02124, Dorchester Center, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 02124, Dorchester Center, Massachusetts is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.02 percent of residents in 02124 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.08 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Carney Hospital with a distance of 0.57 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Dorchester Center (02124)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is a complex equation. It’s not just about the quality of medical professionals; it’s about the ease and reliability of transportation. For residents of Dorchester Center, Massachusetts, ZIP code 02124, this equation takes on a unique character, shaped by the neighborhood's specific geography and the available modes of transit. This analysis provides a ‘Breast Cancer Score,’ a composite assessment of healthcare access, focusing on transportation realities, for individuals considering a move or already residing in this vibrant community.

Dorchester Center, a historic Boston neighborhood, presents a mix of challenges and opportunities in terms of healthcare access. The proximity to major hospitals is generally good, but the ability to reach them reliably is the critical factor. This analysis considers the availability of various transportation options, including driving, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, all vital elements in ensuring timely and stress-free access to care.

**Driving and the Roadways**

For those who drive, the primary routes to major hospitals in the Boston area are relatively straightforward, yet subject to the city’s notorious traffic. From Dorchester Center, the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) offers a direct route to many medical centers, including those in the Longwood Medical Area, a hub for specialized cancer care. However, during peak hours, the commute can become a significant hurdle, adding stress and potentially delaying appointments.

Accessing the Longwood Medical Area, home to renowned institutions like Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, often involves navigating the I-90 West. Expect a drive time of around 20-30 minutes during off-peak hours. However, rush hour, typically between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, can easily double or triple this time, making prompt arrival a gamble.

Another crucial route involves the Southeast Expressway (I-93). This highway provides access to hospitals north of Dorchester, such as Massachusetts General Hospital. While I-93 offers a faster route than I-90 during some times, it, too, is prone to heavy congestion. The drive to MGH could take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Local roads, such as Dorchester Avenue and Blue Hill Avenue, provide alternative routes. These roads can be useful for avoiding highway congestion, but they are often slower due to traffic lights and local traffic. These roads also offer access to smaller, community-based healthcare facilities, which can be valuable for certain aspects of breast cancer care, such as routine screenings and follow-up appointments.

**Public Transit: Navigating the ‘T’**

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), or the "T," is a vital component of transportation in Dorchester Center. The Red Line, with stations like Fields Corner and Ashmont, provides a direct route to the Longwood Medical Area. This offers a potentially less stressful alternative to driving, especially during peak hours.

The Red Line is generally reliable, but service disruptions, such as delays or closures for maintenance, can occur. Accessibility is a key consideration. Many Red Line stations in Dorchester Center are ADA-compliant, offering elevators and ramps for individuals with mobility challenges. However, it’s essential to confirm accessibility at specific stations, as not all are fully equipped.

The Green Line, accessible via transfers from the Red Line, provides access to additional hospitals and medical facilities. The Green Line, however, can be slower, with frequent stops and potential delays. The Orange Line, accessible via transfers, also offers access to healthcare facilities, but the transfer adds another layer of complexity to the journey.

Bus routes are another crucial element of public transit in Dorchester Center. Numerous bus routes, such as the 15, 17, 19, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 41, 45, 47, 50, 66, 67, 71, 73, 74, 77, 86, 90, 93, 94, 95, 96, 99, 111, 114, 116, 117, 120, 121, 128, 131, 134, 136, 137, 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, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453