01343, Drury, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 01343, Drury, Massachusetts is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.50 percent of residents in 01343 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.67 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Berkshire Medical Center with a distance of 19.39 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 01343

The air hangs crisp and clean in ZIP Code 01343, a region cradled by the rolling hills of Western Massachusetts. Yet, beneath the idyllic surface, the specter of lung cancer looms, a silent threat demanding vigilant attention. This write-up analyzes the critical intersection of lung cancer care and **transportation** options for residents, focusing on **healthcare access** challenges and opportunities within the context of **moving to Drury**, Massachusetts. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive “Lung Cancer Score,” a metric reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching vital medical services.

The primary concern for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis is timely access to specialists: pulmonologists, oncologists, radiation therapists, and skilled support staff. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact survival rates. Therefore, the efficiency of **transportation** becomes paramount. The score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, all contributing to a nuanced understanding of **healthcare access** in the area.

The heart of our analysis focuses on the drive times to key healthcare facilities. The closest major hospital with comprehensive cancer care is Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, approximately 12 miles from Drury. Driving along Route 2, the Mohawk Trail, a scenic but often winding highway, the journey takes roughly 20-30 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This is a relatively manageable commute, especially for routine appointments. However, during inclement weather, like heavy snow or ice, the drive time can easily double, posing a significant challenge for patients requiring urgent care or frequent treatments.

Further afield, the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, offers advanced cancer treatment options. This journey, primarily via Route 2 and I-91 North, spans approximately 80 miles and can take upwards of 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and weather. This longer commute necessitates careful planning, especially for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, where frequent trips are unavoidable.

The University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester, though further away, also provides specialized lung cancer care. The drive, largely on Route 2 and I-190, covers approximately 80 miles and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. This option might be considered for second opinions or specific treatment protocols not readily available closer to Drury.

Public **transportation** options in ZIP Code 01343 are limited, presenting a significant hurdle for many residents. The Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA) offers bus service, but routes are infrequent and primarily serve the larger towns of Greenfield, Turners Falls, and Orange. There are no direct bus routes to Drury. Residents would likely need to rely on a combination of FRTA routes, potentially requiring multiple transfers and extended travel times.

The FRTA does offer ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can utilize the service. However, the limited frequency and coverage of the routes significantly impact the practicality of public **transportation** for cancer patients, especially those experiencing fatigue or other treatment-related side effects.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can vary. Availability, particularly in rural areas like Drury, can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in adverse weather. The expense of ride-sharing can also become a significant burden for patients facing frequent medical appointments. This presents a challenge in **healthcare access**.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to assist patients with medical appointments, offer a valuable alternative. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and local private ambulance services provide non-emergency medical **transportation**. These services can be particularly beneficial for patients who are unable to drive themselves or require assistance getting to and from appointments. However, these services often come with a higher price tag, adding another layer of financial strain for patients.

Considering all these factors, the “Lung Cancer Score” for ZIP Code 01343 reflects a mixed bag. The proximity to Baystate Franklin Medical Center provides relatively good access to basic cancer care. However, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public **transportation**, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transport services create significant barriers for some residents, particularly those with limited mobility, financial constraints, or those living in more remote areas.

The score is also influenced by the impact of **moving to Drury**. New residents, unfamiliar with the local healthcare landscape and **transportation** options, will face a learning curve. They must quickly understand the available resources and develop reliable strategies for reaching their appointments.

For individuals considering **moving to Drury** and concerned about lung cancer care, the following recommendations are crucial. First, thoroughly research the availability of healthcare providers and the associated **transportation** logistics before making the move. Second, explore all available **transportation** options, including public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. Third, investigate the availability of financial assistance programs to help offset the cost of medical care and **transportation**.

The “Lung Cancer Score” for ZIP Code 01343 is a dynamic metric, subject to change based on evolving healthcare services and **transportation** infrastructure. The score highlights the need for continued investment in **healthcare access**, including expanded public **transportation** options, increased availability of ride-sharing services, and greater support for medical transport programs. Furthermore, initiatives that promote early detection and preventative care are critical in mitigating the impact of lung cancer in this community. By understanding the challenges and opportunities, residents of ZIP Code 01343 can better navigate the complexities of lung cancer care and improve their chances of a positive outcome.