02717, East Freetown, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02717, East Freetown, Massachusetts is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.55 percent of residents in 02717 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.18 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southcoast Hospitals Group with a distance of 9.12 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 02717

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as serious as lung cancer, is a multifaceted one. It involves not only the quality of medical care, but also the accessibility of that care. For residents of ZIP Code 02717, encompassing East Freetown, Massachusetts, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial to ensuring timely and effective treatment. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, evaluating the transportation options available for those seeking lung cancer care, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. The ultimate goal is to paint a clear picture of healthcare access for individuals considering moving to East Freetown or already residing within its borders.

The primary challenge for residents of 02717 lies in its relative remoteness. East Freetown, while offering a tranquil lifestyle, is not directly served by major urban centers with comprehensive cancer treatment facilities. This means patients often face considerable travel times to reach specialists, diagnostic centers, and treatment centers. The "Lung Cancer Score" begins with an examination of the most common routes and their associated drive times.

For those with personal vehicles, the most direct route to larger hospitals in the region typically involves navigating the local roadways. Heading west, Route 140 provides a direct link to Taunton, a city with several medical facilities. However, traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times. The Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) is accessible via Route 140, offering a faster, albeit toll-based, route to Boston and its renowned medical institutions.

The drive to Boston, however, is not a short one. Without traffic, the journey can take approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. During rush hour, this can easily extend to two hours or more, making it a considerable hurdle for regular appointments, chemotherapy sessions, or radiation treatments. Similarly, traveling south to Providence, Rhode Island, another potential destination for healthcare, involves a combination of local roads and highways, typically including Route 140 and I-195. This trip can take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.

Public transportation options in 02717 are limited, presenting another challenge for patients. The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides bus service in the region, but its routes are primarily focused on connecting smaller towns and cities. There is no direct bus service to Boston from East Freetown. The nearest commuter rail station is in Taunton, requiring a drive or a combination of local buses and taxis to reach. The commuter rail provides service to Boston, but the overall travel time, including the initial leg to the station, can be lengthy.

The lack of robust public transit options underscores the importance of personal vehicles or alternative transportation solutions. For individuals unable to drive, or those who prefer not to, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a potential solution. However, the availability of these services can vary depending on the time of day and the location within 02717. Furthermore, the cost of frequent rides to and from medical appointments can quickly become a significant financial burden.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to cater to patients with medical needs, are also available in the area. These services, such as MedStar Ambulance and AMR, provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. While these services offer a crucial lifeline for patients with mobility issues or other medical needs, they often come at a higher cost than standard transportation options.

The "Lung Cancer Score" also considers the availability of specialized cancer care within a reasonable distance. While East Freetown itself does not have a dedicated cancer center, several hospitals in the surrounding areas offer oncology services. Morton Hospital in Taunton, for instance, provides cancer care, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, the scope of services may be limited compared to larger, comprehensive cancer centers in Boston or Providence.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not simply about the time it takes to get to a hospital; it is about the overall experience of accessing care. This includes the ease of scheduling appointments, the availability of parking, the comfort of the waiting rooms, and the support services offered to patients and their families. Moving to East Freetown, or any location, requires careful consideration of these factors, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those at risk for developing them.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 02717, therefore, reflects a mixed bag. While the area offers a peaceful environment, the transportation challenges pose a significant hurdle to healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services all contribute to a less-than-ideal scenario for individuals requiring frequent medical care.

For those considering moving to East Freetown, a thorough assessment of their individual healthcare needs and transportation capabilities is essential. They must weigh the benefits of the lifestyle against the potential difficulties of accessing specialized cancer care. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a starting point for this critical evaluation. It underscores the importance of planning, researching available resources, and proactively addressing the transportation challenges that may arise.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a static number; it is a dynamic reflection of the healthcare landscape. It can change based on infrastructure improvements, the expansion of public transit, the availability of new medical services, and the evolving needs of the community. Residents of 02717, and prospective residents, must remain informed and adaptable to navigate the complexities of healthcare access, ensuring they receive the timely and comprehensive care they deserve.