04920, Bingham, Maine Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 04920, Bingham, Maine is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.52 percent of residents in 04920 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 28.97 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Redington Fairview General Hospital with a distance of 23.24 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 04920 (Bingham, Maine)

The overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 04920, encompassing the town of Bingham, Maine, is significantly influenced by the challenges presented in accessing healthcare. This write-up delves into the intricacies of transportation options, highlighting the limitations and opportunities that shape the health and well-being of the community. The score is inherently impacted by the rural nature of the region, where vast distances and limited public transportation create barriers to timely and convenient healthcare access. This analysis explores the landscape of transportation, from personal vehicles to ride-sharing services, providing a comprehensive understanding for prospective residents considering moving to Bingham.

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare appointments in Bingham is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. Residents rely heavily on their cars to navigate the network of roads that connect them to essential medical services. The most direct route often involves traversing Route 201, a scenic but sometimes slow-moving highway that winds along the Kennebec River. This route leads towards larger towns like Skowhegan and Waterville, where more comprehensive medical facilities are located. Drive times to these centers can vary significantly depending on traffic and weather conditions, but generally range from 30 minutes to over an hour.

Another critical artery is Route 16, which provides access to the west and connects Bingham to the town of Jackman, where limited medical services may be available. The condition of these roads, particularly during the harsh Maine winters, can pose significant challenges. Snow and ice can make driving treacherous, increasing travel times and the risk of accidents. Furthermore, the lack of sidewalks and bike lanes in most areas limits alternative modes of transportation, such as walking or cycling, for accessing healthcare facilities.

Public transportation options in and around Bingham are extremely limited. There is no established fixed-route bus service within the town itself. The closest public transit options are provided by Kennebec Explorer, which provides service to Skowhegan, Waterville, and Augusta. These services are not frequent and are not specifically designed to serve the healthcare needs of the population. The routes are infrequent, and the schedules are often inflexible, making it difficult for residents to coordinate appointments and return home. ADA accessibility is a consideration, but the limited service area and schedule make it challenging to rely on public transit for healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the larger towns near Bingham but are not consistently present in the area. Their availability is often dependent on the time of day, the day of the week, and the demand. This lack of reliable ride-sharing options further exacerbates the transportation challenges faced by residents, particularly those who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. The cost of ride-sharing can also be prohibitive for some, adding to the financial burden of accessing healthcare.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available in the region. These services, often provided by private companies or non-profit organizations, can be a lifeline for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to other forms of transportation. However, these services are often limited in scope and may require advance booking, making them unsuitable for urgent or last-minute appointments. The availability of these services can also be dependent on the patient's insurance coverage and the distance to the healthcare facility.

The geographical isolation of Bingham presents significant challenges to healthcare access. The nearest hospitals and specialized medical facilities are located in towns like Skowhegan, Waterville, and Augusta. These towns are a considerable distance from Bingham, requiring lengthy travel times. The lack of local healthcare providers, such as specialists and urgent care centers, forces residents to travel further for even routine medical care. This increases the risk of delayed or missed appointments, which can negatively impact health outcomes.

The demographics of Bingham further complicate the healthcare access picture. The town has a significant elderly population, many of whom may have mobility limitations or chronic health conditions. These individuals are particularly vulnerable to the transportation challenges described above. The lack of accessible transportation options can lead to social isolation and reduced quality of life. The town's population is also relatively low-income, and the cost of transportation can be a significant financial burden for many residents.

The limited availability of healthcare providers in Bingham itself also contributes to the transportation challenges. The town has a small number of primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals. This means that residents often have to travel to other towns to see specialists, receive diagnostic tests, or undergo surgical procedures. The lack of local healthcare services puts a strain on the existing transportation infrastructure and increases the demand for transportation options.

The overall health score for ZIP Code 04920 is negatively impacted by the limitations in transportation and healthcare access. The rural nature of the area, the lack of public transportation, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services create significant barriers to accessing timely and convenient healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles, the long travel times, and the challenging road conditions, especially during winter, further compound these issues.

Moving to Bingham requires a careful assessment of transportation needs and healthcare access. Prospective residents should consider the availability of reliable transportation, the distance to healthcare facilities, and the cost of transportation options. They should also research the availability of medical transportation services and explore the possibility of carpooling or other alternative transportation arrangements.

The community could benefit from initiatives that improve healthcare access. This could include expanding public transportation options, increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, and supporting the development of telemedicine programs. Investing in the local healthcare infrastructure, such as establishing a local urgent care center or attracting more medical specialists, would also improve healthcare access.

In conclusion, the overall health score for ZIP Code 04920 is significantly influenced by the transportation challenges faced by residents. The lack of readily available transportation options, the long travel times to healthcare facilities, and the limited availability of local healthcare services create barriers to accessing timely and convenient medical care. Addressing these challenges is crucial to improving the health and well-being of the community. Prospective residents should carefully consider these factors when making the decision to move to Bingham, Maine, and should be prepared to navigate the transportation landscape to ensure they can receive the healthcare they need.