02777, Swansea, Massachusetts Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 02777, Swansea, Massachusetts is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.67 percent of residents in 02777 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.95 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Morton Hospital with a distance of 12.28 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Swansea, MA (ZIP Code 02777)

Relocating to a new community, especially when managing a chronic condition like asthma, necessitates a thorough understanding of healthcare access. This write-up provides an "Asthma Score" assessment for the Swansea, Massachusetts ZIP code 02777, focusing on transportation options to healthcare facilities, crucial for managing asthma effectively. We'll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a detailed picture for those considering moving to Swansea.

Swansea, a town nestled in Bristol County, offers a blend of suburban and rural living. Its proximity to larger cities like Providence, Rhode Island, and Fall River, Massachusetts, significantly impacts healthcare accessibility. This analysis considers the primary healthcare providers and specialist facilities relevant to asthma care, factoring in the challenges and opportunities presented by the local transportation landscape.

The cornerstone of any asthma management plan is regular access to medical professionals. For residents of 02777, the closest primary care physicians and pulmonologists are often located in Fall River or nearby Somerset. Driving is the most prevalent mode of transportation. From central Swansea, a drive to Saint Anne's Hospital in Fall River, a major healthcare provider, typically takes 15-20 minutes. This journey primarily involves navigating Route 6, a major east-west thoroughfare, and then transitioning onto Highland Avenue. Traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can extend this commute, impacting appointments and potentially exacerbating asthma symptoms triggered by stress.

Alternatively, heading west on Route 6 leads to the major highway, Interstate 195, offering access to healthcare facilities in Providence. The drive to Rhode Island Hospital, a major tertiary care center, can range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. This route, while generally faster, is more susceptible to delays due to accidents or heavy traffic, especially during the morning and evening commutes. The ability to quickly reach emergency care is paramount for asthma sufferers, making proximity to these routes a critical factor in our Asthma Score.

Public transportation presents another facet of healthcare access. The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides bus service in the Fall River and New Bedford areas, but its coverage in Swansea is limited. While Route 60 serves Swansea, its frequency and route coverage are not ideal for regular medical appointments. Moreover, the SRTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible features, including ramps and designated seating, crucial for individuals with mobility challenges, including those experiencing asthma-related breathing difficulties. The bus routes are less frequent and less direct than driving, potentially adding significant travel time.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Swansea, offering an alternative to driving or public transit. However, the availability and cost of these services can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with limited driver density. The reliability of ride-sharing for scheduled appointments needs careful consideration. Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private ambulance companies or non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers, are also available. These services are specifically designed to transport individuals with medical needs, including those with asthma, but they come with a higher cost.

Considering the various transportation options, the Asthma Score for 02777 is moderately favorable. The proximity to major roads like Route 6 and I-195 offers relatively quick access to healthcare facilities. However, the reliance on driving, the limitations of public transit, and the potential cost and availability issues with ride-sharing and medical transport, necessitate careful planning.

For individuals with severe asthma or those without access to a personal vehicle, the challenges of healthcare access are amplified. The lack of frequent and direct public transit routes requires careful consideration of appointment times and travel durations. The financial burden of ride-sharing or medical transport can also pose a significant obstacle.

When evaluating healthcare access, it's also essential to consider the availability of pharmacies for medication refills. Pharmacies are readily accessible in Swansea, with locations along Route 6 and in nearby commercial areas. This ease of access to medication is a positive factor in the overall Asthma Score.

The Asthma Score also considers the availability of urgent care facilities. Several urgent care centers are located in Fall River and Somerset, offering immediate medical attention for acute asthma exacerbations. These facilities provide a crucial safety net, reducing the need for emergency room visits and improving the overall management of asthma.

The overall Asthma Score for Swansea (02777) suggests that while healthcare access is generally good, it is not without its challenges. The reliance on driving, the limitations of public transit, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transport require careful planning. Prospective residents with asthma should consider the availability of transportation options, the proximity to healthcare providers, and the potential impact of traffic congestion on their ability to access medical care.

For those considering moving to Swansea, a thorough assessment of their individual needs and transportation capabilities is crucial. This includes evaluating the frequency of medical appointments, the severity of their asthma, and their ability to navigate the local transportation landscape. Planning for contingencies, such as having alternative transportation options available and understanding the availability of urgent care facilities, is essential for managing asthma effectively in this community. The ability to quickly and reliably access healthcare is critical for managing asthma, making transportation a key consideration for those considering a move to Swansea.