02718, East Taunton, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 02718, East Taunton, Massachusetts is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.44 percent of residents in 02718 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.76 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southcoast Hospitals Group with a distance of 12.43 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in East Taunton (ZIP Code 02718)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for something as critical as breast cancer screening and treatment, is a complex equation. It’s not just about the quality of care, but also the accessibility of that care. This write-up explores the transportation landscape in East Taunton (ZIP Code 02718), assessing the challenges and opportunities for individuals seeking breast cancer services, and providing a "Breast Cancer Score" based on available transportation options. Considering a move to East Taunton? This analysis is vital.

East Taunton, a suburban community in Massachusetts, presents a unique transportation profile. While possessing a degree of car dependency, it also benefits from proximity to larger urban centers like Taunton and Fall River, offering a spectrum of healthcare facilities. The "Breast Cancer Score" considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, painting a picture of healthcare access for residents.

**Drive Times: The Road to Care**

For many, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation. Drive times to breast cancer care facilities are crucial. The primary arteries serving East Taunton include Route 140, a north-south thoroughfare, and Route 44, a major east-west highway. These roads connect to larger networks like Interstate 495, providing access to hospitals and specialized clinics.

Driving to Morton Hospital in Taunton, a likely destination for many residents, is generally a swift journey, typically taking 10-15 minutes via Route 140. This proximity earns a favorable score. For more specialized care, such as at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, the drive becomes significantly longer, potentially exceeding an hour, primarily via I-495 and I-95. This longer commute impacts the score negatively.

The condition of local roads and traffic patterns also play a role. Rush hour congestion on Route 140 and Route 44 can extend drive times, potentially adding significant stress for individuals undergoing treatment or regular screenings. Therefore, the Breast Cancer Score factors in the variability of drive times, considering peak and off-peak travel conditions.

**Public Transit: A Limited but Present Option**

Public transportation options in East Taunton are limited but present. The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides bus service in the area, with routes that may offer connections to healthcare facilities. However, the frequency of service and the geographic coverage are less extensive than in more urban areas.

SRTA Route 13, for example, connects Taunton with Fall River, potentially offering access to healthcare providers in those cities. The presence of ADA-accessible buses is a critical factor, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize public transit. The availability of real-time tracking and route planning tools also enhances the usability of the public transit system.

The Breast Cancer Score acknowledges the limitations of public transit in East Taunton. The infrequent service and potential for long travel times, especially when factoring in transfers, negatively impact the score. However, the existence of a public transit option, particularly for those without access to a car, provides a crucial lifeline to healthcare access.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit. These services are generally available in East Taunton, providing on-demand transportation to healthcare appointments. The cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, particularly for frequent appointments or long-distance travel.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies, specialize in transporting individuals with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including assistance with mobility devices. The cost of medical transport can vary significantly, and insurance coverage may be limited.

The Breast Cancer Score considers the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport as positive factors. These options provide flexibility and convenience, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or utilize public transit. However, the score also reflects the potential cost and limited availability of these services, especially during peak hours or in times of high demand.

**The "Breast Cancer Score" – A Comprehensive Assessment**

The Breast Cancer Score for East Taunton (ZIP Code 02718) is a composite metric, considering all the factors discussed. It reflects the relative ease or difficulty of accessing breast cancer care services, based on available transportation options.

* **Drive Times:** Proximity to Morton Hospital in Taunton earns a positive score. However, longer drive times to specialized centers in Boston negatively impact the score. Traffic congestion is also considered.
* **Public Transit:** The availability of SRTA bus service provides a limited but present option. The frequency of service and potential travel times are considered. ADA accessibility is a positive factor.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** The availability of Uber, Lyft, and medical transport services enhances the score. However, cost and availability limitations are factored in.

**Overall, the Breast Cancer Score for East Taunton (ZIP Code 02718) is moderate.** While the proximity to Morton Hospital offers convenient access, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit and ride-sharing services pose challenges. Residents may need to carefully plan their transportation to healthcare appointments, considering traffic conditions, cost, and potential travel times.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

Individuals considering a move to East Taunton should carefully assess their transportation needs and access to healthcare services. Those without access to a car may face significant challenges. Exploring the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport options is crucial.

The local community could benefit from initiatives to improve transportation access. This includes advocating for increased public transit service, promoting ride-sharing programs, and supporting the availability of medical transport services. Increased awareness of available resources is also essential.

For individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment, the stress of transportation can be significant. Healthcare providers should consider offering transportation assistance or partnering with local organizations to provide support.

**Conclusion**

Navigating the transportation landscape is a crucial aspect of healthcare access, particularly for individuals facing the challenges of breast cancer. The "Breast Cancer Score" for East Taunton provides a framework for understanding the transportation options available and the potential challenges faced by residents. By considering these factors, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare access and seek support to ensure they receive the care they need.