04464, Monson, Maine Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 04464, Monson, Maine is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.69 percent of residents in 04464 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 29.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northern Light Mayo Hospital with a distance of 14.86 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Monson, Maine (ZIP Code 04464)

The crisp air of Monson, Maine, nestled in the heart of Piscataquis County, promises a tranquil existence. But for individuals managing hypertension, the serenity of this rural landscape demands careful consideration of **transportation** options and **healthcare access**. This write-up, designed to inform potential residents, assesses the challenges and opportunities in navigating the healthcare landscape for those with high blood pressure, ultimately providing a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease of accessing necessary medical services.

Monson's remoteness is a defining characteristic, shaping its healthcare environment. The nearest hospitals and specialized clinics are located outside the town limits, necessitating travel. This geographical reality significantly impacts the ability to receive timely medical care, especially during emergencies. The "Hypertension Score" reflects this reality, factoring in drive times, public transit availability, and alternative **transportation** solutions.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary roadways serving Monson are Route 15 and Route 16. Route 15, the main artery, connects Monson to Greenville to the north and Abbot to the south. Route 16 provides access to the western side of the state. Drive times are significantly influenced by weather conditions, especially during the long Maine winters. Snow and ice can transform a routine drive into a precarious journey, increasing travel times and potentially delaying critical medical care.

The closest hospital, Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft, is approximately a 30-45 minute drive via Route 15. This drive time is manageable for routine appointments and check-ups, but can be a significant factor in an emergency. Specialized care, such as cardiology or nephrology, may require travel to Bangor, a roughly 1.5-hour drive via Route 15 and I-95. These extended drive times underscore the importance of proactive health management and readily available **transportation** options.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public **transportation** options in Monson are extremely limited. Piscataquis County Transportation (PCT) provides demand-response services, but these are not designed for frequent, spontaneous trips. PCT operates within a limited service area and requires advance booking. This makes it unsuitable for urgent medical needs or regular appointments. The lack of readily available public **transportation** significantly impacts the "Hypertension Score," particularly for individuals who cannot or prefer not to drive.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are not consistently available in Monson. Their presence is sporadic, and reliability is not guaranteed. This makes them an unreliable option for scheduled appointments or emergencies. Medical **transportation** services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT), offer more dependable options. Ambulance services are available for emergencies, but NEMT providers, such as MedStar and First Transit, may be required for non-emergency medical appointments. These services often require pre-booking and may have limited availability, further impacting the "Hypertension Score."

**Healthcare Access: Beyond the Physical Journey:**

Access to healthcare extends beyond physical **transportation**. It encompasses the availability of primary care physicians, specialists, and pharmacies. Monson has a small medical clinic offering primary care services, but access to specialists requires travel. The availability of pharmacies within the town is also limited, necessitating trips to neighboring towns for prescription refills. These factors, combined with **transportation** challenges, contribute to a potentially complex healthcare environment for individuals with hypertension.

**The "Hypertension Score" and Its Implications:**

The "Hypertension Score" for Monson, Maine (04464) reflects the combined impact of drive times, limited public **transportation**, unreliable ride-sharing services, and the need to travel for specialized care. Due to the geographical isolation and limited access to convenient and reliable **transportation**, the "Hypertension Score" for this area is moderate to low. This score suggests that individuals with hypertension residing in Monson must proactively manage their healthcare needs, plan for **transportation**, and develop a strong relationship with their healthcare providers.

**Recommendations for Residents with Hypertension:**

For individuals considering **moving to Monson** with hypertension, careful planning is essential. Proactive steps include:

* **Establishing a strong relationship with a primary care physician:** This ensures regular monitoring and timely intervention.
* **Developing a reliable **transportation** plan:** This may involve owning a vehicle, utilizing medical **transportation** services, or relying on family or friends.
* **Ensuring a consistent supply of medication:** This involves refilling prescriptions well in advance and having a backup plan in case of **transportation** disruptions.
* **Understanding emergency protocols:** Knowing the location of the nearest hospital and ambulance services is crucial.
* **Utilizing telehealth services:** Telehealth can provide remote access to healthcare professionals, reducing the need for travel.

**Conclusion:**

Monson offers a unique lifestyle, but its remoteness presents challenges for individuals with hypertension. The "Hypertension Score" highlights the importance of proactive healthcare management, careful **transportation** planning, and a strong support system. While the rural setting offers peace and tranquility, the journey to healthcare requires thoughtful consideration and preparedness. By understanding the **transportation** landscape and taking proactive steps, individuals with hypertension can successfully navigate the healthcare environment in Monson and enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life.