05068, South Royalton, Vermont Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 05068, South Royalton, Vermont is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.82 percent of residents in 05068 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.76 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Gifford Medical Center with a distance of 10.91 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 05068 (South Royalton, Vermont)

The health and well-being of a community are inextricably linked to its residents' ability to access necessary medical care. This comprehensive analysis examines the accessibility of healthcare services for individuals residing in ZIP code 05068, South Royalton, Vermont, evaluating various modes of **transportation** and their impact on an "Overall Health Score." This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport services, providing a nuanced understanding of **healthcare access** within this rural area. For those **moving to South Royalton**, this information is crucial.

The primary determinant of the "Overall Health Score" is the ease with which residents can reach a range of healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, specialists, urgent care facilities, and hospitals. The analysis considers the time, cost, and convenience associated with each mode of transport, factoring in potential barriers such as physical limitations, financial constraints, and the availability of services during non-traditional hours.

**Driving to Healthcare: Navigating the Roads**

For most residents, the personal vehicle remains the dominant mode of **transportation** for accessing healthcare in South Royalton. The town's location in the Upper Valley region of Vermont necessitates navigating a network of state highways and local roads. The primary route to larger medical centers is via Interstate 89 (I-89), a north-south artery that provides access to facilities in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and further afield.

The drive to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, a major regional healthcare provider, typically takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This journey involves traveling north on I-89, a generally well-maintained highway, but one that can be subject to delays during winter months due to snow and ice.

Accessing smaller, local healthcare providers in towns like White River Junction requires navigating a combination of Route 14, a scenic but often winding road, and US Route 5. These routes are generally less congested than I-89 but can experience slowdowns during peak commuting hours. Drive times to these facilities typically range from 15-30 minutes.

The "Overall Health Score" is slightly impacted by the reliance on personal vehicles. While the roads are generally well-maintained, the potential for inclement weather, traffic congestion, and the cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance can present challenges. The rural nature of the area also means that residents may need to travel significant distances for specialized care.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Limited Access**

Public **transportation** options in South Royalton are limited, presenting a significant challenge to **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles. The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) operates a bus service, the Stagecoach Transportation Services, which provides some connectivity within the region. However, the routes and schedules are often infrequent and may not align with the operating hours of healthcare providers.

The primary Stagecoach route serving South Royalton is Route 85, which connects the town to White River Junction and Randolph. While this route offers some access to healthcare facilities, the frequency of service is limited, and the travel time can be significantly longer than driving. Additionally, the accessibility of bus stops and vehicles for individuals with disabilities (ADA features) may vary, further impacting the "Overall Health Score."

The lack of robust public transit options presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access**, particularly for individuals who are elderly, disabled, or low-income. The limited availability of buses can restrict access to appointments, making it difficult to receive timely and consistent medical care.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, in South Royalton is limited but present. While these services can provide a convenient alternative to driving, their availability is often dependent on the time of day and the demand in the area. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available in the area. These services are specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. However, their availability and cost can vary depending on the individual's insurance coverage and the specific needs of the transport.

The presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services improves the "Overall Health Score" by providing alternative options for **transportation**. However, the limitations in availability and cost mean that these services may not be accessible to all residents.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary**

The "Overall Health Score" for accessing healthcare in ZIP code 05068 is moderate. While residents have access to a range of healthcare providers within a reasonable driving distance, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options present challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides some relief, but their limitations impact the overall score.

The primary strengths of the healthcare access system are the proximity to DHMC and the availability of local providers. The main weaknesses are the limited public transit options, the potential for weather-related delays, and the cost of **transportation**.

For those **moving to South Royalton**, understanding these factors is crucial. Individuals who rely on public transit or have mobility limitations should carefully consider the availability and accessibility of healthcare services. The "Overall Health Score" can be improved by expanding public transit options, increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, and providing financial assistance for **transportation** to medical appointments. This would improve **healthcare access** for all residents.