02764, North Dighton, Massachusetts COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 02764, North Dighton, Massachusetts is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.53 percent of residents in 02764 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Morton Hospital with a distance of 3.74 miles from the area.

**COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in North Dighton (ZIP Code 02764)**

For individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), access to timely and reliable healthcare is paramount. The ability to reach medical appointments, therapies, and emergency services directly impacts quality of life and disease management. This analysis, a "COPD Score" assessment, evaluates the transportation landscape within ZIP Code 02764 (North Dighton, Massachusetts) to determine the ease with which residents can access healthcare facilities. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, providing a comprehensive overview for those considering moving to North Dighton or seeking to improve their healthcare accessibility.

North Dighton, a relatively small community, presents a unique transportation challenge. Its location, nestled between Taunton and Rehoboth, dictates the primary routes for healthcare access. The assessment focuses on the major hospitals and specialized clinics within a reasonable radius, considering the limitations COPD patients often face. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the transportation options available, highlighting potential barriers and opportunities for improved healthcare access.

**Driving Times: The Asphalt Arteries**

The most common mode of transportation in North Dighton is personal vehicle. Drive times to healthcare facilities are therefore a crucial element of the COPD Score. The primary route to Taunton's Morton Hospital, a critical healthcare provider, involves navigating Route 138, a major thoroughfare. During peak hours, traffic congestion can significantly extend travel times, particularly near the Taunton Green. A typical drive to Morton Hospital might range from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Heading west, the journey to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, a slightly further destination, involves utilizing Route 44. This route is also prone to congestion, especially near the intersection with Route 123. Expect drive times to Sturdy Memorial to range from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. These estimates assume normal conditions, and it is essential to factor in potential delays due to weather or accidents.

For specialized pulmonary care, residents might need to travel to Boston, which is accessible via Interstate 95. This journey, while offering faster speeds, can be significantly impacted by traffic. The drive time to Boston hospitals, like Massachusetts General Hospital or Brigham and Women's Hospital, can vary from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on the time of day. This long commute poses a significant challenge for COPD patients requiring frequent appointments or experiencing acute exacerbations.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Network**

Public transportation options in North Dighton are limited. The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides bus service throughout the region, but its routes within North Dighton are infrequent and may not directly serve healthcare facilities. Route 11, for example, connects Taunton and Fall River, but the frequency of service is low, and the route may require transfers to reach hospitals.

The SRTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, including ramps and priority seating. However, the long wait times and potential for multiple transfers can be challenging for COPD patients. The lack of direct routes to hospitals necessitates careful planning and consideration of physical limitations.

For individuals with mobility limitations, the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) offers a demand-response service, providing door-to-door transportation. This service is available to seniors and individuals with disabilities, but it requires advance booking and may have limited availability. The GATRA service can be a valuable resource for those unable to use regular bus routes.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: On-Demand Solutions**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area and offer a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. However, the availability of these services can vary depending on the time of day and demand. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can also increase the cost of transportation.

Medical transport services, such as medical transportation, are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. These services offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients with mobility limitations or medical needs. Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including companies that provide non-emergency medical transportation.

**Healthcare Access and the COPD Score**

The COPD Score for North Dighton reflects a mixed picture of healthcare access. While driving times to local hospitals are generally reasonable, the limited public transit options and the potential for traffic congestion present challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers additional options, but their reliability and cost must be considered.

The overall score is influenced by the need for COPD patients to have ready access to healthcare. The lack of direct public transit routes and the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services can create barriers to care. For individuals considering moving to North Dighton, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and access to healthcare facilities is crucial.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To improve healthcare access for COPD patients in North Dighton, several initiatives could be considered. Increasing the frequency and reach of SRTA bus routes, especially those connecting to hospitals, would be beneficial. Promoting the use of GATRA's demand-response service and ensuring its availability are also important.

Collaborating with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized transportation options for medical appointments could also be explored. Finally, educating residents about available medical transport services and the benefits of advance planning is essential.

**Conclusion: A Call for Enhanced Healthcare Access**

The COPD Score for North Dighton highlights the importance of considering transportation when evaluating healthcare access. While the community offers reasonable access to local hospitals, the limitations in public transit and the potential for traffic congestion necessitate careful planning. By improving public transit options, promoting ride-sharing services, and raising awareness of medical transport providers, North Dighton can enhance healthcare access for COPD patients and improve their quality of life. This assessment serves as a starting point for ongoing efforts to ensure that all residents have the ability to receive the care they need, when they need it.