04624, Corea, Maine Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 04624, Corea, Maine is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

28.57 percent of residents in 04624 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mount Desert Island Hospital with a distance of 11.12 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Corea, Maine (ZIP Code 04624)

The crisp salt air and rugged coastline of Corea, Maine (ZIP Code 04624) offer a serene backdrop to life, yet the reality of healthcare access, particularly for a critical illness like breast cancer, presents unique challenges. This analysis, a “Breast Cancer Score,” examines the transportation landscape for residents needing breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, providing a detailed assessment of the journey to healthcare within this remote coastal community. The score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access.

The primary concern is the distance. Corea, nestled in the heart of coastal Maine, is geographically isolated. The nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities equipped to handle breast cancer diagnoses and treatment are located in Ellsworth, approximately 20 miles west, and Bangor, roughly 60 miles northwest. This immediately establishes transportation as a vital factor in the Breast Cancer Score.

The primary route to Ellsworth is via **Maine State Route 187** and then **US Route 1**. The drive, under ideal conditions, takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. However, Maine weather, notorious for its unpredictable nature, can easily extend this travel time. Winter storms, in particular, can make these roads treacherous, potentially adding hours to the commute. The journey to Bangor involves taking **Route 187** to **US Route 1** and then **Interstate 95**. This drive, typically an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half, is significantly longer, increasing the burden on patients.

Public transportation options are limited. Hancock County, where Corea is located, does offer a public transit service, **Hancock County Regional Transportation (HCRT)**. However, service frequency and routes are restricted, especially in rural areas. While HCRT does provide demand-response service, meaning they can be requested to pick up and drop off at specific locations, this service requires advance booking and is not always readily available. Information regarding ADA accessibility should be obtained by calling HCRT directly. The limited public transit options in Corea significantly impact the Breast Cancer Score, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Bangor area, but their presence in Corea is inconsistent. The availability of these services is often dictated by driver availability, which is limited in this sparsely populated region. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is therefore not a reliable option. The Breast Cancer Score reflects this uncertainty, acknowledging the potential for significant delays and difficulties in accessing care.

Medical transport services offer a crucial lifeline for patients unable to drive or utilize public transit. Several companies operate in the region, including LifeFlight of Maine, which provides air ambulance services for emergencies. However, air transport is reserved for critical situations. Ground-based medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are also available. These services are often arranged through healthcare providers or insurance companies. The Breast Cancer Score considers the availability and cost of these services, acknowledging their importance in ensuring access to care.

The Breast Cancer Score also needs to consider the impact of moving to Corea. For someone considering relocating to this area, the availability of healthcare access should be a primary concern. The remoteness of Corea means that residents must plan for potentially long travel times to receive care. The Breast Cancer Score would encourage prospective residents to research healthcare facilities in the area, including their capacity to provide breast cancer services, and to consider the availability of transportation options.

The Breast Cancer Score is not simply a numerical value; it's a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities associated with healthcare access in Corea. The score would weigh factors such as the availability of primary care physicians, the presence of specialists, and the availability of support services. The score would also consider the presence of local community resources, such as support groups, educational programs, and outreach initiatives.

The score also considers the impact of socioeconomic factors. Individuals with limited financial resources may struggle to afford transportation costs, further exacerbating the challenges of accessing care. The score would acknowledge the importance of financial assistance programs and the availability of free or low-cost screening and treatment options.

The journey to healthcare in Corea is often a long one, demanding careful planning and resourcefulness. The Breast Cancer Score serves as a critical tool for assessing the accessibility of breast cancer care in this community. It highlights the importance of transportation infrastructure, the need for reliable public transit, and the crucial role of medical transport services. It also underscores the need for comprehensive support services and community resources to ensure that all residents have equal access to the care they need.

In conclusion, the Breast Cancer Score for Corea, Maine (ZIP Code 04624) is significantly impacted by the challenges of transportation. The remoteness of the community, the limited public transit options, and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services create significant barriers to healthcare access. While medical transport services offer a crucial lifeline, they can be costly and require advance planning. For individuals living in or considering moving to Corea, understanding these transportation challenges is essential for navigating the healthcare landscape and ensuring timely access to breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The Breast Cancer Score highlights the need for ongoing efforts to improve transportation infrastructure, expand public transit options, and support community-based healthcare initiatives to improve healthcare access for all residents.