04966, Phillips, Maine Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 04966, Phillips, Maine is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

38.93 percent of residents in 04966 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 24.08 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Franklin Memorial Hospital with a distance of 17.71 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Phillips, Maine (ZIP Code 04966)

The decision to relocate is often a complex tapestry woven with threads of personal aspirations, career opportunities, and the pursuit of a better quality of life. For individuals, particularly women, considering a move to Phillips, Maine (ZIP Code 04966), the availability and accessibility of healthcare, especially for breast cancer screening and treatment, should be a paramount consideration. This write-up aims to provide a “Breast Cancer Score,” a personalized assessment of healthcare access, focusing on transportation options, to help prospective residents make informed decisions.

Phillips, nestled in the heart of Franklin County, offers a quintessential New England charm. The town's allure lies in its natural beauty, close-knit community, and slower pace of life. However, this idyllic setting presents unique challenges when it comes to accessing specialized healthcare services. Understanding the transportation landscape is crucial for anyone considering a move, especially those with existing health concerns or a family history of breast cancer. The remoteness of the area significantly impacts healthcare access, making transportation a critical factor in this “Breast Cancer Score.”

The primary mode of transportation in and around Phillips is by car. The town is served by a network of state routes and local roads, with limited public transit options. The most direct route to larger medical centers involves navigating the scenic but winding roads. Route 4, the main artery, connects Phillips to Farmington, the county seat, and the location of Franklin Memorial Hospital, a critical healthcare provider. Route 142 provides an alternative route, offering connections to other towns and eventually intersecting with major highways.

The drive time to Franklin Memorial Hospital from Phillips is generally around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This seems manageable. However, specialized breast cancer services, such as advanced imaging (mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs) and oncology consultations, might necessitate travel to larger hospitals in Augusta or Lewiston. The drive to MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta, via Route 4 and then US-201 or I-95, can take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Similarly, the journey to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, primarily via Route 4 and Route 133, averages around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours. These longer travel times significantly impact the “Breast Cancer Score,” increasing the potential for delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Public transportation options in the area are limited. The Western Maine Transportation Services (WMTS) provides demand-response transportation services, offering rides to medical appointments. However, these services require advance booking and may have limited availability, especially for appointments outside of regular business hours. The WMTS vehicles may not always be equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, such as wheelchair lifts, and the availability of these accessible vehicles should be confirmed at the time of booking. This lack of readily available public transit presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not readily available in Phillips or the surrounding areas. This further restricts transportation options, particularly for those who may not have access to a personal vehicle or the ability to drive. The absence of ride-sharing services highlights the reliance on personal vehicles and the need for alternative transportation solutions for those seeking healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are available, but their availability and cost should be carefully considered. Companies like Med-Transport or similar providers offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services often come with a higher price tag than personal transportation or public transit. The cost of medical transportation can be a significant barrier to healthcare access, especially for individuals with limited financial resources.

The “Breast Cancer Score” for Phillips, Maine, should reflect these transportation realities. The score should consider factors such as drive times to various medical facilities, the availability of public transit, the presence of ride-sharing services, and the cost and availability of medical transportation. A higher score would indicate better access to healthcare, while a lower score would reflect challenges in accessing timely and convenient medical care.

For individuals with a history of breast cancer or a strong family history, the “Breast Cancer Score” for Phillips might be lower than in more urban areas with readily available transportation options. The distance to specialized medical centers, the limited public transit, and the absence of ride-sharing services pose significant challenges. Prospective residents should factor in the potential for longer travel times, the need for pre-planning transportation, and the potential costs associated with medical transportation.

Moving to Phillips requires careful consideration of these factors. While the town offers a tranquil and appealing lifestyle, the limitations in healthcare access, particularly for specialized services, should be weighed against the benefits of the move. Individuals considering a move should research the availability of breast cancer screening and treatment options, including the location of imaging centers, oncologists, and surgical specialists. They should also investigate the availability of transportation assistance programs and explore options for arranging transportation to and from medical appointments.

Furthermore, individuals should proactively establish a relationship with a primary care physician in the area. This physician can serve as a vital resource, providing referrals to specialists, coordinating care, and assisting with transportation arrangements. Building a strong support network within the community, including friends, family, and local organizations, can also help mitigate the challenges of healthcare access.

In conclusion, the “Breast Cancer Score” for Phillips, Maine (ZIP Code 04966), is influenced by the limitations in transportation options. While the town offers a desirable lifestyle, the potential for longer travel times to specialized medical facilities, the absence of ride-sharing services, and the limited public transit options should be carefully considered. Prospective residents, especially those with existing health concerns or a family history of breast cancer, should thoroughly research healthcare access, explore transportation alternatives, and proactively plan for their medical needs. This thorough assessment will help them make an informed decision and ensure their well-being in their new community. The journey to healthcare in Phillips requires careful navigation, but with thoughtful planning and proactive engagement, residents can successfully access the care they need.