01344, Erving, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 01344, Erving, Massachusetts is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.11 percent of residents in 01344 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.72 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baystate Franklin Medical Center with a distance of 5.10 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Erving, MA (ZIP Code 01344)

Relocating to a new community, especially one as charming as Erving, Massachusetts (ZIP code 01344), involves a multitude of considerations. Beyond the allure of rural living, proximity to essential services, particularly healthcare, becomes paramount. This write-up assesses the landscape of healthcare access in Erving, focusing on lung cancer care, and evaluates the **transportation** options available to residents. We'll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" to guide informed decisions for those **moving to Erving** and seeking optimal **healthcare access**.

Erving, nestled in Franklin County, presents a unique challenge. Its rural setting, while offering tranquility, can complicate access to specialized medical care. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are located in larger towns and cities, necessitating careful planning and consideration of **transportation** logistics.

The primary artery connecting Erving to the outside world is Route 2, a major east-west highway. Heading east on Route 2, residents can reach the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, a journey of approximately 60-75 miles, translating to a drive time of roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. This route, while direct, can be subject to congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours.

Westward on Route 2, the drive to the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, covers roughly 80 miles, typically taking around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. This route provides access to another reputable cancer center, but the drive time remains significant.

Alternative routes, primarily using local roads, are less efficient. Traveling south on Route 63 and connecting to Interstate 91 (I-91) offers a longer route to the Springfield area, potentially adding 30-45 minutes to the journey. These secondary roads are often winding and can be affected by weather conditions, impacting travel times and safety.

Public **transportation** options in Erving are limited. The Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA) provides bus service within Franklin County. However, the routes and schedules are designed for local travel, not long-distance journeys to major medical centers. There are no direct FRTA routes to Worcester or Lebanon.

The FRTA does offer a demand-response service, which requires advance booking. This service is designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities and those living in areas not served by fixed routes. While this service can provide some **transportation** assistance, it is not a substitute for readily available access to specialized medical care. The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles varies, so confirming accessibility is crucial when booking.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Erving area, though their reliability and availability can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. While ride-sharing can be a convenient option for short trips, it may not be a practical solution for regular trips to distant cancer centers due to cost and the potential for long wait times.

Medical transport services, including ambulance services and non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT), are available in the region. Ambulance services are reserved for emergencies. NEMT providers offer scheduled **transportation** for medical appointments, but they often require advance booking and can be costly. Several NEMT providers serve the area, including but not limited to: American Medical Response (AMR), LifeCare Ambulance, and local private companies. These services vary in their coverage area and pricing.

Given the limitations of public **transportation** and the potential challenges of ride-sharing, having access to a personal vehicle is highly advantageous for residents of Erving, especially those requiring regular medical appointments. This underscores the importance of considering the availability of reliable personal **transportation** when evaluating the **healthcare access** landscape.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Erving, MA, is calculated based on several factors: drive times to cancer centers, availability of public **transportation**, reliability of ride-sharing services, and the cost and availability of medical **transportation**.

The drive times to major cancer centers are significant, placing a burden on patients and their caregivers. The limited public **transportation** options further restrict **healthcare access**. Ride-sharing services, while present, are not always reliable or cost-effective for regular medical appointments. The reliance on personal vehicles, or the expense of NEMT, creates a significant barrier for those without access to either.

Considering these factors, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Erving, MA, is moderately low. While residents have access to reputable cancer centers, the **transportation** challenges create a significant hurdle. The score highlights the importance of careful planning, the potential need for assistance from family and friends, and the consideration of the financial implications of frequent travel for medical care.

For individuals considering **moving to Erving** with a history of lung cancer or at high risk, the **healthcare access** landscape requires careful evaluation. The availability of a reliable personal vehicle, or the financial resources to utilize medical **transportation** services, is crucial. Exploring options for support from family, friends, or community organizations can also mitigate the challenges of accessing specialized medical care.

In conclusion, while Erving offers a tranquil lifestyle, the **transportation** limitations present a significant challenge for those seeking timely and convenient access to lung cancer care. Residents should carefully weigh the pros and cons of living in a rural area, considering the implications for their **healthcare access** needs. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive planning and the need to explore all available resources to ensure that healthcare needs are met effectively.