05463, Isle La Motte, Vermont Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 05463, Isle La Motte, Vermont is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.39 percent of residents in 05463 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.43 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northwestern Medical Center Inc with a distance of 13.67 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 05463 (Isle La Motte, VT)

The serene beauty of Isle La Motte, Vermont, nestled in the heart of Lake Champlain, offers a unique allure. For those considering a move to the island, the question of healthcare access, particularly concerning a diagnosis as serious as breast cancer, requires careful consideration. This analysis, presented as a "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP code 05463, examines the available transportation options and their impact on accessing crucial medical services. Understanding these factors is vital for informed decision-making, ensuring that the promise of island life aligns with the realities of comprehensive healthcare.

The cornerstone of any breast cancer treatment plan is timely access to diagnostic services, specialist consultations, and treatment facilities. In 05463, the nearest comprehensive medical centers are located off-island, presenting a transportation challenge that significantly influences the Breast Cancer Score. This score considers the distance, travel time, and reliability of various transportation methods, along with the availability of support services for patients.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Primary Route**

The primary route connecting Isle La Motte to mainland healthcare providers necessitates driving. The only road off the island is **West Shore Road**, which merges with **Route 2**. This stretch leads to the larger towns of Swanton and St. Albans, where the nearest hospitals and specialized clinics are located.

The drive to the **University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) in Burlington**, a major regional healthcare hub offering comprehensive cancer care, requires navigating **Route 2** to **Interstate 89 (I-89)**. This journey is approximately 50-60 miles and typically takes between 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

The drive to **Northwestern Medical Center (NMC) in St. Albans** is a shorter trip, approximately 20-25 minutes, covering about 15 miles. NMC offers essential services, including oncology, but may require referrals to UVMMC for more specialized treatments.

The Breast Cancer Score is negatively impacted by the reliance on personal vehicles, as this adds to the burden of appointments, treatment, and follow-up care. This burden can be particularly challenging for patients experiencing fatigue or undergoing chemotherapy.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in and around Isle La Motte are limited. The **Green Mountain Transit (GMT)**, Vermont's primary public transit system, does not directly serve the island. The closest GMT route is in St. Albans.

To access GMT services, residents of 05463 would need to arrange a private ride or utilize a taxi to reach St. Albans. This adds an extra layer of complexity and cost to accessing healthcare. The absence of direct public transit significantly lowers the Breast Cancer Score.

The lack of ADA-accessible public transit on the island is a significant concern. Individuals with mobility limitations would face considerable challenges in accessing healthcare without a personal vehicle or specialized transportation services.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in the Burlington and St. Albans areas, but their availability on Isle La Motte is inconsistent. Securing a ride-share to or from the island, especially for early morning appointments or late-night discharges, is not guaranteed. This uncertainty further diminishes the Breast Cancer Score.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more reliable solution. Several companies operate in the region, including **American Medical Response (AMR)** and independent providers. These services can transport patients in specialized vehicles, often equipped with medical equipment and staffed by trained personnel. However, medical transportation services are typically more expensive than ride-sharing or personal vehicles, adding to the financial burden of healthcare access.

The Breast Cancer Score is positively influenced by the availability of medical transportation, but its cost and the potential for insurance limitations must be considered.

**Healthcare Access and Community Support: A Critical Component**

Beyond transportation, the Breast Cancer Score also considers the availability of support services within the community. Isle La Motte has a small, close-knit community, which can provide invaluable emotional support. However, specialized cancer support groups, counseling services, and patient navigation programs may be limited or unavailable on the island.

Patients may need to travel to Burlington or St. Albans to access these crucial resources, further emphasizing the importance of reliable transportation. The Breast Cancer Score is significantly impacted by the distance to these support services.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Summary**

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP code 05463 reflects the unique challenges of accessing healthcare on Isle La Motte. While the island's natural beauty and close-knit community offer a desirable lifestyle, the reliance on personal vehicles for transportation, the limited public transit options, and the potential for inconsistent ride-sharing services create significant hurdles for patients facing a breast cancer diagnosis.

The availability of medical transportation services offers a crucial lifeline, but the cost and potential limitations must be considered. The Breast Cancer Score is further impacted by the need to travel off-island for specialized care and support services.

For individuals considering a move to Isle La Motte, a thorough understanding of these transportation challenges is essential. Planning for healthcare access, including identifying reliable transportation options, establishing relationships with healthcare providers, and exploring available support services, is crucial for ensuring a positive and manageable healthcare experience. Prioritizing healthcare access is paramount, ensuring that the peace and tranquility of island life can be enjoyed with peace of mind.