03906, North Berwick, Maine Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 03906, North Berwick, Maine is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.81 percent of residents in 03906 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.38 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is York Hospital with a distance of 13.91 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 03906

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is a complex undertaking. It involves not only the emotional and physical toll of the disease but also the practicalities of accessing timely and appropriate care. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 03906 (North Berwick, Maine), aims to illuminate the transportation landscape for breast cancer patients, offering a "Breast Cancer Score" based on healthcare access. This score considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, providing a nuanced understanding for residents and those considering moving to North Berwick.

The foundation of healthcare access in 03906 is the availability of specialized medical facilities. Proximity to comprehensive cancer centers, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and multidisciplinary teams, significantly impacts a patient's journey. The Breast Cancer Score considers the travel time to these vital resources, factoring in the realities of Maine's geography and transportation infrastructure.

The primary mode of transportation for most residents is personal vehicles. Driving times are crucial, and the major arteries influencing healthcare access are Interstate 95 (I-95), U.S. Route 1, and state routes like Route 4 and Route 9.

For instance, a drive to Portsmouth Regional Hospital in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a potential destination for specialized care, typically takes around 30-45 minutes via I-95 South. This drive, however, can be significantly impacted by traffic, especially during peak commuting hours or during seasonal tourism surges. Similarly, accessing Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover, New Hampshire, via Route 9 and Route 4, presents a similar drive time, contingent upon traffic conditions.

The Breast Cancer Score must acknowledge these variables. It will consider the average drive times under various conditions, including rush hour, to provide a realistic assessment of healthcare access.

Public transportation options in 03906 are limited, which presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive due to their condition or treatment side effects. The availability of public transit is an essential component of the Breast Cancer Score.

The closest public transit options are provided by COAST (Coastal Transportation), offering bus routes in the region. While COAST doesn't directly serve North Berwick with frequent routes, some limited service may be available to nearby towns like Dover or Portsmouth, potentially providing a connection to healthcare facilities. The Breast Cancer Score will evaluate the feasibility of these routes, considering their frequency, accessibility features (such as ADA compliance), and the overall travel time involved.

The practicality of public transit for cancer patients hinges on several factors. The physical demands of navigating bus routes, including walking distances, waiting times, and transfers, can be challenging for individuals undergoing treatment. The Breast Cancer Score will consider these factors, recognizing the importance of accessible and patient-centered transportation.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation alternative. Their availability in 03906 is a factor in the Breast Cancer Score. While these services can provide on-demand transportation, their reliability and cost can vary.

The Breast Cancer Score will evaluate the average wait times, cost, and availability of ride-sharing services in the area, recognizing that these factors can influence a patient's ability to attend appointments and access care. Medical transportation services, specializing in transporting patients to medical appointments, also play a crucial role.

These services, often equipped with trained staff and specialized vehicles, cater to the specific needs of patients with mobility limitations or other medical requirements. The Breast Cancer Score will include an assessment of the availability of medical transportation services, considering their coverage area, cost, and the types of services they provide.

The Breast Cancer Score will also consider the distance to local primary care physicians and specialists. Early detection and ongoing care are vital in breast cancer treatment. The availability of accessible primary care and specialist appointments in the immediate vicinity of 03906 can significantly impact a patient's journey.

The score will assess the drive times to these facilities, recognizing that shorter travel times can contribute to improved patient outcomes. This aspect is particularly relevant for those considering moving to North Berwick, as it highlights the importance of proximity to healthcare providers.

The Breast Cancer Score is not simply a numerical rating; it is a holistic assessment of the transportation landscape for breast cancer patients in 03906. It considers the interplay of various factors, from drive times and public transit availability to ride-sharing options and medical transportation services.

The score will also factor in the availability of patient support services, such as transportation assistance programs offered by hospitals or cancer support organizations. These programs can provide financial assistance or logistical support, easing the burden of transportation costs and complexities.

The Breast Cancer Score aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of healthcare access in 03906, empowering residents and prospective movers with the information they need to make informed decisions. It highlights the importance of transportation in the fight against breast cancer and underscores the need for accessible and patient-centered healthcare solutions.

The final Breast Cancer Score will be presented as a composite rating, taking into account all the factors discussed. The score will be accompanied by a detailed analysis, offering specific recommendations for improving healthcare access in 03906.

This analysis will include suggestions for enhancing public transit options, promoting ride-sharing services, and expanding the availability of medical transportation. The Breast Cancer Score, therefore, is more than just an assessment; it is a call to action, advocating for a more equitable and accessible healthcare system for all residents of 03906.