05837, East Haven, Vermont Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 05837, East Haven, Vermont is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

39.22 percent of residents in 05837 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.86 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital with a distance of 16.14 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 05837

This analysis provides an overall health score for healthcare access within ZIP Code 05837, a region within the town of East Haven, Vermont. It considers the multifaceted aspects of transportation, essential for residents seeking medical care. We will examine drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, painting a picture of the challenges and opportunities for residents seeking to maintain their well-being. The score is a composite of these factors, reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching medical facilities.

The primary factor impacting the health score is the availability of accessible and efficient transportation. The ability to reach healthcare providers is crucial, especially for those with chronic conditions, mobility limitations, or emergencies. The further a resident is from a medical facility, the lower the score, reflecting the increased burden of travel.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The geographical location of 05837, nestled in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, significantly influences drive times. The nearest major healthcare hub is often the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury, roughly a 30-to-45-minute drive, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Accessing this hospital involves navigating a network of roads.

The primary route is via US Route 2, a major east-west thoroughfare. This road can experience heavy traffic, particularly during peak commuting hours and tourist seasons. Secondary routes, such as Vermont Route 114, offer alternative paths, although they may be more winding and potentially slower. Rural roads can present challenges, especially during winter months, with snow and ice impacting travel times and safety.

Specialty care often requires travel to Burlington, Vermont, or Lebanon, New Hampshire. These destinations are significantly further, adding substantial time to the commute. Burlington, accessible via I-89, is approximately a 2-hour drive. Lebanon, reached via I-91, is roughly a 1.5-hour drive. These longer distances decrease the overall health score, as they represent a significant time commitment for appointments and potential emergencies.

**Public Transit Assessment:**

Public transportation options within 05837 are limited, posing a significant challenge to healthcare access. The primary public transit provider is the Rural Community Transportation (RCT). RCT operates a demand-response service, meaning residents must schedule rides in advance. This service is crucial for those without personal vehicles or unable to drive.

RCT offers routes that may serve the area, including connections to St. Johnsbury. However, the frequency and availability of these routes are limited, and scheduling can be a constraint. The service is designed to be ADA accessible, ensuring individuals with disabilities can utilize the transportation. Nevertheless, the limited scope and advance booking requirements can hinder spontaneous healthcare visits or urgent needs.

The lack of robust public transit significantly lowers the overall health score. The reliance on demand-response services creates barriers for those with unpredictable schedules or emergency situations.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Services:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are generally unavailable in the rural areas of Vermont, including 05837. This absence severely limits transportation options for those without personal vehicles or unable to drive. The lack of ride-share availability further reduces the health score.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance or non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available. Ambulance services are for emergency situations. NEMT services, often provided by local companies, offer transportation for non-emergency medical appointments. These services require pre-arrangement and can be costly.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital Ambulance:** This is the primary emergency medical service provider.
* **NEMT Providers:** Several local companies offer NEMT services, including private providers and those contracted with insurance companies. These services often require pre-authorization and can be expensive.

The presence of medical transport services provides a safety net but does not fully compensate for the lack of other transportation options. The reliance on these services increases the overall cost of healthcare and can create logistical challenges.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations for Moving to East Haven:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in 05837 is moderate to low. The primary challenges stem from the rural location, limited public transit, and the absence of ride-sharing services. Drive times to healthcare facilities are significant, especially for specialty care. While medical transport services are available, they are often costly and require advance planning.

For individuals considering moving to East Haven, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions or limited mobility, healthcare access should be a key consideration. The reliance on personal vehicles or pre-arranged transportation necessitates careful planning and a proactive approach to healthcare.

The health score is affected by the distance to medical facilities, the availability of public transit, and the presence of ride-share services. The lack of these services makes it harder for residents to receive prompt medical attention. The limited public transportation options, coupled with the absence of ride-sharing, significantly lower the overall health score.

The score is also influenced by the availability of medical transport services, which provide a critical safety net but are not a substitute for more accessible transportation options. The cost and pre-arrangement requirements of these services can create barriers to care.

The overall health score considers the various factors, including drive times, public transit availability, ride-share options, and medical transport services. The score reflects the ease or difficulty of reaching healthcare providers. The score is influenced by the distance to medical facilities, the availability of public transit, and the presence of ride-share services. The lack of these services makes it harder for residents to receive prompt medical attention.

In conclusion, while 05837 offers a tranquil and scenic environment, its rural location presents challenges regarding healthcare access. Residents must carefully consider the transportation limitations and plan accordingly. Those moving to East Haven should prioritize proximity to healthcare providers and explore available transportation options to ensure their healthcare needs are met. The overall health score underscores the importance of proactive healthcare planning in this beautiful but geographically isolated community.