05679, Williamstown, Vermont Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 05679, Williamstown, Vermont is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

83.20 percent of residents in 05679 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.38 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Central Vermont Medical Center with a distance of 5.87 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 05679 (Williamstown, Vermont)**

The crisp air and rolling hills of Williamstown, Vermont, in ZIP code 05679, offer a picturesque life. However, when considering a move, particularly for those with or at risk of lung cancer, the crucial aspect of healthcare access demands careful scrutiny. This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score," evaluating transportation options and their impact on reaching essential medical services. The score reflects the ease and reliability of accessing specialists, diagnostic tools, and treatment facilities, all vital for managing this serious illness.

Williamstown, nestled in Washington County, is a rural community. The primary determinant of healthcare access is transportation. The ability to quickly and reliably reach medical appointments, chemotherapy sessions, or emergency care significantly influences a patient's prognosis and quality of life. The Lung Cancer Score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, offering a comprehensive view of the transportation landscape.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

The backbone of transportation in 05679 is the personal vehicle. Williamstown's location dictates that most healthcare journeys begin with a car. The primary route to larger medical centers involves navigating the local roads. The drive to Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) in Berlin, the nearest major hospital, is approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. This journey primarily utilizes Route 14, a well-maintained road that offers relatively straightforward travel.

For specialized care, patients often need to travel further. The University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) in Burlington, a comprehensive cancer center, is roughly a 1-hour and 15-minute drive. This trip involves merging onto Interstate 89 (I-89) North, a major highway that provides a more direct route. The journey requires navigating traffic, especially during peak hours, which can significantly extend travel times.

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, another regional healthcare provider, is about a 1-hour and 45-minute drive. This route utilizes Route 14 and then merges onto I-89 South, requiring careful attention to navigation. The drive times underscore the importance of reliable personal vehicles and the potential impact of weather conditions, particularly during Vermont's harsh winters.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Williamstown are limited. The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) provides some bus service in the area, but routes and schedules are not designed to meet the specific needs of cancer patients. While GMT does offer some routes that serve the general area, they are infrequent and do not directly connect to major medical facilities.

The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial consideration for individuals with mobility limitations. GMT does offer accessible buses, but the limited route frequency and the long travel times to healthcare facilities make this option less viable for many. The lack of direct routes and the need for multiple transfers further complicate the use of public transportation for medical appointments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for frequent medical appointments. The availability of these services is less dependable than in more urban environments, making them a less reliable option for regular healthcare needs.

Medical transportation services are a crucial resource for individuals unable to drive or lacking access to personal vehicles. Several companies specialize in non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in Vermont. These services offer door-to-door transportation to medical appointments. However, the availability and cost of NEMT services can vary, and advance booking is usually required.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Several medical transport brands serve the area, including:

* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Offers both emergency and non-emergency medical transport.
* **Bayada Home Health Care:** Provides non-emergency medical transportation as part of its broader home healthcare services.
* **First Transit:** Provides non-emergency medical transportation services, often contracted by insurance companies.

**Lung Cancer Score Considerations**

The Lung Cancer Score for 05679 reflects the challenges of accessing healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create potential barriers. The drive times to major medical centers, especially during inclement weather, can be significant.

The Lung Cancer Score emphasizes the importance of:

* **Reliable Transportation:** A dependable vehicle is essential.
* **Careful Planning:** Scheduling appointments and arranging transportation in advance is crucial.
* **Support Systems:** Having family, friends, or community resources to assist with transportation is invaluable.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Understanding insurance coverage for transportation services is vital.

**Moving to Williamstown: A Balanced Perspective**

Moving to Williamstown offers a peaceful lifestyle. However, prospective residents, particularly those with or at risk of lung cancer, must consider the transportation challenges. While the drive times to healthcare facilities are manageable, the lack of robust public transportation and the variable availability of ride-sharing services require careful planning.

The Lung Cancer Score serves as a tool for informed decision-making. It highlights the importance of assessing personal transportation needs and resources. By understanding the transportation landscape, individuals can make informed choices about their healthcare access and ensure they can receive the timely and appropriate care they need. The availability of medical transport brands can provide a safety net, but the costs and booking requirements must be considered.