for Smithfield, Maine, reflects the necessity of prioritizing transportation. The rural setting, while offering peace and tranquility, presents hurdles in accessing healthcare. The lack of robust public transit, and the reliance on personal vehicles, create challenges for individuals with arthritis.

While Smithfield offers a welcoming community and a beautiful environment, the accessibility of healthcare, particularly rheumatological care, necessitates careful planning and preparation. Understanding the drive times, the limitations of public transit, and the availability of medical transportation services is crucial for individuals considering making Smithfield their home.

The ability to navigate the roads, the availability of support systems, and the financial resources to utilize medical transportation services will significantly impact the quality of life for individuals managing arthritis in Smithfield. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of transportation options is critical for making informed decisions about healthcare access and overall well-being.

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Health Scores Near 04978, Smithfield, Maine

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Health Scores in 04978, Smithfield, Maine