02744, New Bedford, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 02744, New Bedford, Massachusetts is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.03 percent of residents in 02744 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southcoast Hospitals Group with a distance of 13.65 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 02744 (New Bedford, MA)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for critical needs like breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, is a complex equation. It's not just about the quality of care, but also the accessibility of that care. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" for residents of ZIP code 02744 (New Bedford, Massachusetts), focusing on the crucial element of **transportation**. We'll explore drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a picture of **healthcare access** for those living in or considering **moving to New Bedford**.

The Breast Cancer Score, in this context, is an assessment of the ease with which individuals can reach essential breast cancer services, encompassing factors like diagnostic imaging (mammograms, ultrasounds), consultations with oncologists and surgeons, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up appointments. This score is not a numerical value, but rather a qualitative evaluation based on the available **transportation** options and their limitations.

**Driving the Distance:**

For many residents of 02744, personal vehicles are the primary mode of **transportation**. Several hospitals and cancer centers serve the New Bedford area, each with varying drive times depending on the specific location within the ZIP code and traffic conditions.

St. Luke's Hospital, located within New Bedford, offers a comprehensive cancer program. Reaching St. Luke's from various points in 02744 is generally straightforward. Most trips involve navigating local streets, with the potential to utilize the I-195, a major east-west artery. The drive typically ranges from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the starting point and traffic flow.

Further afield, but offering specialized cancer care, are facilities in Fall River and Providence, Rhode Island. Reaching Fall River often involves taking Route 18 and I-195, with drive times varying between 20 and 30 minutes. Providence, a larger metropolitan area, presents a longer commute, typically requiring a 45- to 60-minute drive via I-195 West. This longer travel time necessitates careful planning, especially for patients undergoing frequent treatments.

**Public Transit Pathways:**

The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides public **transportation** within New Bedford and the surrounding areas. Several bus routes serve the 02744 ZIP code, offering potential access to healthcare facilities. Route 2, for instance, travels through the city and connects to St. Luke's Hospital. Route 3 provides service to the downtown area, where connections to other routes are available.

SRTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating, to accommodate passengers with mobility challenges. However, public transit schedules can be inflexible, and waiting times may be significant. Furthermore, the network may not directly serve all healthcare locations, requiring transfers and potentially increasing travel time. This is a critical consideration for patients who may be fatigued or experiencing side effects from treatment.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in New Bedford, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. These services can provide door-to-door **transportation**, potentially reducing travel time and stress. However, ride-sharing costs can accumulate, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, such as MedStar and other specialized companies, cater specifically to patients with medical needs. These services often offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. While medical transport provides a valuable service, it can be expensive and may require advance booking.

**Assessing the Score:**

The Breast Cancer Score for 02744 is moderately positive. While the presence of St. Luke's Hospital within the city provides convenient access for many residents, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** create barriers to **healthcare access** for some.

The drive times to St. Luke's are generally manageable. The availability of SRTA bus routes offers a viable, though potentially time-consuming, alternative. Ride-sharing services provide a flexible option, but the cost can be a concern. Medical transport services are available for those with specific needs, but the cost is a significant factor.

**Considerations for Patients:**

Patients considering **moving to New Bedford** or already residing in 02744 should carefully evaluate their **transportation** needs and resources. Factors to consider include:

* **Proximity to healthcare facilities:** The closer the residence to a hospital or cancer center, the better.
* **Availability of a personal vehicle:** A car offers the most flexibility and control over travel time.
* **Physical mobility:** Patients with mobility limitations may need to rely on public transit, ride-sharing, or medical transport.
* **Financial resources:** The cost of **transportation**, including gas, ride-sharing fares, and medical transport fees, can significantly impact healthcare expenses.
* **Support network:** Having family or friends who can provide **transportation** support can be invaluable.

**Conclusion:**

For residents of 02744, the Breast Cancer Score indicates a mixed bag. While the presence of local healthcare facilities and the availability of various **transportation** options are positive, the potential challenges of **healthcare access**, particularly for those with limited mobility, financial constraints, or dependence on public transit, need careful consideration. The ability to navigate the **transportation** landscape is crucial for timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care, making it a critical factor in the overall breast cancer experience. The availability of healthcare in the area is good, but the **transportation** to get there needs to be considered.