05660, Moretown, Vermont Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 05660, Moretown, Vermont is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.89 percent of residents in 05660 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.13 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Central Vermont Medical Center with a distance of 11.97 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Moretown, Vermont (ZIP Code 05660)

The crisp Vermont air, the rolling Green Mountains, and the close-knit community of Moretown (ZIP Code 05660) paint a picture of idyllic living. However, beneath this bucolic surface lies a reality that residents, especially those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, must confront: the complexities of healthcare access. This write-up, a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, delves into the transportation landscape, illuminating the challenges and opportunities for individuals seeking treatment within and beyond the town's borders. The score aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the journey to care, recognizing that timely and reliable *transportation* is crucial for survival and quality of life.

The very nature of lung cancer treatment, often involving frequent appointments for chemotherapy, radiation, and follow-up care, makes *healthcare access* a critical concern. Patients may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, and other debilitating symptoms, rendering independent travel difficult, if not impossible. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services to assess the ease with which residents of Moretown can reach essential medical facilities. For those considering *moving to Moretown*, this information is invaluable, offering a realistic view of the healthcare landscape.

The primary hospital serving the region is Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) in Berlin, approximately 15 miles from Moretown. The most direct route involves driving south on Route 100, a scenic but winding two-lane road. Drive times typically range from 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. During winter months, when snow and ice are prevalent, these travel times can significantly increase, posing a considerable challenge for patients with compromised health. Alternative routes include taking Route 2 east towards Montpelier and then south on Interstate 89 (I-89). This route is generally faster, averaging 20 to 30 minutes, but can be subject to congestion during peak hours.

Another crucial healthcare destination is the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) in Burlington, a more specialized facility offering advanced cancer treatments. Reaching UVMMC from Moretown requires a significantly longer journey, approximately 50 to 70 miles. The most common route involves taking I-89 north. Drive times fluctuate between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic. This longer distance underscores the importance of reliable *transportation* options for patients requiring specialized care.

Public transit in Moretown and the surrounding area is limited. The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) provides bus service, but its routes are infrequent and may not directly serve medical facilities. Route 89, for instance, runs along I-89 but does not have stops in Moretown itself. Passengers would need to travel to a nearby town like Montpelier to access the bus. Furthermore, the frequency of service is often insufficient for the needs of cancer patients, who require timely access to appointments. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a key consideration. GMT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other accommodations, but the limited route network and infrequent schedules pose a significant barrier to *healthcare access* for many.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Moretown area, but their reliability can be inconsistent. Availability is often dependent on driver presence, which may be limited in this rural region. Surge pricing, which increases fares during periods of high demand, can also make these services financially prohibitive for patients with ongoing medical expenses. Booking in advance is highly recommended, but even then, there is no guarantee of availability.

Medical transport services offer a dedicated solution for patients who cannot drive themselves or lack access to other forms of *transportation*. Several companies operate in the region, including Bayada Home Health Care and First Transit. These services provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from medical appointments. However, these services typically require prior arrangements, and their availability may be limited, particularly during peak hours or on weekends. The cost of medical transport can also be a significant burden for patients, and insurance coverage varies.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Moretown, Vermont, reflects the challenges faced by residents seeking lung cancer care. The town's rural location, coupled with limited public transit and the variable availability of ride-sharing services, creates significant obstacles. Drive times to essential medical facilities, particularly UVMMC in Burlington, can be lengthy, adding to the physical and emotional strain on patients. The dependence on personal vehicles, the potential for weather-related delays, and the financial burden of medical transport all contribute to a complex *healthcare access* landscape.

This assessment highlights the importance of careful planning and resourcefulness for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer in Moretown. It is essential to explore all available *transportation* options, including seeking assistance from family, friends, and community organizations. For those *moving to Moretown*, a thorough evaluation of healthcare *transportation* needs is crucial. The score underscores the need for continued efforts to improve *healthcare access* in rural communities, including expanding public transit, promoting ride-sharing initiatives, and ensuring affordable and reliable medical transport services.

The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a call to action, urging healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to collaborate in creating a more supportive environment for individuals battling this devastating disease. This includes advocating for policies that prioritize *transportation* assistance, expanding telehealth services, and providing financial support to alleviate the burden of travel costs. By working together, we can improve the quality of life and increase the chances of survival for lung cancer patients in Moretown and other rural communities.