05675, Washington, Vermont Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 05675, Washington, Vermont is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.76 percent of residents in 05675 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.09 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Central Vermont Medical Center with a distance of 8.08 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 05675**

Nestled amidst the verdant landscapes of Vermont, ZIP Code 05675, encompassing the town of Waterbury, presents a unique tapestry of challenges and opportunities when assessing the accessibility of healthcare, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access, forming the basis for a "Hypertension Score" that reflects the ease or difficulty of reaching essential medical services. For those considering moving to Washington, this assessment will be an important consideration.

The primary concern for residents with hypertension revolves around timely access to medical appointments, medication refills, and emergency care. Transportation, therefore, emerges as the critical link between patients and their healthcare providers. The score will consider factors such as drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and the presence of medical transportation services.

**Roadways and Drive Times: A Rural Reality**

The backbone of transportation in 05675 is the network of roadways that wind through the Green Mountains. Interstate 89 (I-89) serves as the major artery, connecting Waterbury to Burlington to the north and Montpelier to the south. The town itself is traversed by Vermont Route 100, a scenic byway that follows the Waterbury River, and Route 2, which provides access to neighboring communities.

Drive times are a significant factor in the Hypertension Score. While Waterbury boasts a relatively central location, travel to specialized medical facilities often necessitates journeys outside the immediate area. The University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, a major regional healthcare hub, is approximately a 45-minute drive via I-89, assuming favorable traffic conditions.

The drive to Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin, closer to the state capital, Montpelier, is roughly 25 minutes via I-89 South. These drive times can be significantly impacted by weather conditions, particularly during Vermont's harsh winters, when snow and ice can cause delays and increase the risk of accidents. The Hypertension Score must reflect this inherent vulnerability.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation in 05675 presents a more limited picture. The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) provides bus service, but routes and schedules are not as extensive as in more urban areas. The primary route serving Waterbury is the GMT Route 80, which connects the town to Montpelier and Burlington.

However, the frequency of service on Route 80 is limited, with buses typically running on hourly or less frequent schedules. Furthermore, the route may not directly serve all healthcare facilities, requiring transfers or additional walking. ADA accessibility is a key consideration; GMT strives to provide accessible buses, but the availability of accessible stops and the overall convenience of public transit for individuals with mobility limitations must be factored into the Hypertension Score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Waterbury area, but their presence is not as consistent or reliable as in larger metropolitan areas. Availability can be particularly limited during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The Hypertension Score must account for the potential unreliability of ride-sharing as a primary mode of transportation.

Medical transportation services, designed specifically for patients needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments, offer a crucial lifeline. Several providers operate in the region, including non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services often cater to individuals with mobility challenges or those who lack access to personal transportation. The Hypertension Score will give consideration to the availability, cost, and reliability of these services.

**Healthcare Access: Proximity and Options**

The proximity of healthcare facilities within 05675 itself is an important consideration. Waterbury is home to the Waterbury Medical Center, a primary care clinic that provides essential services. However, specialized care, such as cardiology or endocrinology, may require travel to Burlington or Montpelier.

The Hypertension Score must consider the availability of primary care services within the community and the ease of access to specialized care. The presence of pharmacies within Waterbury is also a critical factor, ensuring convenient access to medication refills.

**Calculating the Hypertension Score: A Multifaceted Approach**

The Hypertension Score for 05675 will be a composite metric, incorporating the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** Average drive times to primary care clinics, pharmacies, and specialized healthcare facilities (e.g., cardiology, endocrinology) under both ideal and adverse weather conditions.
* **Public Transit:** Frequency, route coverage, and ADA accessibility of GMT services.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** Reliability and cost of Uber and Lyft services.
* **Medical Transportation:** Availability, cost, and reliability of medical transportation services.
* **Healthcare Facility Proximity:** Distance to primary care clinics, pharmacies, and specialized healthcare providers within the community.

Each factor will be assigned a weighted value based on its relative importance to healthcare access. For example, drive times and public transit availability will likely carry greater weight than ride-sharing options. The final score will be presented on a scale, with a higher score indicating better healthcare access.

**Implications for Residents and Prospective Movers**

The Hypertension Score for 05675 will provide valuable insights for residents and prospective movers, particularly those managing hypertension or other chronic health conditions. It will highlight the transportation challenges and opportunities associated with accessing healthcare in the area.

For current residents, the score can inform decisions about healthcare choices and transportation strategies. For individuals considering moving to Washington, the score can be an important factor in assessing the suitability of 05675 as a place to live. The analysis also highlights the need for ongoing efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and healthcare access in rural communities.

**Conclusion: A Call for Action**

The Hypertension Score for 05675 will serve as a valuable tool for assessing healthcare access and identifying areas for improvement. The findings will inform public health initiatives, transportation planning, and healthcare delivery strategies. By understanding the transportation challenges and opportunities in this Vermont community, we can work towards ensuring that all residents have timely and convenient access to the healthcare services they need. This assessment is essential for anyone considering moving to Washington and will help in making an informed decision.