04027, Lebanon, Maine Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 04027, Lebanon, Maine is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.55 percent of residents in 04027 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.18 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bridgton Hospital with a distance of 46.01 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 04027 (Lebanon, Maine)**

Assessing the overall health of a community extends far beyond the walls of a clinic or hospital. It encompasses the ease with which residents can access vital healthcare services, a critical component often overlooked. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 04027, the heart of Lebanon, Maine, evaluating its healthcare accessibility through the lens of transportation options. A community’s health is inextricably linked to its ability to connect with care, a reality that significantly impacts the well-being of those considering moving to Lebanon.

Lebanon, a town characterized by its rural charm and close-knit community, presents unique transportation challenges. The availability of healthcare services is a key consideration for anyone contemplating a move. The town’s geographical layout, with its spread-out residences and limited public transportation, necessitates a thorough examination of the available options. This evaluation will provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare access landscape, crucial for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

**Drive Times: Navigating the Roads to Wellness**

The primary mode of transportation in Lebanon is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. Assessing drive times to healthcare facilities is paramount. Residents typically rely on a network of roads to reach medical appointments, with the Maine Turnpike (I-95) serving as a critical artery. Accessing the Turnpike from Lebanon usually involves navigating local roads like Route 202, a major east-west thoroughfare.

The drive to Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New Hampshire, a popular choice for many Lebanon residents, averages around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. This drive utilizes Route 202, then merges onto Route 125, a busy road, particularly during peak hours. The journey to Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford, Maine, a more extensive healthcare network, takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. This route involves traveling south on the Turnpike, a generally efficient route, but subject to potential delays.

For specialized care, residents might need to travel to Portland, Maine, or even Boston, Massachusetts. These longer journeys, exceeding an hour and a half, necessitate careful planning. The drive to Portland utilizes the Turnpike, while Boston trips involve the Turnpike and then I-95 South, a longer commute. The time commitment associated with these longer drives underscores the importance of considering healthcare access when making decisions about moving to Lebanon.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Lebanon are limited, posing a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The availability of public transit is a crucial factor in healthcare access, particularly for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those unable to drive. Unfortunately, the current public transportation infrastructure in the area is not robust.

The Greater Portland Metro provides some limited service, but its reach into Lebanon is restricted. The York CountyYork County Community Action Corporation (YCCAC) offers demand-response transportation services, including medical transportation, but these services require advance booking and are subject to availability. The YCCAC vehicles are designed to be ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited frequency and geographic coverage of these services can create significant barriers to accessing healthcare.

The lack of a comprehensive public transit system underscores the need for alternative transportation solutions. While the existing options provide some support, they are not a substitute for a more robust and accessible public transit network. This limitation is a critical consideration for residents and those contemplating moving to Lebanon.

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

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential solution, although their availability in rural areas like Lebanon can be unpredictable. The presence of these services can vary depending on driver availability and demand. Relying on ride-share for critical healthcare appointments requires careful planning and the potential for delays.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), offer a more specialized option. These services, such as Careline and Medical Transportation Management (MTM), provide transportation to and from medical appointments for individuals who cannot drive themselves. These services often cater to individuals with disabilities or those who require assistance. However, these services typically require pre-booking and may have limited availability, particularly during peak hours.

The use of ride-share and medical transport services highlights the importance of alternative transportation solutions in a community with limited public transit. These options provide a crucial lifeline for those who cannot drive, but their availability and cost can be significant considerations. The integration of these services into the healthcare ecosystem is essential for ensuring equitable access to care.

**Overall Health Score: A Complex Picture**

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 04027 presents a mixed picture. While the town benefits from its proximity to larger healthcare facilities in neighboring communities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create significant challenges. The availability of ride-share and medical transport services provides some relief, but these options are not always readily available or affordable.

The drive times to healthcare facilities are generally manageable, but the need to travel long distances for specialized care can be a burden. The lack of robust public transportation disproportionately impacts seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those without personal vehicles. The YCCAC's demand-response services offer a valuable resource, but their limited scope underscores the need for more comprehensive solutions.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Lebanon is moderate. While residents have access to healthcare, the transportation challenges can create barriers to care. The availability of alternative transportation options, such as ride-share and medical transport, provides some relief, but these services are not always readily available or affordable. The community could benefit from increased investment in public transportation, improved coordination of existing services, and initiatives to address the transportation needs of vulnerable populations.