05454, Fairfax, Vermont Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 05454, Fairfax, Vermont is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

38.77 percent of residents in 05454 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.58 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northwestern Medical Center Inc with a distance of 8.68 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 05454**

Fairfax, Vermont, nestled within the 05454 ZIP code, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. Assessing the overall health score requires a deep dive into transportation options, considering the rural nature of the area and the potential challenges this poses for residents. This analysis considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, providing a comprehensive view for those considering moving to Fairfax.

The primary mode of transportation for accessing healthcare in Fairfax is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. Navigating to medical facilities often involves travel on Route 104, the main artery through town, and Route 128, which connects Fairfax to neighboring communities. Drive times to healthcare providers vary considerably depending on the destination and the time of day.

For basic medical needs, the Fairfax Family Health Center, located within the town, offers convenient access. Drive times to this facility are typically minimal for residents. However, for specialized care, residents must venture further afield.

The University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, a major regional healthcare hub, is a significant destination. The journey to Burlington involves traveling south on Route 104, merging onto Interstate 89 (I-89) south, and then navigating city streets. Drive times to the UVM Medical Center can range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. During peak hours, such as weekday rush hour, the commute can be considerably longer.

Another option is Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans, which is located north of Fairfax. The drive to St. Albans involves traveling north on Route 104 and then Route 105. Drive times to Northwestern Medical Center are typically around 30 minutes.

Public transportation options in Fairfax are limited, which presents a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. Green Mountain Transit (GMT) provides bus service in the area, but routes and schedules may not always align with healthcare appointments.

GMT Route 21, the "Essex Junction/St. Albans" route, offers service that passes through Fairfax. However, the frequency of buses is limited, particularly on weekends and evenings. This can make it difficult to rely on public transit for timely access to healthcare.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible features on GMT buses is crucial for individuals with disabilities. GMT strives to provide accessible services, but the rural nature of the area and the limited route coverage can still pose challenges.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Burlington area. However, their availability in Fairfax itself can be sporadic, and wait times can be significant. Relying on ride-sharing for healthcare appointments in Fairfax is not always a reliable option.

Medical transport services provide a vital lifeline for individuals who cannot drive themselves to appointments. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, including private ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation providers.

These services often require advance booking and may involve associated costs. The availability and cost of medical transport services can vary depending on the individual's insurance coverage and the distance to the healthcare facility.

Fairfax's overall health score is impacted by the transportation challenges. While the town offers a local healthcare provider, access to specialized care requires travel, often relying on personal vehicles. The limited public transit options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services further complicate healthcare access.

The drive times to major healthcare facilities, such as the UVM Medical Center and Northwestern Medical Center, can be significant, especially during peak traffic hours. This can lead to increased stress and potential delays for patients.

For individuals considering moving to Fairfax, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities is essential. Those without access to a personal vehicle may face considerable challenges in accessing healthcare services.

The cost of transportation is another factor to consider. The cost of gas, vehicle maintenance, and potential tolls can add to the overall cost of healthcare. For those relying on medical transport services, the costs can be even higher.

The availability of healthcare providers within Fairfax is a positive factor. However, the limited scope of services offered locally necessitates travel to larger medical centers for specialized care. This underscores the importance of considering transportation options when assessing the overall health score.

The healthcare access situation in Fairfax is dynamic. Efforts to improve public transit, expand ride-sharing services, and enhance medical transport options could significantly improve the overall health score for residents.

Community initiatives to promote carpooling or establish volunteer driver programs could also help address transportation challenges. Furthermore, exploring telehealth options can provide remote access to healthcare services, reducing the need for travel.

The overall health score in Fairfax is influenced by the interplay of various factors, including drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services. While the town offers local healthcare options, access to specialized care often requires travel.

The limited public transit options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services pose challenges for those without personal vehicles. For individuals considering moving to Fairfax, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities is crucial. The overall health score is a reflection of the current situation and a call for ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access for all residents. The future of healthcare access in Fairfax depends on a commitment to addressing transportation challenges and expanding healthcare options.