04911, Anson, Maine Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 04911, Anson, Maine is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.32 percent of residents in 04911 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.33 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Franklin Memorial Hospital with a distance of 15.71 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Anson, Maine (ZIP Code 04911)

The overall health of a community is intrinsically linked to its ability to access healthcare. This write-up assesses the accessibility of medical services for residents of Anson, Maine (ZIP Code 04911), considering transportation options, drive times, and the availability of public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport. This evaluation aims to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' for healthcare access, crucial for individuals considering moving to Anson or seeking to understand the community's health infrastructure.

Anson, a rural community in Somerset County, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare access. The town's geographic isolation and limited public transportation options necessitate a nuanced understanding of available resources. This analysis will delve into the practical realities of navigating the healthcare landscape in Anson, focusing on the critical element of transportation.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary arteries connecting Anson to healthcare facilities are Maine State Route 148, Maine State Route 16, and U.S. Route 201. Route 148 serves as a crucial connector, feeding into the larger network of Route 16 and Route 201. These routes, while generally well-maintained, can experience seasonal variations in driving conditions, particularly during the harsh Maine winters. Residents should factor in potential delays due to snow, ice, and reduced visibility when planning healthcare appointments.

The closest hospital, Redington-Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan, is approximately a 20-30 minute drive from Anson, depending on the specific location within the ZIP code and traffic conditions. This drive primarily utilizes Route 201. For specialized care or emergency services, residents may need to travel to larger medical centers in Augusta (MaineGeneral Medical Center) or Bangor (Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center), which can involve drives of 1 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the chosen route, typically via Route 201 and Interstate 95.

**Public Transportation Limitations:**

Public transportation options within Anson and the surrounding areas are extremely limited. Somerset Explorer, a local public transit service, may offer some routes, but coverage is sporadic, and service frequency is often low. The availability of routes and schedules should be confirmed directly with Somerset Explorer. The lack of consistent public transit significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

ADA-compliant features on any Somerset Explorer buses would be a critical consideration for individuals with mobility impairments. However, the limited service area and infrequent schedules present substantial challenges for those relying on public transit to reach medical appointments. Prospective residents should be aware of these limitations when assessing healthcare access in Anson.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the region, but their presence in Anson is inconsistent. Availability often depends on driver density, which can be low in rural areas. Reliability cannot be guaranteed, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Residents should not rely solely on ride-sharing for critical medical appointments.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for non-emergency medical transportation, offer a more reliable option. Companies like MedStar and First Choice Medical Transport provide services in the area, offering transportation for appointments, dialysis, and other medical needs. These services often require advance booking and may have associated costs, which should be considered.

**Healthcare Access and Considerations:**

The availability of primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care facilities within a reasonable distance is crucial. While Redington-Fairview General Hospital provides a range of services, residents may need to travel to larger medical centers for specialized care. The need to travel for specialized care adds to the overall travel time and potential stress, impacting the overall health score.

The presence of telehealth options, such as virtual doctor's appointments, can mitigate some transportation challenges. Telehealth services can provide access to healthcare professionals remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits for certain types of care. The availability and accessibility of telehealth services should be considered when evaluating healthcare access in Anson.

**Impact on the Overall Health Score:**

The 'Overall Health Score' for healthcare access in Anson is influenced by several factors. The dependence on personal vehicles for transportation, the limited public transit options, and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services pose significant challenges. While medical transport services offer a viable alternative, their cost and the need for advance booking can create barriers to access.

The drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly for specialized care, add to the overall travel burden. Residents should carefully consider the potential travel time and associated costs when planning healthcare appointments. The availability of telehealth services and the presence of accessible medical transport options can mitigate some of these challenges, but they do not fully compensate for the limitations in transportation infrastructure.

**Conclusion:**

For individuals considering moving to Anson, a thorough understanding of the healthcare access landscape is essential. While the town offers a close-knit community and natural beauty, the transportation challenges present a hurdle to healthcare access. The 'Overall Health Score' for healthcare access in Anson reflects the need for careful planning, reliance on personal vehicles, and consideration of medical transport options. Prospective residents should assess their individual healthcare needs and transportation capabilities when evaluating the suitability of Anson as a place to live. The community could benefit from improved public transit, increased ride-sharing availability, and expanded telehealth services to improve the overall health score and enhance healthcare access for all residents.