05774, Wells, Vermont Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 05774, Wells, Vermont is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.97 percent of residents in 05774 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 26.00 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Rutland Regional Medical Center with a distance of 16.80 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Wells, Vermont (ZIP Code 05774)

The crisp Vermont air, the rolling hills, and the close-knit community of Wells, Vermont (ZIP Code 05774) offer a serene backdrop for life. However, when faced with a serious diagnosis like lung cancer, the tranquility can be shattered by the complexities of healthcare access. This write-up provides a “Lung Cancer Score” analysis for residents of 05774, focusing on transportation options and the realities of reaching vital medical care. This score is not a formal medical assessment, but rather a practical guide to navigating the healthcare landscape, considering the specific challenges of this rural area.

The score considers various factors, including drive times to cancer centers, availability of public transportation, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options. Each element is weighed to provide a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility for individuals battling lung cancer. The goal is to empower residents with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their care and understand the potential transportation hurdles they might face.

**The Drive to Care: Highways and Roads**

For residents of Wells, the most immediate healthcare facilities are likely to be in Rutland, approximately a 30- to 45-minute drive. The primary route involves traveling south on **Vermont Route 30**, a scenic but winding road that can be challenging during winter months. This road then connects to **US Route 4**, a major east-west artery that leads directly to Rutland Regional Medical Center, the closest hospital with comprehensive cancer services.

The drive is relatively straightforward, but the distance necessitates careful planning. Traffic is generally light, except during peak commuting hours or tourist seasons. The condition of the roads, particularly during the winter, can significantly impact travel times and safety. Snow and ice can transform the drive into a precarious journey, demanding patience and caution.

Further specialized care might require travel to larger medical centers in Burlington or Lebanon, New Hampshire. Burlington, approximately a 2-hour drive, is accessible via **US Route 4** to **Interstate 89 North**. Lebanon, also about a 2-hour drive, is reached by **US Route 4 East** to **Interstate 89 South**. These longer drives demand even more meticulous planning, considering the potential for fatigue, weather-related delays, and the need for frequent rest stops.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Landscape**

Public transportation options in 05774 are extremely limited. The lack of a robust public transit system is a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. This situation underscores the need for alternative transportation strategies, particularly for individuals undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatments that may impair their ability to drive safely.

There are no regularly scheduled bus routes directly serving Wells. The nearest public transit access point is in Rutland. The **Marble Valley Regional TransitMarble Valley Regional Transit District (MVRTD)**, also known as The Bus, offers limited routes within Rutland County. However, these routes typically do not extend to Wells. Accessing the MVRTD would require a ride to Rutland, adding another layer of complexity to the journey.

The MVRTD does offer ADA-accessible buses, providing some support for individuals with disabilities. However, the infrequent service and lack of direct routes to Wells severely limit its usefulness for residents seeking cancer care. This gap in public transit necessitates creative solutions and a reliance on other transportation options.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Rutland, but their presence in Wells is less consistent. Availability can fluctuate depending on driver availability and demand. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments can be unreliable and potentially expensive, especially given the distance to Rutland and other medical centers.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized option. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, often providing door-to-door service and assistance with mobility. Several medical transport providers operate in the area, including **Medicaid-approved transportation** and private companies.

**Medical Transportation Options:**

* **Medical Transportation Services of Vermont:** This company offers non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
* **First Transit:** This company also provides non-emergency medical transportation services, potentially serving the Wells area.

These services can be invaluable for individuals with mobility limitations or those unable to drive. However, they often require advance booking and can be costly, particularly for frequent appointments. The availability of these services and their associated costs should be carefully considered when planning for lung cancer treatment.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for residents of 05774 reflects the challenges and opportunities in accessing healthcare. The score is a composite of the factors discussed: drive times, public transportation limitations, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport options.

**Key Considerations:**

* **Drive Time:** The drive to Rutland Regional Medical Center is manageable but requires careful planning, especially during inclement weather.
* **Public Transportation:** The lack of public transit is a significant barrier, particularly for those without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Ride-sharing availability is limited and unreliable.
* **Medical Transport:** Medical transport services offer a crucial lifeline, but they come with costs and require advance planning.

**Recommendations for Residents:**

* **Develop a Transportation Plan:** Create a detailed transportation plan that considers all available options, including personal vehicles, family and friends, ride-sharing, and medical transport.
* **Explore Medical Transport Options:** Research and contact medical transport providers to understand their services, costs, and availability.
* **Utilize Support Networks:** Lean on family, friends, and community resources for transportation assistance.
* **Advocate for Improved Transportation:** Advocate for increased public transportation options and ride-sharing services in the area.

**Moving to Wells: Healthcare Access Considerations**

For individuals considering moving to Wells, Vermont, understanding the limitations of healthcare access is essential. While the community offers a peaceful and scenic environment, the rural location presents challenges in accessing specialized medical care. Potential residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and consider the availability of healthcare services before making a move.

The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive planning and community support when facing a serious illness in a rural environment. While the challenges are undeniable, the resilience of the community and the availability of specialized transportation services can help residents navigate the complexities of healthcare access and receive the care they need. This score emphasizes the crucial role of transportation in the fight against lung cancer and underscores the need for ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access in rural Vermont.