05455, Fairfield, Vermont Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 05455, Fairfield, Vermont is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.45 percent of residents in 05455 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.83 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northwestern Medical Center Inc with a distance of 5.66 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 05455 (Fairfield, Vermont)

The idyllic charm of Fairfield, Vermont (ZIP code 05455), often associated with rolling hills and a close-knit community, presents a unique challenge when considering healthcare access. While the town boasts a serene environment, its rural location impacts the ease with which residents can reach essential medical services. This write-up provides an “Overall Health Score” assessment, considering the complexities of transportation and its influence on healthcare access for potential residents, especially those **moving to Fairfield**.

The score considers the availability and efficiency of various transportation options, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. It also weighs the distance to key healthcare facilities and the accessibility of those facilities for individuals with disabilities. The ultimate goal is to provide a realistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with accessing healthcare within and from this Vermont community.

**Drive-Time Dynamics: Navigating the Roads**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Fairfield is the personal vehicle. The town's limited public transit options necessitate reliance on cars for most medical appointments. The drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical component of the overall health score.

Residents of Fairfield will typically utilize Vermont Route 36, a key artery, to reach larger towns and cities with comprehensive medical facilities. Driving east on Route 36 leads towards Milton, approximately a 20-25 minute drive, where access to UVM Health Network – Fanny Allen Campus is available. This facility offers a range of services, including primary care, specialty clinics, and emergency care.

Heading south from Fairfield, Route 36 connects with Interstate 89 (I-89), a major north-south highway. Taking I-89 south provides access to Burlington, the largest city in Vermont, where the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVM Medical Center) offers a full spectrum of advanced medical care. The drive to Burlington can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions, especially during peak hours. This drive time is a significant factor influencing the overall health score.

The condition of the roads, particularly during Vermont's harsh winters, can significantly impact drive times and the safety of travel. Snow and ice can make driving treacherous, potentially delaying or preventing access to healthcare services. This factor is carefully considered in the overall assessment.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public transportation options in and around Fairfield are limited, posing a challenge for those without personal vehicles or who prefer not to drive. The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) provides some bus service in the region, but its routes and schedules are not designed to directly serve Fairfield.

The closest GMT route is the Route 116 bus, which runs between Burlington and St. Albans. However, this route does not directly pass through Fairfield, requiring residents to travel to a connecting point, which could involve a significant drive. The frequency of service on Route 116 is limited, particularly on weekends and evenings, further restricting its usefulness for healthcare appointments.

The lack of direct public transit options highlights a significant weakness in **healthcare access** for some residents. Those who are elderly, disabled, or cannot afford a car face considerable challenges in reaching medical appointments. The absence of ADA-accessible features on the limited public transit options exacerbates the problem for individuals with mobility impairments.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Burlington area and may be accessible to Fairfield residents. However, the availability of these services in rural areas is often limited, and wait times can be lengthy. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Specialized medical transportation services, such as non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available to assist individuals with medical needs. These services often provide transportation to and from medical appointments, including those for dialysis, chemotherapy, and other treatments. However, the availability of these services in Fairfield and their coverage by insurance plans can vary.

**Healthcare Facility Accessibility: A Critical Consideration**

The accessibility of healthcare facilities is a crucial factor in the overall health score. UVM Health Network – Fanny Allen Campus and UVM Medical Center are generally considered accessible, with features such as ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. However, the distance to these facilities from Fairfield can still pose a challenge for individuals with mobility impairments.

The availability of telehealth services, such as virtual doctor visits, can help bridge the gap in **healthcare access**, especially for routine appointments and consultations. However, the quality of internet service in Fairfield can vary, potentially impacting the reliability of telehealth services.

**Overall Health Score: A Balanced Assessment**

The overall health score for **healthcare access** in Fairfield (ZIP code 05455) is moderate. While the town offers a desirable quality of life, the limitations in transportation options pose a significant challenge.

The reliance on personal vehicles, combined with the long drive times to major medical facilities, reduces the overall score. The limited public transit options and the potential challenges of ride-sharing services further contribute to the score's moderate rating. The accessibility of healthcare facilities and the potential of telehealth services help to offset some of these challenges.

For individuals **moving to Fairfield**, it is crucial to carefully consider the transportation challenges associated with accessing healthcare. While the town offers a peaceful environment, residents must be prepared for potentially lengthy drives to medical appointments and the need to rely on personal vehicles or alternative transportation options. The availability of specialized medical transport and the potential of telehealth services can provide valuable support, but these resources should be carefully researched and planned for. The overall health score underscores the need for proactive planning and awareness of transportation limitations to ensure effective **healthcare access** in Fairfield.