05077, Tunbridge, Vermont Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 05077, Tunbridge, Vermont is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

36.56 percent of residents in 05077 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.13 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Gifford Medical Center with a distance of 9.06 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Tunbridge, Vermont (ZIP Code 05077)

Embarking on a journey to assess the healthcare accessibility within Tunbridge, Vermont (ZIP Code 05077), requires a comprehensive evaluation of the transportation landscape. This rural community, nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Green Mountain State, presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to accessing medical care. Our "Overall Health Score" will delve into drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a detailed picture for prospective residents and current community members alike. This analysis is crucial for anyone considering moving to Tunbridge, as healthcare access is a cornerstone of overall well-being.

The primary mode of transportation for most Tunbridge residents is, unsurprisingly, the automobile. The town's remoteness dictates a reliance on personal vehicles for navigating to essential services, including healthcare providers. Drive times are significantly impacted by the location of medical facilities, the condition of the roads, and seasonal weather variations. The primary arteries for travel are Vermont Route 110 and Vermont Route 113, connecting Tunbridge to neighboring towns and cities. Route 110, running north-south, is a vital link, while Route 113, east-west, offers another crucial connection.

Driving to the nearest hospitals presents a considerable time commitment. The Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, a major regional healthcare hub, is approximately a 45-minute to an hour's drive, depending on traffic and road conditions. This journey primarily involves taking Route 110 south to Interstate 89, then east to Lebanon. Closer, but with fewer services, is Gifford Medical Center in Randolph, Vermont. This drive, typically 20 to 30 minutes, utilizes Route 110 and Route 66. These drive times highlight the importance of reliable transportation for those residing in Tunbridge.

Public transit options in Tunbridge are limited, reflecting the rural nature of the area. The availability of buses and other forms of public transportation is a key factor in healthcare access, particularly for individuals who do not own a car or are unable to drive. The Advance Transit system, operating in the Upper Valley region, does not directly serve Tunbridge. However, the Stagecoach Transportation Services, a non-profit organization, offers some limited routes that may provide access to healthcare facilities in nearby towns. These routes and schedules are subject to change, and require careful planning and coordination.

The Stagecoach Transportation Services, while offering some routes, may not provide direct access to all medical facilities, and their schedules may not align with the needs of patients. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration for public transit. Stagecoach does offer some ADA-compliant vehicles, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. However, the frequency of service and the coverage area remain significant limitations. The lack of extensive public transportation underscores the reliance on personal vehicles and the challenges faced by those without access to them.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Upper Valley region, including the areas surrounding Tunbridge. However, their presence in the town itself is sporadic and unreliable. The availability of ride-sharing is heavily dependent on driver availability, which can be limited in rural areas. This makes ride-sharing a less dependable option for scheduled medical appointments or emergencies. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, especially for longer trips to hospitals or specialist appointments.

Medical transport services are a crucial component of healthcare access, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized transportation. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, offering services such as ambulance transport, non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The availability and cost of these services can vary significantly. Patients needing medical transport should research and pre-arrange services, as availability is not guaranteed.

The medical transport options available in the area include, but are not limited to, ambulance services provided by local fire departments and private companies. NEMT services, which provide transportation for non-emergency medical appointments, are often offered by private companies like "Medicaid Transportation Services" or "First Transit". These services often require pre-booking and may have specific eligibility requirements. The cost of medical transport can be substantial, and insurance coverage varies.

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Tunbridge, Vermont, is significantly impacted by the challenges of transportation. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, the sporadic availability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport all contribute to a complex landscape. Residents must carefully consider these factors when assessing their healthcare needs. Prospective residents considering moving to Tunbridge should prioritize researching transportation options and healthcare facilities.

The distance to major medical centers, such as Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential delays. The lack of comprehensive public transit creates a significant barrier for those without personal vehicles. While ride-sharing offers a potential alternative, its unreliability in rural areas limits its usefulness. Medical transport services provide a crucial safety net, but their cost and availability are factors to consider.

In conclusion, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Tunbridge reflects the challenges of rural living. While the community offers a tranquil lifestyle, the remoteness and limited transportation options create obstacles for accessing medical care. Residents and prospective movers alike must be proactive in researching and planning for their healthcare needs, considering the drive times, the limitations of public transit, the uncertainties of ride-sharing, and the costs of medical transport. This understanding is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and promoting overall well-being in this beautiful Vermont town.