04694, Baileyville, Maine Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 04694, Baileyville, Maine is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

85.33 percent of residents in 04694 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Down East Community Hospital with a distance of 28.07 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 04694 (Baileyville, Maine)

The overall health score for residents of Baileyville, Maine (ZIP code 04694) reflects a complex interplay between access to healthcare and the challenges presented by its rural location. This assessment delves into the transportation landscape, evaluating drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, all crucial factors impacting residents' ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care. The score considers the geographical isolation, the limited local resources, and the reliance on transportation for healthcare access. This report aims to provide a comprehensive understanding for individuals considering moving to Baileyville, highlighting the realities of healthcare access in this unique environment.

Baileyville, nestled in Washington County, Maine, presents a geographical challenge. The town is surrounded by vast forests and relatively sparse populations, significantly impacting transportation and, consequently, healthcare access. The primary mode of transportation for most residents is personal vehicles, necessitating driving for even routine medical appointments. This reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of understanding drive times and road conditions.

The primary roadways serving Baileyville are US Route 1 and US Route 9. US Route 1, a major coastal highway, provides access to larger towns and cities to the south and north. US Route 9, also known as the Airline Road, offers a more direct route westward. However, these roads, particularly US Route 9, can experience varying conditions depending on the season, with winter weather posing a significant challenge to safe travel.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical component of the overall health score. The nearest hospital, Calais Regional Hospital, is approximately a 20- to 30-minute drive via US Route 1. While this may seem manageable, it's important to consider potential delays due to weather, traffic (though minimal in this area), and the inherent stress of traveling when feeling unwell. Specialty care often necessitates longer drives, with Bangor, approximately a two-hour drive via US Route 1A and I-95, being the nearest city with a wider range of medical specialists and advanced facilities.

Public transportation options in Baileyville are extremely limited. The area is not served by a comprehensive public transit system, making it difficult for individuals without personal vehicles to access healthcare. This lack of public transportation significantly reduces the overall health score, particularly for those who are elderly, disabled, or do not have access to a car. The absence of regular bus routes or other forms of public transit presents a substantial barrier to healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are generally unavailable in Baileyville and the surrounding areas. This lack of ride-sharing options further exacerbates the transportation challenges. Residents are essentially reliant on personal vehicles, taxis (if available), or medical transportation services for non-emergency medical appointments. The absence of readily available ride-sharing contributes to the overall health score's downward trend.

Medical transportation services play a crucial role in bridging the healthcare access gap. Several medical transport companies operate in the area, providing non-emergency and emergency transportation to medical appointments. These services often cater to individuals who cannot drive themselves or lack access to other transportation options. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, and waiting times can be a factor. The reliance on medical transportation underscores the transportation challenges faced by Baileyville residents.

The availability of local healthcare providers within Baileyville itself also influences the overall health score. While the town may have a primary care physician or a small clinic, the range of services offered is likely limited. Residents often need to travel to other towns or cities for specialized care, diagnostic testing, or hospitalizations. The limited local healthcare resources contribute to the need for transportation and the overall complexity of healthcare access.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of transportation options is a crucial consideration. The lack of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles or medical transport services can pose challenges for individuals with disabilities. Ensuring that medical transportation services are ADA-compliant and that healthcare facilities are accessible is essential for equitable healthcare access.

The overall health score for Baileyville (04694) is negatively impacted by the transportation challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the absence of ride-sharing services create significant barriers to healthcare access. Drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly for specialized care, can be lengthy, and weather conditions can further complicate travel.

The availability of medical transportation services provides a vital lifeline for some residents. However, the cost, availability, and potential waiting times of these services remain critical considerations. The limited local healthcare resources further necessitate travel for a wider range of medical needs.

For individuals considering moving to Baileyville, a thorough understanding of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access is essential. Planning for transportation needs, exploring available medical transportation options, and considering the potential for longer travel times for medical appointments are crucial steps. The overall health score reflects the realities of living in a rural area and the importance of proactively addressing transportation challenges to ensure access to quality healthcare. The score emphasizes the need for careful consideration of healthcare access when evaluating the suitability of Baileyville as a place to live.