05765, Proctor, Vermont Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 05765, Proctor, Vermont is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

80.69 percent of residents in 05765 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.60 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Rutland Regional Medical Center with a distance of 5.69 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Proctor, Vermont (ZIP Code 05765)

The crisp Vermont air, the rolling Green Mountains – Proctor (ZIP code 05765) offers a quintessential New England experience. But beneath the idyllic surface lies a critical factor impacting residents’ well-being: healthcare access, especially for those facing a serious diagnosis like lung cancer. This analysis explores the intricate web of **transportation** options available to residents of Proctor, focusing on their ability to reach vital medical resources, ultimately impacting their “Lung Cancer Score.” This score reflects the ease or difficulty of accessing diagnostic and treatment services, a crucial consideration for anyone **moving to Proctor** or already residing within its borders.

The primary challenge in Proctor is its rural location. While offering peace and tranquility, this isolation translates to longer travel times to specialized healthcare facilities. The nearest comprehensive cancer care centers are located in Burlington, Vermont, and Lebanon, New Hampshire. These centers provide the multidisciplinary teams and advanced technologies necessary for optimal lung cancer treatment.

For those with a car, the journey to Burlington, approximately 70 miles north, begins on Route 3. This scenic, two-lane highway winds through the Vermont countryside, offering breathtaking views but also subject to potential delays due to weather, especially during the winter months. The drive typically takes around one hour and forty-five minutes, but this can easily extend to two hours or more during peak traffic or adverse conditions. Route 3 eventually merges with US-7, a more significant highway that leads directly into Burlington.

The drive to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, is a slightly shorter distance, about 60 miles, but often involves a more circuitous route. The journey starts on Route 3, then transitions to Route 100, a winding road that traverses the heart of Vermont. This route offers stunning views but can be slower due to its mountainous terrain. Travelers then connect with Interstate 91 South, which leads to Lebanon. The drive usually takes around one hour and thirty minutes, but again, this is subject to weather and traffic conditions.

Public **transportation** options are limited in Proctor. Green Mountain Transit (GMT) provides some bus service in the area, but its routes and schedules are not designed for frequent trips to distant medical centers. The primary route serving Proctor is the Rutland-Burlington Express, which connects Proctor to Rutland and Burlington. However, the schedule is limited, with only a few trips per day. This route offers limited **ADA features**, such as wheelchair lifts, but its infrequent service makes it unsuitable for regular appointments or emergencies. Furthermore, the travel time on public transit is significantly longer than driving, often exceeding three hours to Burlington, making it a less viable option for patients needing timely care.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Proctor area, but their availability is not always guaranteed, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of a ride to Burlington or Lebanon can be substantial, making it a financial burden for patients and their families. Furthermore, ride-share drivers may not be equipped to handle medical equipment or provide assistance to patients with mobility issues.

Medical **transportation** services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available, but they are primarily designed for emergencies or patients who cannot travel independently. NEMT services, often provided by private companies, can transport patients to and from medical appointments, but these services often require advance booking and can be expensive. The availability of these services can also be limited, especially in rural areas.

The “Lung Cancer Score” for Proctor residents is therefore significantly impacted by these **transportation** challenges. The lack of readily available and affordable **transportation** options, coupled with the long travel times to specialized care, creates a barrier to timely diagnosis and treatment. This can lead to delayed treatment, increased stress, and potentially poorer health outcomes.

For individuals considering **moving to Proctor**, this assessment highlights the importance of carefully evaluating healthcare access. Those with pre-existing conditions, or at high risk for lung cancer, should consider the implications of the limited **transportation** options and the potential for long travel times to medical appointments.

The healthcare landscape in Proctor, and the surrounding region, is evolving. Efforts are underway to improve access to care, including telemedicine initiatives and the expansion of local healthcare services. However, these efforts are still in their early stages, and the reliance on personal vehicles remains a significant factor in accessing specialized care.

The “Lung Cancer Score” for Proctor residents is not simply a numerical value; it is a reflection of the challenges and opportunities that shape their healthcare journey. It is a call to action for community leaders, healthcare providers, and policymakers to address the **transportation** barriers that limit access to care and to create a more equitable healthcare system for all residents of Proctor, Vermont. The score is currently impacted by the lack of readily available and affordable **transportation** options, coupled with the long travel times to specialized care. This can lead to delayed treatment, increased stress, and potentially poorer health outcomes. The need for improved public transit, increased ride-share availability, and subsidized medical **transportation** services is critical to improving the **healthcare access** for all residents.