05825, Coventry, Vermont Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 05825, Coventry, Vermont is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

83.33 percent of residents in 05825 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.86 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is North Country Hospital And Health Center with a distance of 6.66 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 05825

The quaint charm of Coventry, Vermont, nestled in the Northeast Kingdom, often obscures the realities of accessing crucial healthcare services. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP code 05825, meticulously examines transportation options for individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. It considers drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing options, painting a vivid picture of healthcare access in this rural landscape. For those contemplating moving to Coventry, this score offers a critical perspective on the practicalities of managing a serious illness.

The very essence of healthcare access hinges on the ability to get there. In Coventry, the primary mode of transportation for medical appointments is the personal vehicle. Drive times become paramount, especially when considering the frequency of appointments, the potential for fatigue, and the need for support. The nearest comprehensive cancer care is located in Burlington, approximately 100 miles away.

Driving to Burlington from Coventry, the journey typically begins on **Vermont Route 105**, a scenic but winding road. This road, while beautiful, is not designed for high speeds, and can be treacherous during winter months. It then merges onto **Interstate 91 South**, offering a more direct route. The total drive time, under ideal conditions, is roughly two hours. However, this timeframe is susceptible to delays caused by weather, traffic, and the inherent challenges of rural roads.

For those requiring radiation therapy, which often necessitates daily appointments, the drive time becomes a significant burden. Chemotherapy regimens, too, involve frequent visits, adding to the stress and logistical complexities. The Breast Cancer Score considers this impact on the patient’s physical and emotional well-being.

Public transportation options in Coventry are limited. The **Green Mountain Transit (GMT)** provides bus service, but its routes are infrequent and primarily designed for local travel. There are no direct routes to Burlington from Coventry. The GMT route 89, which runs from Newport to Burlington, has a stop in Hardwick, which is a 45-minute drive from Coventry. From Hardwick, the bus ride to Burlington is approximately 2 hours.

The GMT buses offer some ADA-accessible features, including ramps and designated seating. However, the limited frequency and the need for multiple transfers make public transit a challenging option for cancer patients. The Breast Cancer Score weighs this disadvantage heavily, recognizing the importance of reliable and convenient transportation.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not consistent. Availability often depends on driver availability, and surge pricing can significantly increase costs. Relying on ride-sharing for frequent medical appointments can be financially unsustainable.

Medical transportation services, such as **NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation)**, are available, but often require pre-booking and may have limitations regarding the distance they cover. These services are particularly useful for patients who cannot drive themselves. The Breast Cancer Score acknowledges the role of these services, but also recognizes their limitations.

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP code 05825 reflects the challenges of healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the uncertainties of ride-sharing all contribute to a lower score. This is not to say that healthcare is inaccessible, but rather that it requires significant planning, resources, and resilience.

For individuals considering moving to Coventry, this analysis serves as a crucial element in the decision-making process. The Breast Cancer Score highlights the importance of factoring in transportation costs, the potential for travel fatigue, and the need for support networks. This assessment is not intended to discourage anyone from moving to this beautiful community, but rather to provide a realistic understanding of the challenges and to promote proactive planning.

The score also underscores the need for community initiatives to improve healthcare access. This could include exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services, expanding public transportation routes, and advocating for increased funding for medical transportation programs.

The Breast Cancer Score is a dynamic metric. It will be updated regularly to reflect changes in transportation infrastructure, healthcare services, and community initiatives. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and accurate assessment of healthcare access, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

The challenges of healthcare access in rural areas are well-documented. This analysis is not just about the numbers; it is about the human experience. It is about the emotional toll of long drives, the financial burden of transportation costs, and the importance of community support. The Breast Cancer Score seeks to capture these nuances, providing a realistic and compassionate assessment of healthcare access in Coventry, Vermont. The score serves as a call to action, urging the community to work together to improve healthcare access for all residents, especially those facing the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis.