05845, Irasburg, Vermont Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 05845, Irasburg, Vermont is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.59 percent of residents in 05845 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.33 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is North Country Hospital And Health Center with a distance of 13.54 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Irasburg, Vermont (ZIP Code 05845)

The picturesque town of Irasburg, Vermont, nestled in the heart of Orleans County, offers a serene escape for those seeking a slower pace of life. However, the bucolic charm presents unique challenges, particularly concerning healthcare access. This assessment delves into the complexities of **transportation** options available to residents of ZIP Code 05845, ultimately determining an "Overall Health Score" based on the ease and efficiency of reaching vital medical services.

The geography of Irasburg significantly impacts healthcare access. The town is rural, with dispersed populations and limited public **transportation**. This necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for most residents. The primary roadways serving Irasburg are Vermont Route 14, running north-south, and Vermont Route 105, traversing east-west. Access to these routes is generally good, although winter weather conditions can significantly impede travel, increasing drive times and the risk of accidents.

For specialized care, residents often need to travel to larger towns and cities. The nearest hospital is North Country Hospital in Newport, approximately 15 miles away, typically a 20-30 minute drive via Route 14. However, this estimate can fluctuate dramatically depending on traffic, weather, and the driver's skill. For more advanced medical needs, residents may need to travel to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, a journey of approximately 90 miles and 1 hour and 45 minutes via Interstate 91 South.

Public **transportation** options are limited in Irasburg. Orleans County Transportation Agency (OCTA) provides some bus service, but routes and schedules are infrequent, and primarily cater to essential trips. The OCTA does offer demand-response service, which requires advance booking and is not always guaranteed. ADA-accessible features are available on OCTA buses, but the limited service area and scheduling constraints make it a challenging option for many residents, especially those with urgent medical needs.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are virtually nonexistent in Irasburg. This leaves residents with limited options for non-emergency medical appointments. Medical **transportation** services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers, are available but are often costly and require pre-arrangement. These services are crucial for individuals who cannot drive themselves or lack access to other **transportation** options.

The availability of healthcare providers within Irasburg itself is another critical factor. While the town may have a primary care physician or a small clinic, the availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, neurologists, and oncologists, is likely limited. This necessitates travel to larger medical centers, further compounding the **transportation** challenges.

The challenges of accessing healthcare in Irasburg are particularly significant for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The lack of reliable public **transportation**, the distance to specialized medical facilities, and the absence of readily available ride-sharing services create significant barriers to timely and appropriate medical care.

The "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in Irasburg (ZIP Code 05845) is negatively impacted by several factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public **transportation** options, and the absence of ride-sharing services contribute to a lower score. The geographical isolation of the town and the distance to specialized medical facilities further exacerbate these challenges.

The score is also affected by the availability and affordability of medical **transportation** services. While these services are available, they are often costly and require pre-arrangement, making them less accessible to individuals with urgent medical needs or those with limited financial resources.

The lack of readily available options creates potential delays in receiving necessary medical care, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes. This is especially concerning for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring regular medical appointments. The impact of winter weather conditions on travel times and safety further compounds the challenges.

The score is also influenced by the availability of healthcare providers within Irasburg itself. While the town may have a primary care physician or a small clinic, the availability of specialists is likely limited. This necessitates travel to larger medical centers, further compounding the **transportation** challenges.

The cost of **transportation** is another critical factor. The cost of gasoline, vehicle maintenance, and the potential need for medical **transportation** services can place a significant financial burden on residents, particularly those with limited incomes. This financial burden can further restrict access to healthcare.

The "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in Irasburg is significantly impacted by the lack of readily available **transportation** options, the distance to specialized medical facilities, and the absence of ride-sharing services. The geographical isolation of the town and the limited public **transportation** infrastructure create significant barriers to timely and appropriate medical care.

The score is also affected by the availability and affordability of medical **transportation** services. While these services are available, they are often costly and require pre-arrangement, making them less accessible to individuals with urgent medical needs or those with limited financial resources.

The lack of readily available options creates potential delays in receiving necessary medical care, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes. This is especially concerning for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring regular medical appointments. The impact of winter weather conditions on travel times and safety further compounds the challenges.

The score is also influenced by the availability of healthcare providers within Irasburg itself. While the town may have a primary care physician or a small clinic, the availability of specialists is likely limited. This necessitates travel to larger medical centers, further compounding the **transportation** challenges.

**Moving to Irasburg** presents a unique set of considerations for individuals concerned about healthcare access. While the town offers a tranquil lifestyle, prospective residents must carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and the available **transportation** options. It is essential to consider the potential travel times to medical facilities, the availability of public **transportation**, and the cost of personal vehicle ownership and maintenance.

In conclusion, the "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in Irasburg, Vermont (ZIP Code 05845) is moderate, reflecting the challenges associated with healthcare access in a rural setting. While the town offers a peaceful environment, residents must be prepared for potential delays in receiving medical care due to limited **transportation** options and the distance to specialized medical facilities. The score can be improved by enhancing public **transportation** infrastructure, increasing the availability of medical **transportation** services, and exploring innovative solutions to improve healthcare access for all residents.