The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 05079, Vershire, Vermont is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
42.82 percent of residents in 05079 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.47 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Gifford Medical Center with a distance of 17.28 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 05079, Vershire, Vermont
Lung Cancer Score | 62 |
---|---|
People Score | 76 |
Provider Score | 30 |
Hospital Score | 63 |
Travel Score | 40 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 05079 | Vershire | Vermont |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 0.66 | 0.66 | 2.26 |
1 Car | 18.98 | 18.98 | 20.16 |
2 Cars | 46.58 | 46.58 | 47.05 |
3 or More Cars | 33.77 | 33.77 | 30.53 |
Vehicular Access in 05079, Vershire, Vermont
**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Vershire, Vermont (ZIP Code 05079)**
The verdant hills and tranquil beauty of Vershire, Vermont (ZIP Code 05079), offer a compelling escape. However, the promise of rural serenity must be balanced against the realities of healthcare access, particularly for those facing a serious diagnosis like lung cancer. This write-up examines the transportation landscape, calculating a "Lung Cancer Score" to gauge the ease and challenges of reaching vital medical services from this remote location.
The Lung Cancer Score is not a formal medical assessment. It's a composite measure reflecting the practicalities of getting to oncology appointments, radiation therapy, and supportive care. We consider drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. The lower the score, the better the access. Factors such as road conditions, seasonal weather, and individual mobility limitations significantly impact the score.
**The Score's Components:**
* **Drive Time:** This is the cornerstone. We assess the time to the nearest hospitals with comprehensive cancer care, including Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington.
* **Public Transportation:** We evaluate the presence, frequency, and accessibility of bus routes. ADA compliance is crucial.
* **Ride-Sharing:** We investigate the availability and cost of services like Uber and Lyft.
* **Medical Transport:** We research specialized services catering to patients with medical needs.
**Drive Time: The Geographic Imperative**
Vershire's location dictates that any healthcare journey will involve travel. The primary route to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) involves navigating Vermont Route 113, a winding, scenic road, connecting to Interstate 91 South. The drive, under ideal conditions, is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, covering roughly 50 miles. This time increases with weather, traffic, and road conditions.
Alternatively, the route to the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) in Burlington involves taking Vermont Route 113 to Interstate 91 North, then to Interstate 89 North. This journey is significantly longer, approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, covering around 100 miles. The scenic beauty of the Green Mountains comes at the cost of time.
The roads themselves pose challenges. Vermont Route 113, while paved, is narrow, with sharp turns and limited shoulders. Winter driving adds a layer of complexity, demanding all-wheel drive vehicles and careful navigation. Road closures due to snow or mudslides are possible, further complicating access.
**Public Transit: A Limited Option**
Public transportation in Vershire is limited. The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) offers some service, but routes are infrequent and primarily focused on connecting larger towns and cities. The primary route relevant to Vershire residents is the Route 80 bus. However, this route has limited stops near Vershire and does not directly connect to major hospitals.
ADA accessibility on these routes is crucial. GMT strives to provide accessible buses, but the rural nature of the service means that schedules and frequency can be unreliable. The lack of direct routes to cancer centers makes public transit a less-than-ideal option for patients needing regular treatments.
**Ride-Sharing: A Patchwork Solution**
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are present in Vermont, but their availability in rural areas like Vershire is uncertain. While occasional rides may be possible, the cost is likely to be high due to the distance. The reliability of these services is also questionable, especially during inclement weather or late at night.
**Medical Transport: Specialized Support**
Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like Bayada Home Health Care and MedStar offer non-emergency medical transportation. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. They can provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained staff to assist with patient needs. However, these services come at a cost, and availability may be limited, requiring advance booking.
**Calculating the Lung Cancer Score**
The Lung Cancer Score is subjective. It’s an attempt to quantify the challenges faced by individuals in Vershire needing cancer care.
* **Drive Time:** The 1 hour 15-minute drive to DHMC earns a score of 3 (out of 5, with 1 being excellent and 5 being very poor). The 2 hour 15-minute drive to UVMMC earns a score of 4.
* **Public Transportation:** The limited service and lack of direct routes give a score of 4.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The uncertain availability and high cost earn a score of 4.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability of specialized services improves the score, but the cost and need for advance booking result in a score of 3.
**Overall Score:**
Considering all factors, the Lung Cancer Score for Vershire, Vermont (05079) is approximately 3.5. This indicates a moderate level of challenge in accessing healthcare. While the drive to DHMC is manageable, the lack of public transit, the uncertainty of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport create significant barriers.
**Implications for Moving to Vershire**
For individuals considering moving to Vershire, or those already residing there, this score highlights the importance of careful planning. Anyone with a history of cancer or a heightened risk should factor in the transportation challenges. The potential for long drives, limited public transit, and the reliance on specialized services should be a key consideration.
**Recommendations:**
* **Prioritize Proximity:** When possible, choose healthcare providers closer to Vershire.
* **Vehicle Considerations:** Ensure access to a reliable vehicle suitable for Vermont's road conditions.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify that health insurance covers medical transport services.
* **Community Support:** Explore local resources and support networks that can provide assistance with transportation.
* **Telemedicine:** Utilize telemedicine options for appointments where possible, reducing the need for travel.
Vershire's beauty and tranquility come with a cost. The Lung Cancer Score serves as a reminder that while the environment may be restorative, accessing vital healthcare requires careful planning and a proactive approach. The decision to move to Vershire should be made with a full understanding of the healthcare access challenges.
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