05824, Concord, Vermont Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 05824, Concord, Vermont is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.82 percent of residents in 05824 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital with a distance of 10.67 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 05824

Navigating the landscape of healthcare access is paramount when considering a move, especially to a rural area. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 05824 (Concord, Vermont) focusing on transportation options to healthcare facilities. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of ride-share and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility. The goal is to provide insights for potential residents, especially those prioritizing healthcare access when moving to Concord.

The Overall Health Score is a composite metric reflecting the ease and efficiency of reaching medical services. Factors considered include the proximity of healthcare providers, the availability of diverse transportation modes, and the accessibility of these modes for individuals with disabilities. A higher score indicates greater ease of access, while a lower score suggests potential challenges. The score is designed to assist in making informed decisions about healthcare access when considering a move to Concord.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

Concord, Vermont, nestled in the Northeast Kingdom, presents unique transportation challenges. The primary mode of transport is personal vehicle, and the drive times to healthcare facilities are crucial. The nearest hospital, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) in St. Johnsbury, is approximately a 30-minute drive via US-2 East. This route is generally well-maintained, but winter weather can significantly impact travel times.

Specialty care and more extensive medical services often necessitate travel to larger cities. Reaching Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, a major regional healthcare provider, involves a drive of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes via I-91 South. This extended travel time highlights the importance of considering potential healthcare needs when evaluating the suitability of Concord as a place to live.

Smaller clinics and primary care physicians are available within Concord and neighboring towns. These facilities offer more immediate care, reducing the need for longer drives. However, the availability of specialized services within these local clinics may be limited, necessitating travel to larger facilities. The quality of the roads, particularly during winter, is a crucial factor in determining the reliability of these drive times.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in Concord are limited, which significantly impacts the Overall Health Score. The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) provides some bus service, but the routes and schedules may not always align with healthcare appointments. The GMT Route 89 (St. Johnsbury-Lyndonville-Concord) does serve Concord, but frequency is limited, and the routes are not specifically designed to facilitate healthcare access.

The availability of ADA-accessible features on these buses is crucial for individuals with disabilities. GMT strives to provide accessible services, but the limited frequency and route coverage pose significant challenges for those relying on public transit to reach medical appointments. The lack of robust public transportation options is a major factor contributing to a lower Overall Health Score for Concord.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

The presence of ride-share services like Uber and Lyft is limited in Concord. Availability is often dependent on driver availability, which can be unpredictable, particularly in a rural setting. This unreliability poses a significant hurdle for those needing transportation to healthcare appointments.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available. These services are essential for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance during transport. Ambulance services are readily available in case of emergencies. NEMT services, often offered by local companies, provide transportation to scheduled medical appointments. However, the cost and availability of these services can be a factor.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations:**

The Overall Health Score for access to healthcare in ZIP Code 05824 is moderate. The primary factor influencing this score is the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options. While drive times to local clinics and the hospital in St. Johnsbury are manageable, access to specialized care requires significantly longer travel times.

The lack of robust public transit and the limited availability of ride-share services further challenge healthcare access. The presence of medical transport services provides an essential safety net for individuals with mobility limitations, but the cost and availability of these services must be considered.

When moving to Concord, potential residents should carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities. Those who rely on public transportation or have limited mobility may face greater challenges in accessing healthcare. The availability of a personal vehicle is almost essential.

The Overall Health Score is dynamic and can be influenced by several factors. Improvements in public transportation, increased availability of ride-share services, and the expansion of local healthcare services would all contribute to a higher score. Individuals moving to Concord should also consider the availability of telehealth services, which can reduce the need for in-person visits.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Concord offers the appeal of a rural lifestyle. However, a thorough assessment of healthcare access is crucial. While the community has access to healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options present challenges. Understanding these factors, including drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of ride-share and medical transport services, is essential for making an informed decision about moving to Concord. The Overall Health Score reflects the need for careful planning and consideration of individual healthcare needs when evaluating the suitability of this location.