05820, Albany, Vermont Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 05820, Albany, Vermont is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.40 percent of residents in 05820 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.54 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Copley Hospital with a distance of 13.29 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 05820

The Green Mountains cradle the charming town of Craftsbury, Vermont, nestled within ZIP Code 05820. This idyllic locale, renowned for its pristine beauty and close-knit community, also presents unique challenges when it comes to healthcare access, particularly for those facing the complexities of a breast cancer diagnosis. Understanding the landscape of **transportation** options is paramount for residents needing timely and consistent care. This report aims to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on the practicalities of navigating the healthcare system, specifically for individuals seeking diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This is especially relevant for anyone **moving to Albany** or the surrounding area.

Craftsbury, while offering a tranquil lifestyle, lacks immediate access to specialized medical facilities. The nearest comprehensive breast cancer centers are located in Burlington, Vermont, and Lebanon, New Hampshire, both requiring considerable travel. The journey to these centers, and the associated **healthcare access** challenges, are critical factors in our scoring.

**Drive-Time Dynamics:**

The primary route to Burlington, home to the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC), typically involves a drive south on Vermont Route 14, a scenic but winding two-lane highway. This leg of the journey, depending on traffic and weather conditions, can take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon reaching Interstate 89, the drive becomes more efficient, but still requires navigating the bustling city environment. The total drive time, including potential delays, can easily extend to two hours.

Alternatively, residents can travel east to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. This route necessitates traveling south on Vermont Route 14 to US Route 2, then east on US Route 2 to Interstate 91 South. The journey continues on Interstate 91 South, before transitioning to Interstate 89 North. The final leg of the trip involves navigating local roads to reach the medical center. This route, while slightly shorter in distance, often takes a similar amount of time, roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, due to the complexity of the road network and potential traffic congestion.

These drive times, while estimates, underscore the significant time commitment required for routine appointments, chemotherapy sessions, radiation therapy, and post-operative care. The impact on a patient’s energy levels, particularly during treatment, cannot be overstated. The need for reliable **transportation** becomes even more crucial.

**Public Transit Realities:**

Public **transportation** options in 05820 are limited. The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) provides some regional bus services, but routes are infrequent and do not directly serve the major medical centers in Burlington or Lebanon. The GMT does offer connections to other regional transit systems, but these connections often involve multiple transfers and extended travel times, making them impractical for most breast cancer patients.

The lack of readily available public transit is a significant impediment to **healthcare access**. Patients who are unable to drive, or who are experiencing treatment-related side effects that impair their ability to drive, face considerable difficulties in accessing the necessary care. The absence of ADA-accessible features on all routes further exacerbates the challenges for individuals with mobility limitations.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Navigating the Gaps:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence in 05820 is sporadic. Availability is often limited, and wait times can be lengthy, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing services for long-distance trips to Burlington or Lebanon can also be prohibitive, placing an additional financial burden on patients.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more reliable option. Several companies operate in the region, including specialized medical transport providers and ambulance services. These services often provide door-to-door service, including assistance with entering and exiting vehicles, and can accommodate medical equipment such as wheelchairs and oxygen tanks.

However, the availability of medical **transportation** services can vary, and advance booking is often required. The cost of these services, while often covered by insurance, can still involve co-pays and out-of-pocket expenses. The need to pre-arrange **transportation** adds another layer of complexity to the already challenging experience of dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis.

**The Breast Cancer Score:**

Based on the factors outlined above, the Breast Cancer Score for 05820 is moderate. The score reflects the significant drive times to major medical centers, the limited public transit options, and the reliance on ride-sharing or medical **transportation** services. While these services are available, they present potential challenges related to cost, availability, and scheduling.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

Several strategies could improve **healthcare access** for breast cancer patients in 05820. Increased investment in public **transportation**, including expanded routes and more frequent service, would be a significant benefit. The addition of ADA-accessible features on all routes is essential.

Collaboration between local healthcare providers, community organizations, and **transportation** providers could facilitate the development of coordinated **transportation** programs specifically designed to meet the needs of breast cancer patients. This could involve subsidized ride-sharing programs, partnerships with medical **transportation** companies, or the establishment of volunteer driver networks.

Furthermore, expanding telehealth services could reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. This would be especially beneficial for patients who face significant **transportation** barriers.

For individuals **moving to Albany** or the surrounding area, understanding these **transportation** and **healthcare access** challenges is essential. Careful consideration of the available resources and the potential impact on their quality of life is crucial.

**Conclusion:**

Navigating the healthcare system in 05820, particularly for breast cancer patients, requires careful planning and a proactive approach. While the community offers a supportive environment, the geographical distance to specialized medical facilities and the limitations of **transportation** options pose significant challenges. By understanding these complexities and advocating for improvements in **healthcare access**, residents can work towards ensuring that all individuals receive the timely and comprehensive care they deserve. The Breast Cancer Score serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing these challenges and working towards a more equitable healthcare landscape.