05859, North Troy, Vermont Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 05859, North Troy, Vermont is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.63 percent of residents in 05859 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 24.59 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is North Country Hospital And Health Center with a distance of 11.20 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 05859 (North Troy, Vermont)

This report analyzes the overall health score for residents of ZIP code 05859, focusing on the critical aspect of **healthcare access** and the challenges and opportunities presented by **transportation** options. We'll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a comprehensive picture for anyone considering **moving to North Troy**. The goal is to provide a clear understanding of the logistical hurdles and available resources for accessing medical care.

The foundation of a healthy community rests on the ability of its residents to readily access necessary healthcare services. This is particularly crucial in a rural area like North Troy, where geographical isolation and limited infrastructure can significantly impact health outcomes. Factors like distance, mode of transport, and the availability of specialized medical facilities all play a vital role in determining the overall health score.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

Navigating the roads of Vermont, especially in the northern reaches, requires careful planning. Residents of North Troy primarily rely on personal vehicles for transportation. The primary arteries connecting North Troy to healthcare facilities are **Interstate 91 (I-91)** and **Vermont Route 100**. Driving times are heavily influenced by weather conditions, which can be unpredictable, particularly during the winter months.

The closest hospital, **North Country Hospital** in Newport, is approximately a 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic and road conditions. This journey typically involves traveling south on **Vermont Route 100** and then east on **US Route 5**. For specialized care, residents often need to travel further. **Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center** in Lebanon, New Hampshire, a major regional healthcare provider, is a drive of roughly two hours, primarily via **I-91**. This distance necessitates careful consideration of travel time, especially for urgent medical needs.

**Public Transit: A Limited Resource:**

Public transit options in North Troy are limited, posing a significant challenge to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The **Green Mountain Transit (GMT)** provides some service in the region, but routes and schedules are infrequent and often do not directly connect to major healthcare facilities. Service is generally geared towards serving the needs of the larger community.

The **GMT Route 85** provides service between Newport and St. Johnsbury, but it is infrequent and may not directly serve medical facilities. Passengers with mobility limitations should note that while GMT strives to provide ADA-accessible buses, it is essential to confirm the availability of such features on specific routes and schedules. This is particularly important for individuals with disabilities who rely on public transit for their healthcare needs.

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

The rise of ride-sharing services has offered an alternative to traditional public transit, but their availability in North Troy is limited. While **Uber** and **Lyft** may operate in the area, their presence is not guaranteed, and wait times can be significant. This reliance on ride-sharing for healthcare access presents a challenge due to the potential for high costs and inconsistent availability, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring transportation to appointments. **Ambulance services** are available for emergency situations, but their primary focus is on immediate medical needs. Several private companies, such as **Northeast Ambulance Service** and **MedStar Ambulance**, provide non-emergency medical transportation, but these services can be costly and may require advance booking.

**Healthcare Access and Considerations for Moving to North Troy:**

The overall health score for residents of 05859 is significantly impacted by the challenges in **healthcare access**. The distance to healthcare facilities, the limitations of public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create barriers to timely and convenient medical care. Individuals considering **moving to North Troy** should carefully assess their transportation needs and consider the potential impact on their healthcare access.

For those with chronic conditions or requiring frequent medical appointments, the lack of readily available transportation options can be a significant concern. Planning for medical appointments requires careful scheduling, factoring in travel time, and potentially arranging for transportation well in advance. This is particularly important for individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive.

**Recommendations for Improving the Health Score:**

Improving the overall health score in 05859 requires a multi-faceted approach. Expanding public transit options, particularly routes connecting North Troy to major healthcare facilities, would significantly enhance healthcare access. This could involve increasing the frequency of existing routes or establishing new routes specifically designed to serve medical needs.

Encouraging the expansion of ride-sharing services in the area, potentially through incentives or partnerships with local healthcare providers, could also improve access. Providing financial assistance for medical transportation, especially for low-income residents, could alleviate the burden of transportation costs.

Finally, promoting telehealth services, such as virtual doctor visits and remote monitoring, could help bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, especially for routine appointments and follow-up care. This could reduce the need for travel and improve access to care for residents of North Troy.

In conclusion, the overall health score for residents of 05859 is influenced by the complex interplay of **transportation** options and the availability of **healthcare access**. While the area offers a tranquil lifestyle, the limitations in transportation present challenges. Addressing these challenges through improved public transit, expanded ride-sharing options, and the promotion of telehealth services is crucial to improving the health and well-being of the community. This comprehensive analysis is vital for anyone considering **moving to North Troy**, providing a realistic assessment of the healthcare landscape and the resources available to support their health needs.