01719, Boxborough, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 01719, Boxborough, Massachusetts is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.85 percent of residents in 01719 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.96 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Nashoba Valley Medical Center with a distance of 6.76 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Boxborough (01719)

Considering a move to Boxborough, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 01719)? This analysis provides a “Lung Cancer Score,” evaluating the accessibility of healthcare resources for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, focusing on transportation options. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive perspective on healthcare access in this suburban community. This information is crucial for anyone, especially those with pre-existing health conditions or a family history of lung cancer, prioritizing convenient healthcare access.

Boxborough, nestled in Middlesex County, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and proximity to urban centers. However, its relatively small size and limited public transportation options necessitate careful consideration of transportation logistics when evaluating healthcare access. The score reflects the realities of navigating the region, acknowledging potential challenges and highlighting available solutions.

The primary driver of healthcare access in Boxborough is, unsurprisingly, the automobile. Drive times to key medical facilities are paramount. The closest major hospital, Emerson Hospital in Concord, is approximately a 15-20 minute drive, primarily via **Route 2** and **Route 111**. This route is generally straightforward, but traffic can be a factor, especially during peak commuting hours. This drive time is considered favorable, offering relatively quick access to a comprehensive hospital system.

For specialized lung cancer care, including oncologists, pulmonologists, and advanced treatment centers, the drive times increase. Accessing the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, a world-renowned cancer treatment center, typically requires a 45-60 minute drive, largely utilizing **Route 2** to **I-95 (Route 128)** and then **Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90)**. This journey can be significantly impacted by traffic congestion, particularly during weekday rush hours. Similarly, the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, another leading institution, presents a similar commute time and route.

Public transportation options in Boxborough are limited. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provides commuter rail service from nearby stations in Littleton and South Acton. The **Fitchburg Line** offers service to Boston's North Station. From these stations, one can connect to the MBTA subway system (the “T”), providing access to various hospitals and medical facilities in Boston. However, this option requires a multi-leg journey, adding considerable travel time and potential inconvenience, especially for those undergoing treatment or experiencing mobility limitations. The **Acton commuter rail station** is a 10-15 minute drive from Boxborough.

Accessibility on public transit is a critical consideration. The MBTA strives to provide accessible services, including elevators, ramps, and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. However, the reliability of these features and the overall ease of navigating the system with mobility limitations should be carefully evaluated. For individuals requiring ADA-compliant transportation, advance planning and coordination are essential.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation avenue. These services provide on-demand transportation, offering flexibility and convenience, particularly for individuals unable to drive or needing assistance with transportation. Availability, however, can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent trips to medical appointments.

Medical transport services specifically cater to individuals with medical needs, providing specialized transportation options. These services offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles, trained staff, and assistance with boarding and disembarking. Several companies operate in the area, including, but not limited to, CareRide, MedRide, and American Medical Response (AMR). These services require advance booking and may have specific eligibility requirements. The cost of medical transport can be substantial, so understanding insurance coverage and payment options is crucial.

The “Lung Cancer Score” for Boxborough (01719) reflects a mixed picture. The proximity to Emerson Hospital provides relatively quick access to emergency care and general medical services. However, accessing specialized lung cancer treatment centers in Boston requires longer commutes, heavily reliant on automobile travel and susceptible to traffic delays. The limited public transportation options and the potential for ride-sharing and medical transport availability challenges further complicate healthcare access.

For individuals with lung cancer or at high risk, careful consideration of transportation needs is paramount. Assessing the feasibility of driving, the availability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the potential reliance on medical transport are all critical factors. Advance planning, including scheduling appointments strategically and exploring all available transportation options, is essential.

The overall “Lung Cancer Score” for Boxborough (01719) is moderately favorable. While the community offers a pleasant living environment, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transportation necessitate proactive planning and consideration of transportation logistics to ensure convenient and reliable access to healthcare. The decision to move to Boxborough should therefore factor in the potential transportation challenges and the need for careful healthcare access management.