02558, Onset, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02558, Onset, Massachusetts is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.97 percent of residents in 02558 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.65 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Falmouth Hospital with a distance of 7.39 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Onset, MA (ZIP Code 02558)

The salty air of Onset, Massachusetts, a charming village nestled within the town of Wareham, beckons with its coastal allure. But beyond the picturesque harbor and welcoming community lies a critical consideration for anyone contemplating a move: healthcare access. This write-up, a “Lung Cancer Score” assessment, delves into the specifics of transportation options available to residents of ZIP code 02558, focusing on their impact on healthcare access, particularly for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. The ability to reach timely and appropriate medical care is paramount, making transportation a vital lifeline.

Our analysis considers the journey to healthcare facilities capable of providing lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. We’ll examine the practicality of different modes of transportation, from private vehicles to public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. We'll weigh the factors influencing each option, including travel times, accessibility features, and overall reliability.

**The Private Vehicle Advantage:**

For many, the private vehicle remains the primary mode of transportation. In Onset, the primary routes to healthcare facilities involve navigating the local road network. The journey to the nearest hospitals begins with a drive along scenic roads.

To reach Tobey Hospital in Wareham, a relatively short drive, residents typically utilize **Onset Avenue**, which merges with **Main Street** and eventually leads to the hospital. The drive, typically taking around 10-15 minutes, offers convenient access to primary care and some specialized services.

For more advanced lung cancer treatment, including surgical interventions, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, patients will likely need to travel to larger hospitals located further afield. The journey to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Plymouth, for instance, involves a longer drive, usually taking between 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. This route involves navigating **Onset Avenue** to **Cranberry Highway (Route 6)**, then onto **Route 44** and finally **Long Pond Road**.

The longest drive involves traveling to Boston for specialized care at hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This journey, typically taking between 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, involves using **Route 6** to **I-495 North**, then connecting to **I-93 North**. This extended travel time necessitates careful planning, particularly for patients undergoing frequent treatments.

**Public Transportation Challenges and Opportunities:**

Public transportation options in the area are limited, presenting a significant challenge for those without access to a private vehicle. The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides bus services in the region, but the routes and frequency may not adequately serve the needs of patients requiring frequent medical appointments.

The SRTA Route 11, for example, connects Wareham to New Bedford, potentially offering a connection to healthcare facilities in those cities. However, the route's frequency may not align with the demands of a rigorous treatment schedule. Furthermore, the availability of accessible buses equipped with ramps or lifts is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations. While SRTA strives to provide ADA-compliant services, the reliability of these features should be confirmed.

The MBTA Commuter Rail offers service to Boston from the Wareham Village station, providing a more direct route to major medical centers. However, the station is not within walking distance of Onset, requiring a connecting mode of transportation. This adds an additional layer of complexity to the journey. The Commuter Rail, while offering a faster travel time to Boston, also has its own challenges, including potential delays and the need for coordinating transfers.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible transportation option, particularly for those unable to drive or lacking access to public transit. However, the availability of these services in Onset can fluctuate, and the cost can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services, such as those provided by MedStar or CareLine, specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often offer door-to-door service and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, these services can be expensive, and their availability may require advance booking.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Perspective:**

The “Lung Cancer Score” for Onset, MA (02558) reflects a mixed picture. The proximity to Tobey Hospital provides convenient access to primary care and some specialized services. However, the need to travel to larger hospitals in Plymouth or Boston for advanced treatment poses a significant challenge.

The reliance on private vehicles, while offering the most flexibility, can be a burden for those unable to drive or facing financial constraints. The limited public transportation options, coupled with the potential cost and availability issues associated with ride-sharing and medical transport services, further complicate the equation.

**Moving to Onset: A Healthcare Access Assessment:**

For individuals considering a move to Onset, the availability and accessibility of transportation to healthcare facilities should be a paramount concern. Prospective residents should carefully assess their individual needs and preferences, considering factors such as their ability to drive, their financial resources, and their reliance on public transit.

Those with a lung cancer diagnosis or a high risk of developing the disease should prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities, explore the availability of specialized medical transport services, and familiarize themselves with the public transit options and ride-sharing services in the area.

The “Lung Cancer Score” is not a definitive rating but a framework for understanding the complexities of healthcare access in Onset. It underscores the importance of proactive planning and the need to consider transportation as an integral part of healthcare management. By carefully evaluating these factors, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensure they have access to the care they deserve. The beauty of Onset, its charm, and its welcoming community should be complemented by a realistic assessment of the transportation landscape to ensure access to vital healthcare services.