05901, Averill, Vermont Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 05901, Averill, Vermont is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 05901 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.53 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is North Country Hospital And Health Center with a distance of 24.73 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 05901

The breath of life, a precious gift, becomes a chilling concern when lung cancer enters the equation. In ZIP Code 05901, the pursuit of timely and effective healthcare becomes a critical journey, intertwined with the realities of transportation. This write-up, a Lung Cancer Score assessment, explores the complexities of **transportation** options and **healthcare access** for residents, painting a picture of the challenges and opportunities that shape the fight against this devastating disease. Considering **moving to Averill**, understanding these factors becomes even more paramount.

The core of this analysis revolves around access to oncology services, including diagnosis, treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation), and follow-up care. The score will reflect the ease, reliability, and affordability of reaching these vital resources.

**Driving the Distance: The Road to Recovery**

For many in 05901, the primary mode of **transportation** is the personal vehicle. The landscape, a blend of rural charm and developing areas, presents a mixed bag for drivers. The primary thoroughfare is Route 2, a crucial artery connecting Averill with larger towns and cities where specialized medical facilities are located. Drive times to these centers, the bedrock of our Lung Cancer Score, are crucial.

The nearest major hospital with comprehensive oncology services is the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. The drive, primarily on Route 2 and then Interstate 89, typically takes approximately one hour and fifteen minutes under ideal conditions. However, this time can fluctuate dramatically. Winter weather, a frequent visitor to this region, can transform the journey into a treacherous ordeal, significantly extending travel times and potentially delaying critical care. Rush hour traffic, particularly around the Lebanon area, can also add significant delays.

Another option is the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, Vermont. This drive, taking around two hours, requires navigating Route 2 and then Interstate 89. While offering a wider range of specialists, the extended travel time presents a significant barrier, especially for patients requiring frequent treatments or experiencing acute symptoms.

Smaller, regional hospitals like North Country Hospital in Newport, Vermont, may offer some basic cancer care services, but often lack the advanced technologies and specialized expertise found at the larger medical centers. The drive to Newport, primarily on Route 105, is about 45 minutes.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public **transportation** options in 05901 are limited, posing a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive. The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) system provides some bus service in the region, but coverage in this rural area is sparse.

The primary bus route serving the general area is the GMT Route 80, which connects Newport with St. Johnsbury. However, this route does not directly serve Averill. Residents would need to travel to Newport or St. Johnsbury to access the bus. The frequency of these buses is limited, and the routes may not align with the schedules of medical appointments.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of GMT buses is a crucial factor. All GMT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent service remain a significant hurdle for individuals with mobility issues or other health concerns.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence is often inconsistent, especially in rural areas like 05901. Availability can be unpredictable, and surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can make these services prohibitively expensive.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by private companies, provide a crucial lifeline for patients who cannot drive and lack access to reliable public **transportation**. These services often specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and doctor visits.

Companies like FirstLight Home Care and Senior Helpers offer medical **transportation** services in the area. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and the availability of vehicles and drivers may be limited, particularly in a sparsely populated area. The need for advance booking and the potential for delays further complicate their use.

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

The Lung Cancer Score for 05901 will be a composite score, weighing several factors:

* **Drive Time:** The average drive time to the nearest comprehensive oncology center (Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center) is a key factor. Longer drive times will negatively impact the score.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The frequency, coverage, and ADA accessibility of public **transportation** options will be assessed. Limited service will lower the score.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** The availability, cost, and reliability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services will be considered. Limited options and high costs will negatively affect the score.
* **Weather Conditions:** The impact of winter weather and other environmental factors on **transportation** will be factored in, reflecting the potential for delays and disruptions.
* **Financial Burden:** The overall cost of **transportation**, including gas, vehicle maintenance, ride-sharing fees, and medical **transportation** costs, will be assessed, as affordability is a critical aspect of **healthcare access**.

**Healthcare Access: A Critical Imperative**

The Lung Cancer Score aims to highlight the challenges and opportunities surrounding **healthcare access** in 05901. It underscores the importance of accessible, affordable, and reliable **transportation** for individuals battling lung cancer.

The score will also serve as a call to action, urging local authorities, healthcare providers, and community organizations to address the **transportation** barriers faced by residents. This includes exploring strategies to improve public **transportation** options, subsidize medical **transportation** services, and promote ride-sharing programs.

**Moving to Averill: A Consideration**

For those considering **moving to Averill**, the Lung Cancer Score is an essential tool. It provides a realistic assessment of the **transportation** challenges that may arise in accessing critical medical care. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their **transportation** needs and explore the available resources before making a decision.

The score will also inform the development of strategies to improve **healthcare access** for all residents of 05901. This may include advocating for expanded public **transportation** options, supporting initiatives to improve road infrastructure, and working with medical providers to establish satellite clinics or telehealth services.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for 05901 is a vital assessment of **healthcare access**, inextricably linked to the complexities of **transportation**. It is a call for action, a reminder that the journey to recovery demands not only medical expertise but also the ability to reach it.