05770, Shoreham, Vermont Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 05770, Shoreham, Vermont is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.43 percent of residents in 05770 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.64 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Porter Hospital, Inc with a distance of 11.40 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Shoreham, Vermont (ZIP Code 05770)

The verdant hills and serene landscapes of Shoreham, Vermont (ZIP code 05770) offer a tranquil escape. However, the idyllic setting presents unique challenges when considering healthcare access, particularly for individuals facing a potential lung cancer diagnosis. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape within and surrounding Shoreham, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment to help residents and prospective movers evaluate their ability to reach vital medical services. The score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services.

The primary concern for individuals in Shoreham is the distance to specialized medical care. Lung cancer treatment often requires frequent appointments for diagnosis, staging, treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery), and follow-up. The "Lung Cancer Score" will reflect the ease or difficulty of navigating these critical journeys.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

Shoreham residents primarily rely on personal vehicles for transportation. The primary route to access healthcare facilities in the region involves navigating the network of local roads and highways. The most direct route to larger hospitals and cancer centers typically involves traveling east along **Vermont Route 74** and then connecting to **Vermont Route 22A**. This route leads to the larger towns of Middlebury and Vergennes, which offer a range of medical services.

Drive times to these locations vary depending on traffic and weather conditions. Under ideal circumstances, the drive to Porter Medical Center in Middlebury is approximately 20-30 minutes. Reaching the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, a more comprehensive facility, requires a drive of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. These drive times, while manageable for some, can become significant burdens for individuals experiencing fatigue, pain, or other side effects associated with lung cancer treatment.

The condition of the roads, especially during winter months, can significantly impact travel times and safety. Snow and ice can make driving treacherous, potentially delaying or preventing access to appointments. Furthermore, the rural nature of the area means limited options for alternative routes if a road is closed or impassable.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation options in Shoreham are limited. The primary provider of public transportation in the area is **Addison County Transit Resources (ACTR)**. ACTR offers fixed-route and demand-response services. However, fixed routes are infrequent and primarily serve the larger towns of Middlebury and Vergennes. These routes may not directly serve medical facilities, necessitating transfers or significant walking distances.

Demand-response services, which require advance booking, offer a more flexible option for individuals with mobility limitations. However, availability is often limited, and scheduling appointments can be challenging. It is crucial to inquire about the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles and services when utilizing ACTR. The "Lung Cancer Score" will reflect the limited utility of public transit for frequent medical appointments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is limited compared to urban centers. Availability can be sporadic, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is generally not recommended due to potential unreliability and cost considerations.

Medical transportation services, such as **Care Ride Vermont**, offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door transport and can accommodate mobility aids. While these services can be a valuable resource, they often require advance booking and can be expensive. The "Lung Cancer Score" will consider the availability and cost of medical transport services.

**Healthcare Access Considerations:**

Beyond transportation, other factors influence healthcare access for lung cancer patients. The availability of specialists, the ability to schedule appointments promptly, and the cost of treatment are all critical considerations. Shoreham residents may need to travel to larger medical centers to access specialized care, which further emphasizes the importance of reliable transportation.

**"Lung Cancer Score" Assessment:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Shoreham (ZIP code 05770) reflects the challenges associated with accessing healthcare. The score considers the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** Moderate drive times to nearby medical facilities.
* **Public Transit:** Limited and infrequent public transit options, with potential ADA accessibility concerns.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Sporadic availability of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transportation:** Availability of medical transportation services, but with potential cost and booking limitations.

Based on these factors, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Shoreham is **Moderate**. While residents can access medical care, transportation limitations can pose significant challenges, particularly for individuals undergoing treatment for lung cancer.

**Moving to Shoreham: A Balanced Perspective:**

For individuals considering moving to Shoreham, it is essential to carefully weigh the benefits of the rural lifestyle against the limitations of healthcare access. Individuals with a history of lung cancer or those at high risk should proactively investigate transportation options, assess the availability of medical specialists, and consider the potential costs associated with travel.

Planning for medical needs is crucial. This may involve exploring options such as:

* **Establishing relationships with local primary care physicians.**
* **Researching the availability of specialists in nearby towns.**
* **Understanding insurance coverage for transportation costs.**
* **Identifying reliable transportation options, including family, friends, or medical transport services.**

Shoreham offers a unique blend of natural beauty and a close-knit community. However, prospective residents should be fully aware of the transportation challenges and the potential impact on healthcare access, especially for individuals with chronic health conditions. The "Lung Cancer Score" provides a framework for assessing the challenges and making informed decisions about healthcare access in this beautiful Vermont community.