05444, Cambridge, Vermont Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 05444, Cambridge, Vermont is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

28.33 percent of residents in 05444 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northwestern Medical Center Inc with a distance of 14.74 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 05444

This analysis assesses the accessibility of healthcare services for residents of ZIP Code 05444 (Cambridge, Vermont), providing an "Overall Health Score" based on transportation options. The evaluation considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. This information is crucial for individuals and families considering moving to Cambridge, Vermont, and understanding their access to vital medical care.

The Overall Health Score reflects the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach various healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and urgent care facilities. A higher score indicates better access, implying shorter travel times, more diverse transportation options, and readily available services. Conversely, a lower score suggests challenges in accessing healthcare, potentially impacting health outcomes and quality of life.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of transportation in Cambridge, Vermont, is by personal vehicle. The geography of the region and the limited public transit options make driving the most practical choice for accessing healthcare. The drive times to various healthcare facilities vary depending on the destination and traffic conditions.

Reaching the nearest hospital, Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans, typically involves a drive of approximately 30 to 45 minutes. This journey primarily utilizes **Vermont Route 108** south, connecting to **Vermont Route 104** and then **Interstate 89 (I-89)** north. The drive can be longer during peak traffic hours or adverse weather conditions, particularly during the winter months.

For specialized care, residents often travel to Burlington, Vermont, a city offering a wider range of medical services. The drive to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington usually takes around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, primarily via **Vermont Route 108** south to **Vermont Route 15** east, merging onto **I-89** south.

Accessing urgent care facilities, such as those located in Jeffersonville or Morrisville, typically involves shorter drive times, ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. These routes primarily utilize **Vermont Route 108** and local roads. The availability of urgent care provides a crucial safety net for non-emergency medical needs.

**Public Transit Assessment:**

Public transportation options in Cambridge are limited. The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) provides some bus services in the area, but the routes and schedules may not be ideal for healthcare access.

The primary GMT route serving the Cambridge area is the Route 116, which runs between Cambridge and Burlington. This route offers limited service, with buses running at infrequent intervals, especially during evenings and weekends. This poses a significant challenge for residents needing to access healthcare outside of the regular bus schedule.

The Route 116 buses are generally equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, including ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. However, the infrequent service and the long travel times to Burlington, where many specialized medical services are located, make public transit a less convenient option for healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Cambridge area, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This can create difficulties for residents needing to schedule appointments or access emergency care.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available in the region. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive themselves.

Several medical transport providers operate in the area, including:

* **Lamoille County Transportation:** Offers transportation services for medical appointments within Lamoille County.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Provides ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation services.
* **Various private transportation companies:** These companies specialize in providing transportation to medical appointments.

The availability and cost of these services can vary, and residents should research options and availability in advance.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations for Moving to Cambridge:**

Based on the analysis, the Overall Health Score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 05444 is moderate. While the drive times to nearby healthcare facilities are reasonable, the limited public transit options and the potential inconsistency of ride-sharing services pose challenges. The availability of medical transport services provides a valuable resource for those who need it, but their cost and availability should be considered.

For individuals and families considering moving to Cambridge, Vermont, understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access is essential. Prospective residents should factor in the reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for longer travel times to specialized medical centers, and the need to plan for alternative transportation options, such as ride-sharing or medical transport, when public transit is unavailable.

The decision to move to Cambridge should involve a thorough assessment of individual healthcare needs and preferences. For those with complex medical conditions or a reliance on frequent medical appointments, the limitations in transportation options may necessitate careful planning and consideration. However, the availability of local urgent care facilities and the proximity to hospitals and specialists in nearby towns and cities provide a degree of assurance.

Ultimately, the Overall Health Score reflects the current state of healthcare access in Cambridge, Vermont. While improvements in public transit and increased availability of ride-sharing services would enhance the score, residents can still access necessary medical care with careful planning and awareness of available transportation options. The charm and natural beauty of Cambridge, Vermont, combined with the availability of essential healthcare services, make it an attractive place to live, provided that prospective residents are prepared to navigate the transportation challenges.