02723, Fall River, Massachusetts Arthritis Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Arthritis Score in 02723, Fall River, Massachusetts is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.72 percent of residents in 02723 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.52 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southcoast Hospitals Group with a distance of 1.24 miles from the area.

## Arthritis Score: Navigating Healthcare in Fall River (ZIP Code 02723)

The creak in your knees, the stiffness in your fingers – these are unwelcome companions, whispering reminders of arthritis. Living with this condition demands more than just medication; it requires consistent access to healthcare, including regular appointments with rheumatologists, physical therapists, and pain management specialists. This write-up, tailored for ZIP code 02723 (Fall River, Massachusetts), explores the challenges and opportunities of **transportation** for individuals managing arthritis, offering an “Arthritis Score” assessment of **healthcare access** in this city. For those **moving to Fall River**, understanding these factors is crucial for maintaining quality of life.

Fall River, a city steeped in history and nestled along the Taunton River, presents a unique landscape for navigating healthcare. Its layout, a blend of urban density and suburban sprawl, necessitates a multifaceted approach to **transportation**. The Arthritis Score, in this context, is not a medical diagnosis, but rather an evaluation of the ease and practicality of accessing medical care, considering the limitations imposed by arthritis.

**Driving the Distance: Navigating Fall River's Arteries**

Driving remains a primary mode of **transportation** for many, and understanding the road network is paramount. The primary arteries in Fall River are Route 24 (the Fall River Expressway), Route 195, and Route 138. Route 24 offers a relatively direct route north to Boston and south towards Newport, Rhode Island, but traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can be a significant hurdle. The Expressway, while efficient, can be challenging for those with limited mobility due to the need for quick lane changes and merging.

Route 195, running east-west, connects Fall River to New Bedford and Providence, Rhode Island. Traffic on this highway is often heavy, especially during rush hour, and can be particularly stressful for individuals with arthritis. The constant need to adjust the steering wheel and maintain a comfortable driving position can exacerbate pain and fatigue. Route 138, a more local road, provides access to various parts of the city, but its narrower lanes and frequent stop-and-go traffic can also be problematic.

Drive times to healthcare facilities within Fall River vary depending on location and traffic conditions. Generally, expect a 10-20 minute drive within the city limits. However, travel to specialists in neighboring cities like Providence or Boston could easily extend to an hour or more, especially during peak commute times. This extended travel time can be a major deterrent, particularly for those experiencing severe pain or fatigue.

**Public Transit: A Mixed Bag of Accessibility**

The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides public **transportation** within Fall River. Several bus routes serve the city, including routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300. The SRTA has a comprehensive website detailing routes and schedules.

The good news is that SRTA buses are equipped with **ADA** (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps or lifts, and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. However, the frequency of service, particularly on weekends and evenings, can be limited, potentially impacting **healthcare access**. Waiting at bus stops, especially during inclement weather, can be challenging for those with arthritis. Furthermore, the time required for a bus journey can be significantly longer than driving, adding to the overall burden of travel.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Fall River, offering a convenient alternative to driving or public **transportation**. These services can be particularly helpful for those who are unable to drive or prefer not to. However, costs can be a significant factor, and availability may be limited during peak hours or in certain areas of the city. The accessibility of vehicles for individuals with mobility challenges should also be confirmed when booking.

Medical **transportation** services, such as medical car services, are another option. These services specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments, often providing door-to-door service and assistance with mobility. Some popular brands operating in the area include Care Ride, and MedRide. These services can be a valuable resource for those who require assistance, but they often come at a higher cost than other **transportation** options.

**Healthcare Access: A Network of Support**

Fall River boasts a network of healthcare providers, including Saint Anne’s Hospital, Charlton Memorial Hospital, and numerous private practices. These facilities offer a range of services, including rheumatology, physical therapy, and pain management. However, the availability of specialists and the wait times for appointments can vary.

The Arthritis Score for Fall River (ZIP code 02723) is a complex calculation. While driving offers flexibility, traffic and distance can be problematic. Public **transportation** provides an accessible option, but frequency and travel time are drawbacks. Ride-sharing and medical **transportation** offer convenience but at a potentially higher cost. **Healthcare access** is ultimately determined by a combination of these factors, along with individual needs and preferences.

**Recommendations for Enhanced Healthcare Access**

For individuals with arthritis **moving to Fall River**, careful consideration of **transportation** options is crucial. Prioritize proximity to healthcare providers and consider the availability of public **transportation** routes. Explore the cost and availability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services. Advocate for improved public **transportation** services and increased access to specialized medical care. By understanding the challenges and leveraging available resources, individuals with arthritis can successfully navigate the **transportation** landscape and maintain their quality of life in Fall River.