05152, Peru, Vermont Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 05152, Peru, Vermont is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.60 percent of residents in 05152 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Springfield Hospital with a distance of 20.44 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Assessing Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 05152**

The tranquility of ZIP Code 05152, nestled in the heart of Vermont, often belies the complexities of healthcare access. For residents facing a potential lung cancer diagnosis, the ability to navigate the transportation landscape becomes a critical determinant of their care journey. This write-up assesses the transportation infrastructure and options available, culminating in a Lung Cancer Score, reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing specialized medical care.

The primary arteries of this region are Interstate 91 and US Route 5. Driving, while seemingly straightforward, presents its own set of challenges. The drive to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, a regional healthcare hub with comprehensive oncology services, is approximately an hour via I-91 North. Traffic, particularly during peak commuting hours and winter weather, can significantly extend this travel time, adding stress and potentially delaying critical treatment. The winding rural roads, while scenic, can become treacherous during inclement weather, impacting transportation reliability.

Public transportation options are limited. The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) provides some services, but routes within ZIP Code 05152 are sparse and infrequent. The primary bus route serving the area is Route 85, which connects to larger towns and cities, but its schedule is not optimized for medical appointments, often requiring lengthy layovers or multiple transfers. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial consideration. GMT buses are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including ramps and priority seating, but the limited frequency and route coverage can still present significant challenges for those requiring specialized assistance.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in this area, but their reliability and cost can be unpredictable. Surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can make these services prohibitively expensive, especially for frequent appointments. Furthermore, the availability of drivers in this rural region is not guaranteed, potentially leaving patients stranded or delaying their access to care.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), play a vital role in bridging the healthcare access gap. Ambulance services are readily available for emergencies, but NEMT services, which provide transportation for non-emergency medical appointments, may have limited availability and require advance booking. The quality and availability of these services can vary, impacting the patient's ability to attend crucial appointments, like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

The journey for a patient diagnosed with lung cancer extends beyond the initial diagnosis. Regular check-ups, scans, and treatments are often required, making consistent and reliable transportation essential. The stress of navigating complex transportation systems can compound the emotional and physical burden of the disease, negatively impacting the patient's overall well-being and treatment outcomes.

For individuals considering moving to Peru, Vermont (ZIP Code 05152), understanding the limitations of healthcare access is paramount. While the area offers a serene lifestyle, the distance to specialized medical care and the limited transportation options should be carefully considered, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions or a family history of lung cancer. The decision to relocate must weigh the benefits of a rural lifestyle against the potential challenges of accessing timely and consistent medical care.

The assessment of transportation infrastructure and options in ZIP Code 05152 reveals a mixed landscape. While the presence of highways like I-91 and US Route 5 provides a direct route to regional healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services create significant barriers to healthcare access, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or financial constraints.

**Lung Cancer Score Calculation:**

To quantify the healthcare access challenges, we assign a score based on the following factors:

* **Drive Time to Nearest Oncology Center (Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center):** 30% (Factors in distance, traffic, and weather conditions)
* **Public Transportation Availability and Reliability:** 25% (Considers route frequency, ADA accessibility, and potential for delays)
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Availability and Cost:** 25% (Evaluates service availability, pricing, and reliability)
* **Overall Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities:** 20% (Considers the availability of ADA-compliant transportation options and the ease of navigating the healthcare system)

Based on these factors, we assign a score on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing the most challenging healthcare access and 10 representing the easiest.

**Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 05152:**

Considering the factors above, the Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 05152 is estimated to be **4.5 out of 10**. This score reflects the challenges associated with transportation, the limited public transit, the potential for delays, and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially expensive ride-sharing services. This score underscores the need for residents to carefully consider their transportation needs when navigating the healthcare system, especially those facing a lung cancer diagnosis.

The score highlights the importance of proactive planning, including securing reliable transportation, exploring all available options, and advocating for improved healthcare access in the region. This score is a snapshot in time, and improvements in public transportation, ride-sharing availability, or medical transport services could positively impact the score in the future. The journey to healthcare in ZIP Code 05152 demands careful navigation and strategic planning, ensuring that residents receive the timely and comprehensive care they deserve.