02715, Dighton, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02715, Dighton, Massachusetts is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.64 percent of residents in 02715 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southcoast Hospitals Group with a distance of 8.53 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Dighton, MA (ZIP Code 02715)**

The specter of lung cancer casts a long shadow, demanding swift and efficient access to specialized care. This report delves into the intricate web of transportation options available to residents of Dighton, Massachusetts (ZIP code 02715), assessing their impact on healthcare access, specifically for individuals facing a potential lung cancer diagnosis. We aim to illuminate the pathways to vital medical resources, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, ultimately providing a "Lung Cancer Score" that reflects the ease and efficiency of reaching critical healthcare facilities. This information is crucial for current residents and those contemplating moving to Dighton, offering a clear picture of the transportation landscape.

Dighton, a town nestled in Bristol County, presents a unique transportation challenge. While offering a tranquil suburban setting, its proximity to major healthcare hubs is a critical factor in managing a serious illness. The primary concern is the time required to reach specialists and treatment centers, a factor that significantly influences patient outcomes. Efficient transportation is not merely a convenience; it is a lifeline.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries**

The most common mode of transportation for Dighton residents is the personal vehicle. Assessing drive times to relevant healthcare facilities is paramount. The primary routes involve navigating major roadways and local arteries.

To reach the closest major hospital, Saint Anne's Hospital in Fall River, residents typically utilize Route 138, a north-south artery that bisects Dighton. The drive, depending on traffic, usually takes between 15 to 25 minutes. Saint Anne's offers comprehensive cancer care, including diagnostic services and treatment options, making it a critical destination.

For more specialized care, including advanced oncology services and clinical trials, residents often need to travel to larger medical centers in Providence, Rhode Island, or Boston, Massachusetts.

Accessing Rhode Island Hospital in Providence requires a journey of approximately 30 to 45 minutes, primarily via Route 195 East. This route is subject to heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours, potentially extending travel times significantly. Rhode Island Hospital boasts a renowned cancer center, offering a wide range of specialized treatments.

The journey to Boston, a more significant undertaking, involves a drive of approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the destination and traffic conditions. This route typically involves Route 24 North, connecting to I-93 or I-95. Boston is home to world-class medical institutions, including Massachusetts General Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, which offer cutting-edge cancer care and research.

The variability in drive times, especially during rush hour, presents a significant challenge for individuals requiring frequent appointments, treatments, or emergency care. This underscores the importance of considering alternative transportation options.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Network**

Public transportation options in Dighton are limited, posing a potential barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides bus services in the region, but routes within Dighton are infrequent and may not directly serve healthcare facilities.

The SRTA Route 1 bus, for example, provides service along Route 138, potentially offering a connection to Fall River. However, this route may require transfers and extended travel times, making it less ideal for patients with mobility issues or those requiring urgent care.

The availability of accessible public transportation is crucial for individuals with disabilities. SRTA buses are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including ramps and priority seating. However, the infrequency of service and the need for transfers can still pose challenges.

The lack of robust public transportation options highlights a significant gap in healthcare access for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. This is a critical consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Dighton, particularly if they rely on public transit.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option, particularly for those unable to drive. However, the availability of these services in Dighton may be limited, and surge pricing during peak hours or times of high demand could significantly increase the cost of transportation.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with healthcare needs, provide a more specialized solution. Companies like MedRide and First Transit offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher services. These services are often covered by insurance, making them a more affordable option for those who qualify.

The availability of medical transport services can be a crucial lifeline for patients with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance. However, the need to schedule these services in advance and the potential for delays can still pose challenges.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Composite Assessment**

Evaluating the transportation landscape, we can formulate a "Lung Cancer Score" for Dighton, reflecting the ease of access to healthcare facilities for individuals facing a potential lung cancer diagnosis. This score considers drive times, public transit limitations, ride-sharing availability, and the presence of medical transport services.

Considering the reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for traffic delays, and the limitations of public transit, Dighton receives a moderate score. The presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides some mitigation, but the overall accessibility is still somewhat constrained.

The Lung Cancer Score for Dighton is therefore a **6 out of 10**. This score indicates that while healthcare access is possible, it requires careful planning, particularly during peak hours. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create a potential vulnerability for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a car.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

For residents of Dighton, proactive planning is essential. Establishing relationships with local medical transport providers, familiarizing oneself with SRTA routes, and understanding the potential for traffic delays are all crucial steps.

For those considering moving to Dighton, the transportation landscape should be a key factor in their decision. Individuals who rely on public transit or have mobility limitations should carefully assess the availability of healthcare access.

Further improvements in healthcare access could include increased SRTA service frequency, the expansion of ride-sharing services, and the promotion of medical transport options. These enhancements would significantly improve the Lung Cancer Score and ensure that all residents have timely and efficient access to the vital healthcare services they need. Ultimately, the goal is to create a community where healthcare access is not a barrier, but a readily available resource for everyone.