04454, Lambert Lake, Maine Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 04454, Lambert Lake, Maine is 4 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 04454 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 40.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penobscot Valley Hospital with a distance of 49.71 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Lambert Lake (ZIP Code 04454)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Lambert Lake, Maine (ZIP Code 04454) requires a deep dive into the accessibility of healthcare services. This analysis focuses on the critical element of transportation, recognizing that the ability to reach medical appointments, pharmacies, and emergency care significantly impacts individual and community well-being. The score will consider drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport services. This write-up aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing residents in accessing healthcare, especially for those considering moving to the area.

The geographic reality of Lambert Lake, nestled within Penobscot County, presents unique transportation challenges. The area is characterized by its rural nature, with limited public transit infrastructure and significant distances to major healthcare facilities. This necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles for most residents.

Drive times to healthcare providers are a primary determinant of the overall health score. The closest hospitals and specialized medical centers are located in Bangor, approximately 40 to 60 miles away. The most direct route typically involves traveling south on **Maine State Route 11** (also known as the "Katahdin Woods & Waters Scenic Byway") to connect with **Interstate 95**. This stretch can be relatively straightforward, but seasonal weather conditions, particularly during the harsh Maine winters, can significantly impact travel times and road safety. Delays due to snow, ice, and reduced visibility are common, potentially increasing commute times to over an hour or even longer.

Alternatively, residents might opt to travel south on **Maine State Route 16**, which offers a more scenic route but can add to the overall travel time. This route eventually merges with **U.S. Route 2**, providing access to Bangor. Traffic congestion, though less severe than in more urban areas, can still contribute to delays, particularly during peak hours. The condition of these roads, including maintenance and repair schedules, also plays a crucial role in the overall accessibility of healthcare. Regular road closures or detours can further complicate commutes.

Public transportation options are extremely limited in Lambert Lake. The absence of a comprehensive public transit system poses a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for those without personal vehicles, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those who cannot afford a car. The nearest public bus service is provided by the **Bangor Area Transit (BAT)** system, but its routes do not extend to Lambert Lake.

While the BAT system offers ADA-accessible buses, the lack of routes serving the area renders this feature irrelevant for residents of 04454. The absence of public transportation necessitates a reliance on private transportation options, adding to the cost and complexity of accessing healthcare. For those considering moving to Lambert Lake, the lack of public transportation should be a major consideration.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Bangor, but their presence in Lambert Lake is sporadic and unreliable. The availability of these services is often dependent on driver availability, which is limited in rural areas. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing can be prohibitive, especially for frequent medical appointments. The lack of consistent ride-sharing options further compounds the transportation challenges faced by residents.

Medical transport services, designed specifically to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a specialized solution. Several companies operate in the Bangor area, providing non-emergency medical transportation. These services typically require advance booking and can be expensive. However, they can be a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to other forms of transportation. Some of the medical transport brands that may serve the area include **MedStar Ambulance**, **Lifeline Ambulance Service**, and **Penobscot Valley Hospital Ambulance Service**.

The availability of these services, while essential, does not fully mitigate the transportation challenges. The cost, scheduling requirements, and potential delays associated with medical transport can still create significant barriers to healthcare access. The overall health score is therefore negatively impacted by the reliance on these specialized services.

The overall health score for residents of Lambert Lake, 04454, is significantly impacted by the challenges associated with transportation. The long drive times to healthcare facilities, the limited public transit options, the unreliable ride-sharing availability, and the reliance on potentially expensive medical transport services all contribute to a lower score.

This score highlights the need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare access in the area. This could include exploring partnerships with local organizations to provide transportation assistance, advocating for expanded public transit options, or promoting telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments.

The challenges of healthcare access in Lambert Lake are a crucial consideration for anyone contemplating moving to the area. Prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and consider the potential impact on their health and well-being. The lack of readily available transportation options necessitates careful planning and proactive measures to ensure access to necessary medical care. This is especially important for those with chronic conditions or those who require frequent medical attention.

The lack of easy access to healthcare facilities can lead to delayed diagnoses, missed appointments, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes. Addressing these transportation challenges is essential to improving the overall health and well-being of the Lambert Lake community. The development of strategies to improve transportation options is paramount.