01913, Amesbury, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 01913, Amesbury, Massachusetts is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.18 percent of residents in 01913 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.06 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Anna Jaques Hospital with a distance of 3.27 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Amesbury (ZIP Code 01913)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as serious as lung cancer, is a critical factor in a patient's well-being and treatment outcomes. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 01913 (Amesbury, Massachusetts), assesses the accessibility of lung cancer-related healthcare services, considering various modes of **transportation**. It aims to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the ease with which residents can access essential care, from initial screenings to specialized treatments. The score will consider drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions, painting a picture of **healthcare access** challenges and opportunities for those **moving to Amesbury**.

Amesbury, a charming town nestled along the Merrimack River, presents a unique geographical profile. Its proximity to larger cities like Boston and Newburyport offers advantages, but also introduces complexities in navigating the healthcare landscape. The Lung Cancer Score will reflect these nuances.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The cornerstone of our assessment is drive-time analysis. The primary thoroughfare serving Amesbury is Interstate 95 (I-95), a major north-south artery. Accessing specialized lung cancer care often necessitates travel to hospitals and oncology centers in surrounding areas. Driving to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, a leading cancer treatment facility, via I-95 South and the Tobin Bridge, typically takes around 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic. This journey is often complicated by rush-hour congestion, potentially extending travel times significantly.

Another critical destination is Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport, a closer option. The drive, primarily via Route 113 or Route 1, averages 15-20 minutes. While shorter, this route can also experience traffic bottlenecks, particularly during peak hours. The availability of parking at these facilities is another consideration, often adding to the overall time and stress of the journey.

For residents in the more remote sections of Amesbury, travel times can be considerably longer, particularly if relying on local roads like Main Street or Elm Street. The condition of these roads and the presence of traffic lights can also impact travel times. The Lung Cancer Score will factor in these variations, offering a granular assessment based on location within the ZIP code.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transit offers an alternative to driving, particularly for those unable to drive or preferring to avoid traffic. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provides bus service to Amesbury. The primary route serving the area is the 15 bus, which connects Amesbury to the Newburyport Commuter Rail station. From Newburyport, commuters can take the train south to Boston.

The 15 bus operates on a regular schedule, but frequency can be limited, especially during evenings and weekends. The journey to Boston via bus and train can take upwards of two hours, significantly longer than driving. ADA accessibility is a crucial factor. The MBTA strives to provide accessible services, but accessibility on all routes and at all stations can be inconsistent. This is a critical consideration for patients with mobility limitations.

The Commuter Rail offers a faster route to Boston, but the Newburyport station is not always easily accessible from all parts of Amesbury. The walk from the bus stop or a parking area to the station can be challenging for some. Furthermore, the Commuter Rail schedule may not align perfectly with appointment times, requiring careful planning. The Lung Cancer Score will incorporate the reliability and accessibility of these public transit options.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer another **transportation** option, particularly for those unable to drive or access public transit. These services are readily available in Amesbury, but costs can be a barrier, especially for frequent trips to medical appointments. The availability of drivers, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with limited service, is another consideration.

Medical **transportation** services specifically designed for patients are also available. Companies like LogistiCare and Access Transportation provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, often covered by insurance. These services can offer door-to-door service, eliminating the need for patients to navigate public transit or drive themselves. However, availability and scheduling can be complex, requiring advance booking and potentially leading to delays.

The Lung Cancer Score will assess the cost-effectiveness, reliability, and accessibility of these alternative **transportation** solutions, acknowledging their role in facilitating **healthcare access**.

**Healthcare Access and the Lung Cancer Score:**

The Lung Cancer Score will be a composite metric, incorporating the factors discussed above. It will consider:

* **Drive times:** Average travel times to major cancer treatment centers, factoring in traffic and location within Amesbury.
* **Public transit:** Frequency, reliability, and ADA accessibility of bus and train services.
* **Ride-share/Medical transport:** Availability, cost, and ease of scheduling.
* **Proximity to healthcare facilities:** Distance to primary care physicians, specialists, and diagnostic centers.

The score will be presented on a scale, with a higher score indicating better **healthcare access**. The score will be accompanied by a detailed narrative, highlighting specific challenges and opportunities for Amesbury residents.

**Implications for Moving to Amesbury:**

For individuals considering **moving to Amesbury**, the Lung Cancer Score provides a valuable tool for assessing **healthcare access**. It helps potential residents understand the realities of navigating the healthcare system, particularly for those with or at risk of lung cancer. The analysis can inform decisions about location within Amesbury, highlighting areas with better access to **transportation** and healthcare services.

The Lung Cancer Score also serves as a call to action. It can inform local policymakers and healthcare providers about areas needing improvement. Increased public transit options, expanded medical **transportation** services, and initiatives to improve road infrastructure can all contribute to enhancing **healthcare access** for Amesbury residents.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for Amesbury (ZIP code 01913) will provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities surrounding **healthcare access**. It will serve as a vital resource for residents, potential newcomers, and stakeholders working to improve the quality of life for those affected by lung cancer. By considering all forms of **transportation** and evaluating the accessibility of healthcare services, the score aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions and advocate for a healthier community.