05656, Johnson, Vermont Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 05656, Johnson, Vermont is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.60 percent of residents in 05656 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Copley Hospital with a distance of 7.22 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Johnson, Vermont (ZIP Code 05656)

The crisp Vermont air, the rolling Green Mountains, and the close-knit community of Johnson (ZIP Code 05656) offer a compelling quality of life. However, when considering healthcare access, particularly for a serious condition like lung cancer, the idyllic landscape presents unique challenges. This "Lung Cancer Score" analyzes the transportation landscape, a crucial factor in healthcare access, for residents of Johnson, Vermont, focusing on the journey to potential treatment centers. We’ll examine drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, providing a comprehensive picture for anyone considering moving to Johnson or seeking care within the area.

The primary concern for lung cancer patients is timely access to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This necessitates understanding the transportation infrastructure and its limitations. The remoteness of Johnson, while part of its charm, significantly impacts healthcare access. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are located in Burlington and Lebanon, New Hampshire, requiring significant travel. This score aims to illuminate the realities of getting from Johnson to these crucial healthcare resources.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

Driving remains the most common mode of transportation for healthcare access in Johnson. The primary route to Burlington, home to the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC), a major cancer treatment facility, is via **Route 100** south to **Route 15** west. This journey typically spans approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The scenic beauty of the drive is often overshadowed by the urgency of medical appointments.

Alternatively, to reach Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, New Hampshire, a journey of roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes is required. The route involves traveling south on **Route 100**, then east on **Interstate 89 (I-89)** to **Interstate 91 (I-91)** south. This longer drive presents greater challenges, particularly for patients experiencing fatigue or undergoing treatment that may affect their ability to drive. The reliance on these highways and rural roads highlights the dependence on personal vehicles.

Weather conditions, particularly during Vermont's harsh winters, can significantly impact drive times and road safety. Snow and ice can lead to delays, making timely access to treatment even more difficult. The absence of major alternative routes further exacerbates these challenges, underscoring the importance of reliable transportation.

**Public Transportation Challenges:**

Public transportation options in Johnson are limited. The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) provides some service within the Lamoille County region, but its routes and schedules are not designed to facilitate easy access to major medical centers. The primary bus route serving Johnson is the **Route 116** (Morrisville-Johnson-Hyde Park), but this route primarily serves local needs.

The GMT system does offer some ADA-accessible buses, crucial for patients with mobility limitations. However, the limited frequency of service and the lack of direct routes to Burlington or Lebanon make public transit a less viable option for lung cancer patients. The reliance on transfers and extended travel times further complicate healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Johnson area, but their reliability and availability can be unpredictable, particularly in rural areas. The cost of these services can also be a significant barrier for patients facing expensive medical bills. While ride-sharing might be useful for local appointments, it is less practical for long-distance travel to cancer centers.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution for patients requiring assistance. Companies like **Medicaid Transportation** and **First Transit** provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services often require pre-booking and may have limitations regarding the distance they cover. They are also typically reserved for those who qualify for Medicaid or similar programs.

**Moving to Johnson: A Healthcare Consideration:**

For individuals considering moving to Johnson, the availability of reliable transportation to healthcare facilities should be a primary concern, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions or a higher risk of developing lung cancer. The need for frequent appointments, potential side effects of treatment, and the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis make convenient and accessible transportation essential.

Those considering a move should thoroughly research their healthcare options, including the availability of specialists, the distance to treatment centers, and the transportation resources available. They should also assess their ability to drive, the potential costs of ride-sharing or medical transport, and the limitations of public transportation.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Landscape:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Johnson, Vermont, highlights the challenges of healthcare access due to the remoteness and limited transportation options. While the beauty of the area is undeniable, individuals considering moving to Johnson or seeking care within the area must carefully assess their transportation needs and develop a plan for accessing treatment. This includes understanding drive times, exploring the limited public transit options, investigating the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, and proactively planning for potential challenges. The ability to navigate this landscape effectively is crucial for ensuring timely access to the care needed to fight lung cancer.