05471, Montgomery Center, Vermont Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 05471, Montgomery Center, Vermont is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.70 percent of residents in 05471 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.26 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is North Country Hospital And Health Center with a distance of 19.23 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Montgomery Center (05471)

This analysis examines the challenges and opportunities surrounding **healthcare access** for residents of Montgomery Center, Vermont (ZIP code 05471), with a specific focus on transportation options and their impact on managing hypertension. We’ll assess the “Hypertension Score” – a composite measure reflecting the ease with which individuals can reach essential medical appointments, considering factors like drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services. This information is crucial for anyone **moving to Montgomery Center** or already residing there, particularly those managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

The location of medical facilities significantly influences the Hypertension Score. In this rural setting, the closest primary care physicians and specialists are often located in neighboring towns or cities. This necessitates reliable **transportation** for regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency visits. The score considers the time and effort required to access these services, factoring in the available modes of transport and their limitations.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary route for accessing healthcare from Montgomery Center involves driving. The primary thoroughfare is Route 118, a winding road that connects the village to larger towns. Driving to the nearest hospital, Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans, is a journey of approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This drive is primarily via Route 118, connecting to I-89 South.

Another common destination is the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, a significantly longer drive, taking around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, primarily using Route 118 to I-89 South. This extended travel time can be particularly challenging for individuals with hypertension, who may experience increased stress and anxiety related to the journey.

The condition of the roads is another factor. Vermont winters bring snow and ice, potentially delaying or even preventing travel. Rural roads may also be less well-maintained, leading to rougher rides and increased travel times. The Hypertension Score will reflect the seasonal variations and potential road hazards.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options are limited in Montgomery Center. The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) system, which serves much of the surrounding area, has very limited service to Montgomery Center. Typically, there is no direct route to healthcare facilities.

The closest GMT route might involve taking a bus from a neighboring town like Enosburg Falls. This would require a drive to Enosburg Falls, followed by a bus ride, increasing travel time and complexity. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, such as wheelchair accessibility, are available on GMT buses. However, the infrequent service and the need for multiple transfers make public transit an impractical option for many residents, especially those with mobility issues or requiring frequent appointments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are generally unavailable in Montgomery Center and the surrounding rural areas. This significantly limits transportation options for individuals without personal vehicles.

Medical transport services are available, though their availability and cost vary. Companies such as Rural Transportation Services, or smaller local providers, offer non-emergency medical transport. These services typically require advance booking and may have limited availability, particularly for same-day appointments. The cost of medical transport can be substantial, adding to the financial burden of managing hypertension.

**Assessing the Hypertension Score:**

The Hypertension Score for Montgomery Center will be relatively low due to the limited **transportation** options and the distance to healthcare facilities. The score will reflect the following:

* **Drive Time:** The long drive times to hospitals and specialist offices negatively impact the score.
* **Public Transit:** The lack of convenient and accessible public transit significantly reduces the score.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The absence of ride-sharing services further limits options.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability and cost of medical transport will be factored in, though the limited availability will likely lower the score.
* **Road Conditions:** The potential for seasonal road closures and hazardous conditions will also be considered.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the Hypertension Score and enhance **healthcare access** for Montgomery Center residents, several strategies are crucial:

* **Advocacy for Expanded Public Transit:** Lobbying for increased GMT service to Montgomery Center, including direct routes to healthcare facilities, is vital.
* **Support for Medical Transport Services:** Providing financial assistance or subsidies for medical transport services can make them more accessible and affordable.
* **Telehealth Initiatives:** Promoting telehealth services can reduce the need for in-person appointments, especially for follow-up visits and medication management.
* **Community Partnerships:** Collaborating with local organizations to establish carpooling programs or volunteer driver networks can provide additional transportation options.
* **Local Health Clinics:** Supporting the development of local health clinics would reduce the need for long-distance travel.

**Conclusion:**

The Hypertension Score for Montgomery Center highlights the challenges faced by residents in accessing **healthcare**, particularly those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. The limited **transportation** options, combined with the rural location, create significant barriers to timely and convenient medical care. Addressing these challenges through expanded public transit, increased medical transport services, telehealth initiatives, and community partnerships is essential to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for residents of Montgomery Center, making it a more accessible and supportive community for anyone **moving to Montgomery Center**.