05743, Fair Haven, Vermont Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 05743, Fair Haven, Vermont is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.00 percent of residents in 05743 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 24.00 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Rutland Regional Medical Center with a distance of 17.81 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 05743

The picturesque town of Fair Haven, Vermont, nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, offers a serene backdrop for life. However, when considering healthcare access, especially for a critical condition like breast cancer, understanding the transportation landscape becomes paramount. This write-up assesses the "Breast Cancer Score" for residents of ZIP code 05743, focusing on the practicalities of getting to essential medical appointments. We'll examine drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a clear picture for anyone considering moving to Fair Haven or currently residing there.

The cornerstone of healthcare access is, of course, the ability to reach medical facilities. For residents of 05743, the primary destinations for breast cancer treatment, including mammograms, biopsies, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, are likely to be in Rutland, Vermont, or possibly further afield in Burlington, Vermont, or even Albany, New York. The drive times to these locations significantly impact the Breast Cancer Score.

Rutland Regional Medical Center, the closest major hospital, is approximately 20 miles east of Fair Haven. Driving along Route 4 East, a major artery, typically takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This relatively short drive time contributes positively to the Breast Cancer Score. However, during peak commuting hours or in inclement weather, the journey can extend, potentially adding stress and anxiety for patients.

For more specialized care, residents might need to travel to Burlington, Vermont, home to the University of Vermont Medical Center. This journey is considerably longer, covering roughly 90 miles. The most direct route involves taking Route 4 East to US-7 North, a drive that can easily take two hours, or more. This longer drive time negatively impacts the Breast Cancer Score, particularly for patients undergoing frequent treatments.

Another option, especially for those seeking specialized care or second opinions, is Albany, New York. Albany is approximately 80 miles southwest of Fair Haven. The most direct route is via Route 4 East to US-4 South, a drive of about one hour and 45 minutes. While the drive is manageable, the travel time still weighs on the Breast Cancer Score, especially when considering the frequency of appointments.

Public transportation options in 05743 are limited, which presents a significant challenge. The Marble Valley Regional TransitMarble Valley Regional Transit District (MVRTD), also known as The Bus, provides some service in the area, but its routes and schedules are not designed for frequent or direct travel to medical facilities. The available routes are generally focused on local travel, and direct routes to Rutland or Burlington are not available. This lack of robust public transit significantly detracts from the Breast Cancer Score, especially for individuals who cannot drive or who prefer not to drive.

The MVRTD does offer ADA-accessible buses, a crucial consideration for patients with mobility limitations. However, the need to transfer between routes or rely on limited schedules can still make public transit a cumbersome option for medical appointments. The absence of direct routes and the potential for long travel times further diminish the Breast Cancer Score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability can vary. While these services can provide a convenient alternative to driving, the cost can be a significant barrier for frequent appointments. Furthermore, the availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, is not guaranteed. This uncertainty negatively affects the Breast Cancer Score, as patients cannot always rely on ride-sharing for transportation.

Medical transportation services are available, offering a specialized solution for patients needing assistance. Companies like Bayada Home Health Care and MedStar Transportation provide non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services are invaluable for patients who cannot drive or who require assistance getting to and from appointments. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and the availability of specific services may vary. The reliance on these services, while providing essential transportation, can still negatively impact the Breast Cancer Score due to the added financial burden.

The Breast Cancer Score for 05743 is, therefore, a mixed bag. The relatively short drive to Rutland Regional Medical Center provides a positive element. However, the longer travel times to Burlington or Albany for specialized care, the limited public transportation options, the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing, and the expense of medical transport services, all contribute to a lower overall score.

Considering moving to Fair Haven? Prospective residents should carefully weigh these transportation challenges. While the town's beauty and tranquility are undeniable, the accessibility of healthcare, particularly for breast cancer treatment, requires careful planning. Individuals with a history of breast cancer or a family history of the disease should especially factor in the transportation realities when making their decision.

The Breast Cancer Score for 05743 highlights the importance of proactive planning. Patients should research the availability of medical transportation services, explore the potential costs, and consider the reliability of ride-sharing options. They should also familiarize themselves with the MVRTD routes and schedules, even if they are not ideal.

The overall Breast Cancer Score for 05743 is moderate. While the proximity to Rutland provides a degree of healthcare access, the limitations of public transit, the reliance on potentially costly ride-sharing or medical transport, and the longer travel times for specialized care all present challenges. Therefore, when considering the quality of life in Fair Haven, the realities of transportation and healthcare access must be carefully evaluated.