02713, Cuttyhunk, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02713, Cuttyhunk, Massachusetts is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 02713 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Martha's Vineyard Hospital Inc with a distance of 18.26 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 02713**

The specter of lung cancer casts a long shadow, demanding swift and effective healthcare access. For residents of ZIP Code 02713, encompassing the charming town of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and the remote island of Cuttyhunk, the journey to care is a complex interplay of geography and **transportation** options. This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score," a qualitative assessment of healthcare accessibility, focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, crucial factors for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Dartmouth, a suburban community, offers a more readily accessible landscape compared to Cuttyhunk, an island with limited resources. The "Lung Cancer Score" will reflect these disparities, recognizing that early detection and intervention are paramount in the fight against this disease. This analysis aims to empower residents with knowledge, enabling informed decisions about their health and well-being.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

For Dartmouth residents, the primary route to healthcare centers involves navigating the local roadways. The primary artery is Route 6, a major east-west thoroughfare providing access to various medical facilities. Traveling east on Route 6 leads to St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, a crucial healthcare provider. The drive typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

South of Route 6, Interstate 195 offers a quicker, albeit potentially more congested, route to New Bedford. The drive is often faster, particularly during off-peak hours, taking approximately 10-15 minutes. However, rush hour can significantly increase travel times, emphasizing the importance of planning and flexibility.

Heading north on Route 6 leads to facilities in Fall River, such as Charlton Memorial Hospital. The drive to Fall River is around 20-30 minutes, again contingent on traffic. These drive times are crucial considerations for individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of lung cancer, where every minute can make a difference.

For those residing in the more rural areas of Dartmouth, such as Padanaram Village, the drive times might be slightly longer, adding a few extra minutes to the overall journey. The key is to know the best routes and to factor in potential delays.

The unique challenge lies in accessing Cuttyhunk. Residents of this island community face a far more complex **transportation** challenge. The primary mode of access is by ferry, operated by the Cuttyhunk Ferry Company. The ferry departs from New Bedford, requiring a drive to the ferry terminal, which is approximately 15-20 minutes from most areas in Dartmouth. The ferry ride itself takes about an hour, making healthcare access a significant undertaking.

**Public Transit Options**

Public **transportation** options in Dartmouth are available, though limited. The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides bus service within the region. Route 10 serves Dartmouth, offering connections to New Bedford and Fall River. While a viable option for some, the bus routes may not directly serve all medical facilities, requiring transfers and potentially increasing travel times.

The SRTA buses are generally ADA-accessible, featuring ramps and other accommodations for individuals with disabilities. However, the frequency of service and the potential for extended travel times can pose challenges for those needing prompt medical attention.

For Cuttyhunk residents, public transit is virtually non-existent. The reliance on the ferry underscores the island's isolation and the need for careful planning regarding healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Dartmouth. They offer a convenient alternative to driving, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to. However, the availability of these services can fluctuate, especially during peak hours or in more remote areas.

Medical transport services are a crucial component of healthcare access, especially for patients with mobility issues or those requiring specialized care. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, providing ambulance and non-emergency medical transport services. These services are essential for patients needing to travel to and from appointments, particularly for those undergoing cancer treatment.

For Cuttyhunk residents, medical transport services are even more critical. The ferry trip to the mainland adds complexity, and the need for coordinated transport between the ferry terminal and medical facilities is paramount.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Several medical transport brands serve the area, including but not limited to:

* **EMS Medical Transport:** Offers ambulance and non-emergency medical transport.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Provides ambulance services.
* **Careline Medical Transport:** Specializes in non-emergency medical transport.

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

The "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 02713 reflects a disparity in healthcare access. Dartmouth residents enjoy relatively good access, with drive times to hospitals and medical facilities generally manageable. However, the dependence on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services underscores the need for reliable **transportation**.

Cuttyhunk residents face significant challenges. The ferry-dependent travel, coupled with the limited availability of public transit and medical services, creates a substantial barrier to healthcare access. The "Lung Cancer Score" for Cuttyhunk would reflect a lower rating, highlighting the need for enhanced support and resources.

**Moving to Cuttyhunk**

For individuals considering **moving to Cuttyhunk**, the implications for healthcare access must be carefully considered. The remote location and limited resources necessitate proactive planning. This includes establishing relationships with healthcare providers on the mainland, understanding the ferry schedule, and securing reliable medical transport arrangements. The importance of early detection and prompt treatment in lung cancer makes this planning even more critical.

**Conclusion**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 02713 reveals a complex picture. While Dartmouth residents generally have good access, Cuttyhunk residents face significant challenges. Improving healthcare access requires a multi-faceted approach, including strengthening public transit, supporting medical transport services, and raising awareness about the importance of early detection. For residents of Cuttyhunk, proactive planning and strong community support are essential to ensure timely access to life-saving care. The journey to healthcare in this ZIP code is not always easy, but it is a journey that must be navigated with diligence and determination.