04920, Bingham, Maine Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 04920, Bingham, Maine is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.52 percent of residents in 04920 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 28.97 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital with a distance of 31.44 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in 04920

The quaint charm of Bingham, Maine, nestled in the heart of Somerset County (ZIP Code 04920), offers a life of tranquility. But when considering a move, especially for those with a family history or personal experience with breast cancer, understanding the ease of **healthcare access** is paramount. This write-up provides a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on **transportation** options available for residents needing regular screenings, treatments, or follow-up care. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, offering a comprehensive view for anyone **moving to Bingham**.

The foundation of our score rests on the drive times to the nearest comprehensive breast cancer care facilities. The primary destination for specialized care is typically the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care in Augusta, roughly 60 miles away. The journey involves navigating Route 201, a scenic but often winding road, which can take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes in ideal conditions. Traffic, especially during peak hours or inclement weather, can significantly extend this commute.

Another option, though less specialized, is the Redington-Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan, approximately 20 miles from Bingham. This hospital offers some breast cancer screening services and preliminary care. The drive, primarily via Route 201 and Route 16, should take around 30 minutes. While closer, it may not offer the same breadth of treatment options as the Augusta facility.

Public transit presents a limited, yet essential, alternative. The Somerset Explorer, operated by the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program (KVCAP), provides demand-response service within Somerset County. However, fixed routes are nonexistent, and services must be scheduled in advance. Availability can be a challenge, especially for appointments with strict timings. ADA-accessible vehicles are available, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations. This service is a vital lifeline for those without personal vehicles, but planning is critical.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, though their reliability is often variable. Availability fluctuates depending on driver presence, which is typically lower in rural areas like Bingham. Booking in advance is highly recommended, and potential wait times should be factored into any appointment schedule. The cost can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent trips to Augusta.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. MedStar, a well-known provider, and other local companies provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. They often offer door-to-door service and can accommodate mobility aids. However, these services typically require pre-booking and may not be covered by all insurance plans.

Considering these factors, we can begin to construct a "Breast Cancer Score" for 04920. The score is graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing extremely limited access and 10 representing excellent access.

**Drive Time:** The 1 hour and 15-minute drive to Augusta receives a score of 6. While the drive is manageable, the distance and potential for traffic delays introduce a degree of inconvenience. The 30-minute drive to Skowhegan warrants a score of 8. However, the limited scope of services available at Skowhegan reduces its overall impact on the score.

**Public Transit:** The Somerset Explorer receives a score of 4. While providing a crucial service, its demand-response nature and the need for advanced scheduling limit its flexibility and ease of use. ADA accessibility is a positive factor.

**Ride-Sharing:** The variability of Uber and Lyft availability earns a score of 5. While the service is present, reliance on it can be problematic due to potential wait times and cost considerations.

**Medical Transportation:** The availability of specialized medical transportation services, such as MedStar, earns a score of 7. These services provide a reliable option, but the need for pre-booking and potential cost factors slightly lower the score.

**Overall Score:**

Taking these individual scores into account, the overall "Breast Cancer Score" for **transportation** and **healthcare access** in 04920 is approximately 6. This score indicates that while options exist, accessing specialized breast cancer care in Bingham requires careful planning and consideration of available resources.

For individuals considering **moving to Bingham**, the score highlights the importance of proactive planning. Establishing a relationship with a healthcare provider in advance, understanding insurance coverage for transportation, and familiarizing oneself with the local **transportation** options are crucial steps.

Beyond the practicalities of **transportation**, the availability of support services is also essential. Support groups, counseling services, and patient navigators can provide invaluable assistance throughout the cancer journey. Researching the availability of these resources in the area is a vital part of assessing the overall quality of care.

Ultimately, the "Breast Cancer Score" is a tool to aid in making informed decisions. It is a snapshot of the current **healthcare access** landscape, recognizing that the journey through breast cancer requires not just medical expertise, but also accessible and reliable **transportation** options.