02476, Arlington, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02476, Arlington, Massachusetts is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.55 percent of residents in 02476 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.09 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mount Auburn Hospital with a distance of 3.53 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Arlington, MA (ZIP Code 02476)

Considering a move to Arlington, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02476), and concerned about healthcare access, particularly for lung cancer treatment? This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" by analyzing transportation options to relevant medical facilities. The score considers drive times, public transit accessibility, and ride-share availability, offering a comprehensive view of your potential healthcare journey. Remember, this is a hypothetical analysis, and individual needs may vary.

Arlington's proximity to Boston offers a wealth of healthcare options, but navigating the transportation landscape is crucial. Our score will assess the ease of reaching hospitals and treatment centers specializing in lung cancer care from various points within 02476. We'll consider factors like traffic patterns, public transit frequency, and the availability of alternative transportation methods. This information will help you understand the practicalities of accessing potentially life-saving care.

**The Scoring Methodology:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" is a composite metric. It factors in drive times, public transit reliability, and ride-share availability to calculate an overall score. Each category receives a weighted score, with drive time holding the most significant influence, followed by public transit accessibility and ride-share convenience. The final score, ranging from 1 (least accessible) to 10 (most accessible), reflects the ease with which a resident can reach specialized lung cancer care.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

Driving is often the most direct route to healthcare. From Arlington, several hospitals and treatment centers are within reasonable driving distance. Accessing these facilities depends on traffic conditions and the specific location within 02476.

Heading south, the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston, a prominent cancer treatment center, is accessible via Route 2 and the Storrow Drive Connector. During off-peak hours, the drive can be completed in approximately 20-30 minutes. However, during rush hour, especially on weekdays, expect significant delays, potentially extending the journey to an hour or more.

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), another leading cancer treatment facility, is also accessible via Route 2 and the Storrow Drive Connector. The driving time is similar to BIDMC, with similar traffic considerations. The proximity of these major hospitals is a significant advantage for Arlington residents.

To the west, the Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, another option for specialized care, is accessible via Route 2 and I-95/Route 128. The drive time is typically 20-30 minutes, but traffic on I-95 can be unpredictable. This offers a slightly different healthcare access profile, depending on the specific treatment needs.

**Public Transportation: A Detailed Examination**

Arlington boasts a robust public transportation system, primarily through the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The MBTA's Red Line subway provides direct access to Boston and its major hospitals. The Alewife station, at the end of the Red Line, is easily accessible from many parts of Arlington via bus routes.

From Alewife, the Red Line offers direct access to MGH (Charles/MGH station) and BIDMC (Park Street, then a transfer to the Green Line and a short walk). The Red Line is generally reliable, but service disruptions can occur, especially during peak hours or inclement weather.

Several MBTA bus routes serve Arlington, connecting residents to the Red Line and other key destinations. The 77 bus provides service along Massachusetts Avenue, connecting Arlington Center to Harvard Square, where you can access the Red Line. The 80 bus provides service to Alewife station.

ADA accessibility is a critical factor. All Red Line stations are ADA-compliant, offering elevators and accessible platforms. Most MBTA buses are also ADA-accessible, with ramps and designated seating. However, navigating the system can be challenging for individuals with mobility limitations, especially during peak hours.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Arlington. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving or public transit, especially for those who prefer door-to-door service. Ride-share availability is generally good, but surge pricing can occur during peak hours or periods of high demand.

Medical transportation services are also available for patients needing assistance. Companies like CareWell Transportation and MedRide offer specialized transportation for medical appointments, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services often require advance booking and may have associated costs.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" for 02476:**

Based on the above analysis, the "Lung Cancer Score" for 02476 is estimated to be **7 out of 10**. This score reflects the following:

* **Drive Time:** Good access to major hospitals, but traffic congestion can significantly impact travel times.
* **Public Transit:** Reliable Red Line access to Boston hospitals, but potential for service disruptions and challenges for individuals with mobility limitations.
* **Ride-Share:** Readily available ride-share services provide convenient alternatives.
* **Medical Transport:** Specialized medical transportation services are available.

**Moving to Arlington: Considering Healthcare Access**

Arlington offers a favorable environment for those seeking healthcare access. The proximity to Boston's world-class medical facilities, coupled with a decent public transportation network and ride-share availability, makes it a desirable location. While traffic can be a challenge, the overall accessibility to specialized lung cancer care is considered good.

This analysis highlights the importance of understanding the transportation landscape when making a move. Whether you are already in the area or planning to relocate, considering these factors can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare needs. The "Lung Cancer Score" is a starting point for evaluating healthcare access, and further research into specific treatment centers and individual needs is always recommended.