01905, Lynn, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 01905, Lynn, Massachusetts is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.45 percent of residents in 01905 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.47 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Winchester Hospital with a distance of 7.33 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Lynn, MA (ZIP Code 01905)

Considering a move to Lynn, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 01905)? This assessment provides a "Lung Cancer Score," a subjective evaluation of transportation options and healthcare access for individuals facing or at risk of lung cancer. While this is not a medical diagnosis, it aims to offer a realistic perspective on navigating healthcare within the city. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, all crucial elements for timely and consistent medical appointments.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is a fluid concept, recognizing that individual needs vary. Factors like mobility, financial resources, and personal preferences influence the ideal transportation solution. This analysis prioritizes accessibility, reliability, and the potential impact of transportation challenges on a patient's well-being.

**Understanding the Score:**

* **Excellent (9-10):** Highly accessible healthcare with multiple, reliable transportation options. Minimal travel time and ease of access.
* **Good (7-8):** Good healthcare access with several viable transportation options. Some travel time may be involved, but options are generally reliable.
* **Fair (5-6):** Moderate healthcare access with limited transportation choices. Travel times may be significant, and reliance on specific modes of transport could pose challenges.
* **Poor (3-4):** Limited healthcare access with challenging transportation options. Travel times are likely to be long, and accessibility may be a significant hurdle.
* **Very Poor (1-2):** Severely limited healthcare access with significant transportation barriers. Reliance on potentially unreliable or inaccessible options.

**Driving to Healthcare: The Road Ahead**

Lynn, MA, is strategically positioned, offering access to various healthcare facilities. However, traffic, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact travel times. The primary arteries for accessing healthcare are the **MA-1A** (the Lynnway), **Route 129**, and **Route 1**.

Traveling south on **MA-1A** provides direct access to Salem Hospital, a major healthcare provider. During off-peak hours, the drive is typically a swift 10-15 minutes. However, morning and afternoon commutes can easily double this time, potentially extending the journey to 30 minutes or more. Similarly, heading north on **MA-1A** towards Beverly Hospital also takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

**Route 129** offers another route to Salem Hospital, and the drive is often quicker than **MA-1A** in the morning. However, the road is narrow, and traffic can be congested. Expect a 15-20 minute drive, potentially longer during rush hour.

**Route 1** provides access to hospitals further afield, such as Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington. This journey is considerably longer, taking approximately 45 minutes to an hour, excluding potential delays. This distance could prove challenging for patients requiring frequent appointments or experiencing mobility issues.

**The Lung Cancer Score for driving is a 6.** While driving offers flexibility, traffic congestion and distance to certain facilities can be significant drawbacks.

**Public Transit: Navigating the System**

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provides public transit options in Lynn, offering a crucial lifeline for individuals without personal vehicles. The **MBTA Commuter Rail** (Newburyport/Rockport Line) has a station in Lynn, providing direct access to North Station in Boston. This is a viable option for accessing specialized care in Boston-area hospitals, such as Massachusetts General Hospital or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The train ride is approximately 20-30 minutes, offering a relatively comfortable and predictable journey.

**MBTA bus routes** serve the city, connecting to various healthcare facilities and surrounding towns. Key routes include the **426, 429, and 455**, which provide connections to Salem Hospital and other medical offices. Bus travel times are often longer than driving, and the routes can be subject to delays.

Accessibility is a critical consideration. The MBTA is committed to ADA compliance, with accessible buses and trains. However, the availability of elevators and ramps at all stations can be a concern. Additionally, the bus routes may not always directly serve the specific medical facilities a patient needs.

**The Lung Cancer Score for public transit is a 5.** The Commuter Rail provides a reliable connection to Boston, but bus routes may present challenges in terms of travel time, accessibility, and direct access to healthcare facilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Lynn, providing a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. These services offer door-to-door transportation, which can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those unable to drive. However, the cost of ride-sharing can accumulate quickly, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services are specifically designed to cater to patients' transportation needs. Companies like LogistiCare and Access Transportation offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, often covered by insurance. These services can provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers to assist patients. However, the availability of these services and the booking process can vary.

**The Lung Cancer Score for ride-sharing and medical transport is a 7.** Ride-sharing offers convenience, and medical transport provides specialized services. The cost and availability of these services are crucial considerations.

**Healthcare Access in Lynn: A Crucial Element**

Lynn boasts several healthcare facilities, including Salem Hospital, a major regional hospital. Additionally, numerous primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care centers are available. However, the availability of specialized cancer care within Lynn may be limited. Patients may need to travel to Boston or other nearby cities for specific treatments or consultations.

**The Lung Cancer Score for healthcare access is a 6.** While local healthcare options exist, access to specialized cancer care may require travel outside of Lynn.

**Overall Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 01905:**

Considering all factors, the "Lung Cancer Score" for navigating healthcare in Lynn (ZIP Code 01905) is a **6**. This indicates **Fair** access. While transportation options exist, potential challenges include traffic, travel times, the limitations of public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing. Patients may need to carefully plan their transportation, consider the location of their healthcare providers, and explore all available resources to ensure timely and reliable access to care.