04653, Bass Harbor, Maine Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 04653, Bass Harbor, Maine is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.07 percent of residents in 04653 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.96 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mount Desert Island Hospital with a distance of 12.26 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Bass Harbor, Maine (ZIP Code 04653)

The serene beauty of Bass Harbor, Maine (ZIP code 04653), a coastal haven on Mount Desert Island, offers a lifestyle many dream of. However, the reality of healthcare access, especially for specialized needs like breast cancer care, demands careful consideration. This analysis assesses the "Breast Cancer Score" for this ZIP code, considering the crucial element of **transportation** and its impact on **healthcare access**. For those contemplating **moving to Bass Harbor**, understanding these factors is paramount.

The Breast Cancer Score is a multifaceted assessment, weighing travel time, mode of transport, and the availability of specialized services. It acknowledges that a diagnosis of breast cancer necessitates frequent appointments for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Therefore, the ease and efficiency of reaching these vital services significantly influence the overall quality of life for patients.

The primary healthcare facility serving Bass Harbor is Mount Desert Island Hospital (MDIH) in Bar Harbor, approximately 15 miles away. This relatively short distance belies the challenges of navigating the island's roads, particularly during peak tourist season. The drive, typically taking around 25-30 minutes, can stretch to an hour or more during summer months. The route primarily utilizes Route 102 and Route 195. These roads, while scenic, are often narrow and winding, and traffic can be heavy.

Beyond MDIH, specialized breast cancer services, including oncology and radiation therapy, are not directly available in Bass Harbor. Patients must travel to facilities in Bangor, approximately 120 miles away, or Portland, roughly 180 miles away. The drive to Bangor, primarily via Route 1 and I-395, can take upwards of 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. The journey to Portland, using Route 1 and I-95, can extend to 3.5 to 4 hours. These lengthy travel times, combined with potential traffic delays, significantly impact the Breast Cancer Score.

Public **transportation** options in Bass Harbor are limited. Island Explorer, a free bus service, operates seasonal routes throughout Mount Desert Island, including service to MDIH. However, these routes may not be frequent enough to accommodate all medical appointments, and the service is unavailable during the off-season. The Island Explorer does offer ADA-accessible buses, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.

Navigating the public **transportation** landscape outside of the island presents greater difficulties. There are no direct public bus routes connecting Bass Harbor to Bangor or Portland. This necessitates reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical **transportation**.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability is often limited, especially during off-peak hours and in less populated areas like Bass Harbor. Securing a ride for long-distance travel to Bangor or Portland could prove challenging and costly.

Medical **transportation** services offer a specialized solution for patients needing assistance with travel. Several companies provide non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT) in the region. These services typically involve pre-scheduled rides, often with wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. However, the cost of NEMT can be substantial, and availability may be limited, especially for long-distance trips. Potential brands to investigate include, but are not limited to, Acadian Ambulance and MedStar Ambulance.

The Breast Cancer Score also considers the availability of support services, such as support groups, counseling, and financial assistance programs. While MDIH offers some support services, access to specialized programs may require travel to Bangor or Portland. These additional trips further compound the **transportation** burden.

The score is further impacted by the availability of parking at healthcare facilities. MDIH offers parking, but it can be limited during peak hours. Hospitals in Bangor and Portland have ample parking, but parking fees add to the overall cost of care.

The Breast Cancer Score for Bass Harbor (ZIP code 04653) is, therefore, moderately low. While MDIH provides essential primary care, the lack of specialized breast cancer services within the immediate vicinity, coupled with the **transportation** challenges to reach these services, significantly impacts the score. The limited public **transportation**, the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially unreliable ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical **transportation** all contribute to this lower score.

For individuals considering **moving to Bass Harbor**, this score should be a critical factor in their decision-making process. It is essential to assess their individual healthcare needs, consider the potential **transportation** challenges, and explore all available resources.

Patients diagnosed with breast cancer in Bass Harbor must develop a comprehensive **transportation** plan, factoring in appointment schedules, potential traffic delays, and the availability of support services. This plan might involve a combination of personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, medical **transportation**, and the Island Explorer.

The Breast Cancer Score can be improved through several measures. Increased investment in public **transportation**, including expanded routes and more frequent service, would significantly enhance **healthcare access**. The establishment of a satellite clinic in the area, offering oncology consultations and treatments, would dramatically reduce travel times. Finally, expanding the availability of affordable medical **transportation** services would alleviate the financial burden on patients.

In conclusion, while Bass Harbor offers a desirable lifestyle, the **transportation** challenges associated with accessing specialized breast cancer care pose a significant hurdle. Individuals considering **moving to Bass Harbor** must carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and develop a robust **transportation** strategy to ensure timely and convenient access to the necessary services. The Breast Cancer Score serves as a reminder that while the beauty of the Maine coast is undeniable, the realities of **healthcare access** must be carefully considered.