04464, Monson, Maine Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 04464, Monson, Maine is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.69 percent of residents in 04464 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 29.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northern Light Mayo Hospital with a distance of 14.86 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Monson, Maine (ZIP Code 04464)

Assessing the overall health score for access to healthcare in Monson, Maine (ZIP Code 04464), requires a multifaceted approach, considering transportation infrastructure, available healthcare facilities, and the unique challenges of a rural environment. This analysis delves into the practical realities of commuting to healthcare, providing a comprehensive understanding for residents and those considering **moving to Monson**. The score will be based on a combination of factors, including drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transportation services.

The primary concern in Monson is the relative isolation and the limited availability of local healthcare providers. This necessitates travel to larger towns and cities for specialized care, creating a significant dependence on reliable **transportation**. The overall health score reflects this reality, acknowledging the hurdles residents face in accessing essential medical services.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The backbone of healthcare access in Monson is the road network. The primary route for accessing healthcare facilities outside of town is via **Maine State Route 15**, a two-lane road that snakes its way through the scenic landscape. Depending on the destination, travel times can vary considerably. Driving to the closest hospital, Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft, typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, covering approximately 25 miles. This journey involves navigating **Route 15** and potentially a portion of **Route 6**, depending on the exact origin and destination within Monson.

For more specialized care, residents often travel to Bangor, a city with a more comprehensive range of medical services. This journey involves a longer drive, usually taking around an hour and 15 minutes to an hour and 45 minutes, covering roughly 60 to 70 miles. The route involves traversing **Route 15** to **Route 95** (Interstate 95), the major north-south artery in Maine. Traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather, can significantly impact these travel times, potentially delaying access to critical care. The condition of the roads, especially during winter months, further complicates matters, adding another layer of complexity to healthcare access.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transit options in Monson and the surrounding areas are extremely limited, posing a significant challenge to healthcare access. There is no established public bus service that directly serves Monson. The availability of public transit is a major factor impacting the overall health score, as it limits healthcare access for those who do not have a car or are unable to drive.

This lack of public transit underscores the reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods for accessing medical appointments and services. For individuals who cannot drive or do not own a car, this presents a significant barrier to healthcare access, potentially leading to delayed or missed appointments. The absence of public transit significantly lowers the overall health score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have limited availability in rural areas like Monson. While these services may occasionally be available, their reliability and affordability are questionable. The sparse population density and the distance to major population centers make it challenging for ride-sharing companies to operate efficiently. The lack of readily available ride-sharing services further compounds the transportation challenges for residents.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more reliable option. Several medical transportation providers operate in the region, including LifeFlight of Maine, which provides air ambulance services for critical emergencies. Other providers offer non-emergency medical transportation, often requiring advance booking. The availability of these services is a positive factor, but their cost and the need for pre-planning can still pose challenges.

**Medical Facilities and Healthcare Access:**

Monson itself has limited healthcare facilities. The primary source of medical care is the Monson Medical Center, which offers basic primary care services. However, for specialized care, residents must travel to hospitals and clinics in neighboring towns and cities. The distance to these facilities and the limited transportation options significantly impact the overall health score.

The availability of healthcare providers in the surrounding areas, such as Dover-Foxcroft and Bangor, is crucial. However, the travel times and the lack of readily available transportation options create a significant barrier to **healthcare access**. The overall health score is negatively impacted by the limited local healthcare options and the reliance on travel for specialized care.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The accessibility of transportation options for individuals with disabilities is a critical factor in evaluating healthcare access. The absence of public transit with ADA-compliant features significantly limits the ability of individuals with mobility impairments to access healthcare services. The availability of accessible transportation services, such as medical transportation providers with wheelchair-accessible vehicles, is essential.

The overall health score considers the limited availability of ADA-compliant transportation options and the potential challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing healthcare. The lack of readily available accessible transportation options negatively impacts the overall health score.

**Overall Health Score and Conclusion:**

Based on the factors discussed, the overall health score for access to healthcare in Monson, Maine (ZIP Code 04464), is moderate to low. The primary challenges are the limited local healthcare options, the reliance on personal vehicles for transportation, the lack of public transit, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services. While medical transportation services offer a viable alternative, their cost and the need for pre-planning can still pose challenges.

The **moving to Monson** decision should be considered with a clear understanding of the transportation challenges and the potential impact on healthcare access. Residents must be prepared to travel for specialized care and plan accordingly. The overall health score reflects the need for residents to be proactive in securing reliable transportation and accessing necessary medical services. Improving the overall health score requires addressing the transportation challenges, potentially through increased support for medical transportation services, exploring the feasibility of limited public transit options, and encouraging the development of telehealth services to reduce the need for travel.