04107, Cape Elizabeth, Maine Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 04107, Cape Elizabeth, Maine is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.82 percent of residents in 04107 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northern Light Mercy Hospital with a distance of 3.90 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 04107

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 availability of medical professionals; it’s a multifaceted assessment of **transportation** options, time commitments, and the accessibility of facilities. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score" for residents of ZIP Code 04107 (Cape Elizabeth, Maine), delves into these factors, offering a comprehensive understanding of **healthcare access** within this coastal community. This is especially relevant for those **moving to Cape Elizabeth**, as proximity to quality care is paramount.

Cape Elizabeth, a town renowned for its scenic beauty and tranquil lifestyle, presents a unique challenge when it comes to healthcare. While the community boasts a strong sense of independence, its relative geographic isolation necessitates a careful evaluation of how residents can access vital medical services. The Breast Cancer Score considers the realities of getting to and from appointments, from routine mammograms to specialized oncology consultations.

**Driving the Distance:**

For many, the car remains the primary mode of **transportation**. From 04107, the most direct route to major healthcare providers involves navigating the roads. The primary artery connecting Cape Elizabeth to Portland is Route 77. This scenic drive, while offering picturesque views, can become congested during peak hours, especially during the summer months when tourism swells the population.

The drive to Maine Medical Center, a major cancer treatment center, typically takes between 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. This drive involves navigating Route 77 and then connecting to Interstate 295. The speed limit varies along the route, but the overall experience is usually manageable.

Another significant healthcare provider, Mercy Hospital, is accessible via Route 77, with a drive time of approximately 20 to 30 minutes. This route, too, can be affected by traffic, particularly around the Casco Bay Bridge area.

For those seeking care at smaller clinics or specialized practices, the drive times will vary. However, the overall reliance on personal vehicles necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential delays. This is a crucial factor in the Breast Cancer Score, as timely access to care is essential.

**Public Transit Pathways:**

Public **transportation** options in Cape Elizabeth and the surrounding areas are more limited than in larger metropolitan centers. The Greater Portland Metro offers bus service, but routes and frequency may not align perfectly with the needs of those seeking healthcare.

Route 24, operated by the Greater Portland Metro, provides service to Cape Elizabeth, but it primarily focuses on serving the town's residential areas and does not directly connect to major medical facilities. This makes the use of public transit for healthcare appointments less convenient.

The accessibility of public **transportation** is another crucial element. While the Greater Portland Metro strives to provide ADA-compliant buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access the system, the limited route options and potential for long travel times can pose challenges. The Breast Cancer Score takes these factors into account, recognizing that reliance on public transit can increase travel time and potentially impact the ability to attend appointments promptly.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Solutions:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a viable alternative for those without personal vehicles or who prefer not to drive. These services are generally available in the Portland area, including Cape Elizabeth. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to assist patients with medical appointments, provide another option. These services, often offered by specialized companies, can provide door-to-door service and may accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. The availability and cost of these services are considered in the Breast Cancer Score.

Companies like Care Ride or MedRide may be available. However, their availability and the specific services offered can vary. The Breast Cancer Score considers the availability of these services and their potential impact on **healthcare access**.

**The Score's Components:**

The Breast Cancer Score is not a single number but a composite assessment that considers several factors. These include:

* **Drive Time:** The average time it takes to reach major healthcare providers by car, considering peak traffic conditions.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** The availability and convenience of public **transportation** options, including frequency, route coverage, and ADA compliance.
* **Ride-Share Availability and Cost:** The availability of ride-sharing services and the estimated cost of trips to healthcare facilities.
* **Medical Transport Options:** The availability of specialized medical **transportation** services and their associated costs.
* **Proximity to Clinics and Specialists:** The distance to and availability of breast cancer screening and treatment facilities within and near 04107.

Each of these components is weighted based on its impact on **healthcare access**. For instance, drive time and the availability of specialized services might be weighted more heavily than the availability of public transit.

**Impact on Moving to Cape Elizabeth:**

For those **moving to Cape Elizabeth**, the Breast Cancer Score provides valuable insight into the realities of accessing healthcare. It highlights the importance of considering **transportation** options and the potential need for careful planning. While Cape Elizabeth offers a desirable lifestyle, the geographical challenges of accessing healthcare facilities must be acknowledged.

The score can inform decisions about where to live within Cape Elizabeth, potentially favoring areas with better access to Route 77 or those closer to public transit routes. It can also guide the selection of healthcare providers, considering factors such as location and the availability of **transportation** assistance.

**Conclusion:**

The Breast Cancer Score for 04107 serves as a critical tool for understanding **healthcare access** in this coastal community. It acknowledges the challenges posed by geographic isolation and the limited availability of public **transportation**. By considering the factors outlined in this analysis, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensure that they receive timely and appropriate care. The score is a dynamic assessment, subject to change based on evolving **transportation** options, healthcare provider availability, and the needs of the community. It is a testament to the importance of proactive planning and a commitment to ensuring that residents of Cape Elizabeth have access to the best possible breast cancer care.