04627, Deer Isle, Maine Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 04627, Deer Isle, Maine is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

82.58 percent of residents in 04627 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.81 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northern Light Blue Hill Memorial Hospital with a distance of 13.47 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Deer Isle, Maine (ZIP Code 04627)

Evaluating healthcare access in Deer Isle, Maine (ZIP Code 04627) requires a comprehensive understanding of the transportation landscape. This remote island community, known for its natural beauty and artistic spirit, presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to receiving timely and effective medical care. Our "Overall Health Score" considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport services. The score reflects the ease with which residents can reach essential healthcare providers, impacting their overall well-being.

Deer Isle's geographic isolation significantly influences healthcare access. The island is connected to the mainland via the Deer Isle-Sedgwick Bridge. This bridge is the primary artery for all **transportation** in and out of the island. The drive to the mainland, and subsequently to healthcare facilities, is the most common mode of travel. The roads, however, are not always predictable.

The primary route to the mainland is via Route 15, a scenic but winding road. Travel times can vary significantly depending on traffic, weather conditions, and the driver's experience. Reaching Ellsworth, the nearest city with a hospital (Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital), typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour, assuming favorable conditions. The drive involves navigating Route 15 across the bridge and then connecting to Route 1, a major highway. From there, the hospital is a short distance off the highway.

Further afield, Bangor, with its larger medical facilities like Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, is approximately a 1.5- to 2-hour drive. This longer journey necessitates careful planning, especially for those requiring regular appointments or facing medical emergencies. The drive involves Route 15 to Route 1, then connecting to I-395 and finally I-95. The quality of the roads is generally good, but winter conditions can significantly impact travel times and safety.

Public **transportation** options in Deer Isle are limited. The Island Explorer bus service, which operates seasonally, offers some routes that reach the mainland. However, these routes are not designed for frequent healthcare visits. Schedules are limited, and the routes may not directly serve medical facilities. The Island Explorer is a boon for tourists, but it is not a viable primary mode of **transportation** for those needing regular medical care.

The Island Explorer bus service, while offering some connection to the mainland, is not designed for frequent healthcare visits. Schedules are limited, and routes may not directly serve medical facilities. The bus service is a boon for tourists, but it is not a viable primary mode of **transportation** for those needing regular medical care. This limitation significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score."

ADA accessibility on the Island Explorer is available, but the limited routes and schedules still pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues. The lack of readily available public **transportation** options underscores the reliance on personal vehicles or other forms of **transportation**. This further complicates **healthcare access** for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a car.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are virtually nonexistent in Deer Isle and the surrounding areas. The remoteness and low population density make it economically unfeasible for these companies to operate regularly. This lack of ride-sharing options further restricts **healthcare access**, especially for those without personal vehicles.

Medical **transportation** services, such as ambulance services, are available in the area. However, these services are primarily for emergency situations. The availability of non-emergency medical **transportation** is limited. Patients requiring regular appointments or treatments may need to rely on family members, friends, or specialized medical **transportation** providers, which can be costly and require advance planning.

Medical **transportation** services, such as ambulance services, are available in the area. However, these services are primarily for emergency situations. The availability of non-emergency medical **transportation** is limited. Patients requiring regular appointments or treatments may need to rely on family members, friends, or specialized medical **transportation** providers, which can be costly and require advance planning.

The nearest urgent care facilities are in Ellsworth and Blue Hill, increasing the travel time for non-emergency situations. This necessitates a reliance on primary care physicians on the island or a longer journey to access specialized medical care. The limited availability of immediate care options can delay treatment and potentially worsen health outcomes.

For those considering **moving to Deer Isle**, the **healthcare access** landscape is a critical factor to consider. While the island offers a unique lifestyle, the challenges associated with **transportation** to healthcare facilities must be carefully evaluated. Individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent medical attention may find the commute times and limited **transportation** options to be a significant barrier.

The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the limited public **transportation** and ride-sharing options, presents a significant challenge to **healthcare access** in Deer Isle. The long drive times to reach hospitals and specialized medical providers can be stressful and time-consuming. This can impact the ability of residents to adhere to their medical appointments and treatments.

The "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in Deer Isle (ZIP Code 04627) is significantly impacted by the challenges in **transportation**. The remoteness of the island, the limited public transit, and the absence of ride-sharing services create barriers to timely and convenient access to medical care. While the beauty and tranquility of Deer Isle are undeniable, potential residents, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, should carefully assess the implications of these **transportation** limitations.

The absence of ride-sharing services and the limited availability of public **transportation** exacerbate the challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the potential for long drive times, creates a significant barrier to **healthcare access**. Individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent medical attention may find the commute times and limited **transportation** options to be a significant impediment to their well-being.

The "Overall Health Score" for Deer Isle is influenced by the dependence on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the absence of ride-sharing services. This creates barriers to timely and convenient access to medical care. While the island's beauty is undeniable, potential residents, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, should carefully assess the implications of these **transportation** limitations.