02054, Millis, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 02054, Millis, Massachusetts is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.79 percent of residents in 02054 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Westwood Pembroke Health Systems with a distance of 7.59 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Millis, MA (ZIP Code 02054)

Considering a move to the charming town of Millis, Massachusetts (ZIP code 02054)? Beyond the idyllic New England scenery and close-knit community, understanding healthcare access, particularly for a critical diagnosis like breast cancer, is paramount. This write-up provides a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on the crucial element of **transportation** to and from essential medical appointments. We’ll examine drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing services to paint a clear picture of **healthcare access** within and around Millis. This information is vital for anyone contemplating **moving to Millis**, ensuring informed decisions about your health and well-being.

Millis itself is a relatively small town, nestled in the heart of Norfolk County. Its location, while offering a peaceful suburban lifestyle, necessitates careful consideration of **transportation** logistics for specialized medical care. The "Breast Cancer Score" here isn't a numerical grade, but a comprehensive evaluation of the practical challenges and opportunities related to accessing breast cancer treatment and support services.

The cornerstone of our assessment is the drive time analysis. For residents of Millis, the primary route to major hospitals and cancer centers involves navigating local roads and highways. Heading east, the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) provides a direct, albeit toll-required, route to Boston. This highway offers a high-speed connection to world-class medical facilities. The drive to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a renowned cancer center, typically takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Similarly, the drive to Massachusetts General Hospital, another leading institution, falls within a similar timeframe.

Alternatively, traveling south on Route 109 and then connecting to Route 128 (I-95) offers an alternative route. This option, while potentially avoiding tolls, often experiences heavier traffic, especially during peak commuting hours. The drive to hospitals in the Dedham and Westwood areas, such as Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham, is generally shorter, around 20-30 minutes, making these facilities more accessible for routine appointments and follow-up care.

Westward, Route 109 leads to Milford Regional Medical Center, a closer option for certain services. This drive, usually taking around 15-20 minutes, is a convenient choice for primary care, radiology, and potentially some aspects of cancer treatment. However, for specialized oncology services and advanced treatments, the Boston-area hospitals remain the primary destinations.

Beyond private vehicles, public **transportation** options exist, though they are limited in Millis. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) does not directly serve Millis with a dedicated bus route. The nearest commuter rail station is in Franklin, requiring a drive of approximately 15-20 minutes. From Franklin, the commuter rail offers service to Boston, providing access to major hospitals.

However, this option presents significant challenges for patients undergoing cancer treatment. The commute involves multiple transfers and can be time-consuming and physically demanding. Furthermore, the commuter rail's schedules may not align perfectly with medical appointment times.

While the commuter rail stations have ADA accessibility features, navigating the system with mobility limitations or during periods of treatment can be challenging. The lack of direct public transit to major cancer centers is a significant factor in the "Breast Cancer Score."

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are readily available in Millis. These services offer a convenient, albeit potentially costly, alternative to driving. However, the reliability of these services can vary, especially during inclement weather or at off-peak hours. Patients needing frequent appointments may find the cumulative cost of ride-sharing to be substantial.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those provided by local ambulance companies or specialized non-emergency medical **transportation** providers, offer another option. These services are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, often accommodating individuals with mobility limitations. However, these services typically require pre-booking and can be expensive.

The "Breast Cancer Score" also considers the availability of support services within Millis and the surrounding communities. Access to support groups, counseling services, and patient navigators can significantly impact a patient's well-being. The proximity of these resources, and their accessibility via **transportation**, is a critical factor.

Millis, being a smaller town, may have limited local resources. However, neighboring towns, such as Medfield and Franklin, offer a wider range of support services. Accessing these resources often requires **transportation** to these neighboring towns.

The overall "Breast Cancer Score" for Millis, Massachusetts (ZIP code 02054) reflects a mixed picture. While the town offers a desirable suburban lifestyle, the **transportation** challenges associated with accessing specialized cancer care in Boston are significant. The reliance on private vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential cost of ride-sharing services all contribute to the challenges.

For individuals considering **moving to Millis**, it's crucial to carefully assess their individual needs and circumstances. Those with access to reliable private **transportation** and the financial resources to utilize ride-sharing or medical **transportation** services will likely find the situation manageable. However, individuals relying on public **transportation** or facing financial constraints may find accessing specialized cancer care to be more challenging.

The "Breast Cancer Score" emphasizes the importance of proactive planning. Before making a move, prospective residents should investigate the availability of local support services, explore potential **transportation** options, and familiarize themselves with the routes to major cancer centers.

In conclusion, while Millis offers a peaceful living environment, careful consideration of the **transportation** challenges related to **healthcare access** is essential. The "Breast Cancer Score" highlights the need for thorough research and planning to ensure that individuals considering **moving to Millis** can effectively navigate the healthcare landscape and receive the necessary care and support. The availability of reliable **transportation** is a critical factor in ensuring timely access to treatment and support services, ultimately influencing the quality of life for individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis.