05062, Reading, Vermont Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 05062, Reading, Vermont is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.40 percent of residents in 05062 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mt Ascutney Hospital with a distance of 7.81 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Reading, Vermont (ZIP Code 05062)

Considering a move to the charming town of Reading, Vermont (ZIP code 05062), and concerned about healthcare access, particularly for breast cancer screening and treatment? This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" for your potential commute to healthcare, considering transportation options, drive times, and accessibility. We'll delve into the realities of getting the care you need in this rural landscape, offering insights to inform your decision.

Reading, nestled in the heart of Vermont, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, its rural location presents unique challenges when it comes to accessing specialized medical services. Your ability to reach healthcare, especially for time-sensitive needs like breast cancer care, is a crucial factor to consider. This analysis will guide you through the transportation landscape and help you understand what to expect.

The nearest comprehensive breast cancer care facilities are located outside of Reading. Dartmouth Health, including the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, New Hampshire, is a primary destination. Additionally, the Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) in Berlin, Vermont, offers services. Both are accessible but require careful consideration of transportation.

**Driving Distances and Times:**

The primary mode of transportation in this area is the personal vehicle. The drive to DHMC from Reading (05062) is approximately 40-50 miles, depending on the exact location within Reading. The most direct route typically involves taking **Vermont Route 106** south to **Interstate 89** south. Expect drive times of around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, barring any unforeseen traffic or weather conditions. Winter weather, common in Vermont, can significantly impact these times, potentially doubling or tripling them.

The drive to CVMC in Berlin is longer, roughly 60-70 miles, and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes. The route generally involves taking **Vermont Route 106** north to **Vermont Route 4** east, then connecting to **Interstate 89** north. Again, winter conditions are a significant factor to consider.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation in Reading is limited. The availability of buses or trains is not as prevalent as in more urban areas. The **Green Mountain Transit (GMT)** provides some service in the surrounding areas, but direct routes to DHMC or CVMC from Reading are not available. You would likely need to combine bus travel with ride-sharing or a personal vehicle to reach these facilities.

GMT routes, while offering some connectivity, may not be ideal for regular medical appointments due to infrequent schedules and potential delays. Accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts and designated seating, are available on GMT buses, adhering to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. However, planning your transportation around these routes demands careful attention to timetables.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural locations like Reading. The wait times for a ride may be longer than in more populated areas, and surge pricing could impact the cost, especially during peak hours or in inclement weather.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patient transport, are another option. Several companies operate in the region, offering door-to-door service to medical appointments. These services often cater to patients with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive themselves. Examples include:

* **FirstLight Home Care:** Provides transportation services for medical appointments.
* **Care.com:** Connects individuals with caregivers who can provide transportation.
* **Local ambulance services:** Some local ambulance services may offer non-emergency medical transport.

These services require advance booking, and the cost can vary depending on the distance, the level of care required, and the specific provider.

**Breast Cancer Score Considerations:**

To arrive at a Breast Cancer Score, we must weigh several factors:

* **Drive Time:** The longer the drive, the lower the score. A drive time exceeding one hour significantly impacts access.
* **Public Transportation Reliability:** The lack of direct public transportation lowers the score. The need for multiple transfers and the potential for delays are detrimental.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The inconsistency of ride-sharing reduces the score. Reliance on ride-sharing can be unreliable.
* **Medical Transportation Costs:** The cost of medical transportation services impacts the score. The higher the cost, the lower the score.
* **Weather Impact:** The impact of winter weather on travel times lowers the score. The unpredictable nature of Vermont winters demands consideration.

**Scoring Methodology:**

* **Excellent (Score: 9-10):** Easy access to multiple transportation options, short drive times (under 30 minutes), reliable public transportation, readily available ride-sharing, and affordable medical transport.
* **Good (Score: 7-8):** Drive times under an hour, some public transportation options, ride-sharing available, and medical transport options are available.
* **Fair (Score: 4-6):** Drive times of 1-1.5 hours, limited public transportation, ride-sharing availability is inconsistent, and medical transport is available but costly.
* **Poor (Score: 1-3):** Drive times exceeding 1.5 hours, limited or no public transportation, unreliable ride-sharing, and costly or unavailable medical transport.

**Breast Cancer Score for Reading, Vermont (05062):**

Considering the factors above, the Breast Cancer Score for Reading, Vermont (05062) is estimated to be **Fair (Score: 4-6)**. The primary reason for this score is the significant drive times to the nearest comprehensive care facilities. While ride-sharing and medical transport are available, their reliability and cost are factors. The limited public transportation options further contribute to the score.

**Recommendations:**

For individuals considering moving to Reading, Vermont, and concerned about breast cancer care access, the following recommendations are essential:

* **Assess Transportation Needs:** Evaluate your ability to drive and the potential impact of weather conditions on your travel.
* **Explore Medical Transportation Options:** Research and pre-arrange medical transportation services for appointments.
* **Plan for Appointments:** Schedule appointments with ample time for travel and potential delays.
* **Consider Proximity to Healthcare:** If healthcare access is a primary concern, consider the trade-offs of living closer to a major medical center.
* **Research Local Resources:** Contact local healthcare providers and support groups to learn about available resources and support networks.

**Conclusion:**

While Reading, Vermont, offers a desirable lifestyle, the challenges of healthcare access, particularly for specialized care like breast cancer treatment, are real. Understanding the transportation landscape, drive times, and available resources is crucial. While the Breast Cancer Score for Reading is fair, proactive planning and utilizing available resources can mitigate the challenges and ensure access to the care you need. Moving to Reading demands a careful assessment of your healthcare needs and a proactive approach to transportation planning.