04851, Matinicus, Maine Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 04851, Matinicus, Maine is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 04851 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 31.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penobscot Bay Medical Center with a distance of 22.21 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 04851**

The craggy coastline of Matinicus, Maine, ZIP code 04851, presents a unique challenge to healthcare access. This remote island community, a speck in the Gulf of Maine, relies heavily on transportation to reach essential medical services. The "Hypertension Score," a hypothetical metric assessing the ease of access to care for individuals with hypertension, reveals a complex picture, heavily influenced by the limitations of island life. For anyone considering moving to Matinicus, understanding this score is paramount.

The primary determinant of the Hypertension Score in 04851 is the island's isolation. There are no roads, no cars, and no immediate access to hospitals or clinics. The closest healthcare facilities are located on the mainland, necessitating transportation by ferry or, in emergencies, by air. This immediately elevates the score, reflecting the inherent difficulty in receiving timely medical attention.

**Drive-Time Considerations: A Mainland Perspective**

Assuming a hypothetical patient in Matinicus requires routine hypertension check-ups, the first step is to reach the mainland. The primary mode of transportation is the Matinicus Island Ferry, a lifeline connecting the island to the mainland port of Rockland. From Rockland, the journey to healthcare facilities begins.

The most direct route to Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport, a major healthcare provider, involves navigating US Route 1, a vital artery along the Maine coast. The drive from Rockland to Rockport, a distance of approximately 15 miles, typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. This relatively short drive time, however, is contingent on the ferry schedule and mainland transportation availability.

Another option for healthcare access is the Waldo County General Hospital in Belfast, roughly 30 miles north of Rockland. This drive, primarily along US Route 1, can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions and the specific location within Belfast. This longer drive time impacts the Hypertension Score, particularly for individuals requiring frequent monitoring or experiencing a hypertensive crisis.

For specialized care, patients may need to travel further afield. The drive to Maine Medical Center in Portland, the state's largest hospital, is approximately 90 miles and can take upwards of two hours, primarily along US Route 1 and I-295. This extended travel time significantly increases the Hypertension Score, highlighting the challenges of accessing specialized care from Matinicus.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options are extremely limited in this region. While the Island Explorer bus system provides seasonal service in some coastal areas, it does not extend to Matinicus or offer direct routes to healthcare facilities. The lack of reliable public transit significantly impacts the Hypertension Score, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles or the ability to drive.

ADA accessibility on the mainland buses, while available, may not adequately address the unique transportation needs of individuals arriving from Matinicus. Ferry transfers, and the distances between ferry terminals and bus stops, can present accessibility challenges.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: A Patchwork Solution**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in some mainland areas, but their presence in the immediate vicinity of Rockland and Rockport is limited. Availability is not guaranteed, and surge pricing during peak times could further complicate healthcare access. The lack of readily available ride-sharing options contributes to a higher Hypertension Score.

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and private medical transportation companies, are crucial for emergency situations. However, the reliance on these services, particularly for routine care, is not ideal. The cost of medical transportation can be substantial, and the availability of these services on short notice may be limited. This adds to the complexity of the Hypertension Score.

**The Ferry Factor: A Critical Link**

The Matinicus Island Ferry is the linchpin of healthcare access. Its schedule, weather-dependent and limited, dictates the timing of all mainland journeys. Delays or cancellations due to weather or mechanical issues can severely impact healthcare access, particularly for individuals with time-sensitive medical needs. The ferry's schedule and reliability are therefore critical components of the Hypertension Score.

**The Impact of Moving to Matinicus**

For individuals considering moving to Matinicus, the Hypertension Score is a crucial consideration. The island's remoteness and limited transportation options create significant challenges for healthcare access. Individuals with hypertension must carefully assess their ability to manage their condition, including the need for frequent monitoring, medication refills, and potential emergency care.

The availability of telehealth services, while potentially beneficial, cannot fully replace the need for in-person medical care. The lack of local pharmacies and the reliance on mail-order prescriptions further complicate medication management.

**Conclusion: A Complex Score**

The Hypertension Score for 04851 is inherently high, reflecting the island's isolation and the dependence on ferry transportation. The drive times to mainland healthcare facilities, the limited public transit options, and the reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport all contribute to the challenges of accessing care.

For individuals considering moving to Matinicus, careful planning and consideration of their healthcare needs are essential. Understanding the limitations of transportation, the potential for delays, and the reliance on external resources is crucial for managing hypertension effectively. The unique challenges of island life necessitate a proactive and adaptable approach to healthcare, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between patients, healthcare providers, and the community.