02719, Fairhaven, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02719, Fairhaven, Massachusetts is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.32 percent of residents in 02719 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.34 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southcoast Hospitals Group with a distance of 13.67 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Fairhaven, MA (ZIP Code 02719)

Considering a move to Fairhaven, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02719)? This assessment provides a "Lung Cancer Score," a hypothetical metric designed to evaluate the accessibility of healthcare resources crucial for lung cancer patients, focusing on transportation options. While not a clinical tool, it highlights potential challenges and opportunities in accessing timely and effective care. We'll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, all critical elements influencing healthcare access.

Fairhaven, a charming coastal town, offers a desirable quality of life. However, its location, while picturesque, presents specific transportation considerations when evaluating healthcare access, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or requiring frequent medical appointments. Our score considers the journey to specialized oncology services and associated treatments, assuming a hypothetical patient diagnosed with lung cancer.

**The Drive Time Dilemma:**

The cornerstone of our score is drive time. The primary healthcare hub for specialized lung cancer treatment is likely to be in New Bedford, Fall River, or Providence, Rhode Island. Driving times fluctuate based on traffic and time of day. From Fairhaven, accessing St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, the closest major medical facility, typically involves a drive of approximately 10-20 minutes, primarily via Route 6 and Route 240.

The journey to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, a more comprehensive cancer center, necessitates a drive of about 45-60 minutes, primarily utilizing Interstate 195 West. This route, while generally efficient, can experience significant congestion during peak hours, potentially impacting a patient's ability to arrive on time for appointments, chemotherapy sessions, or radiation therapy. The stress of navigating heavy traffic can be detrimental to a patient's well-being, further emphasizing the importance of reliable transportation.

Fall River, with its healthcare facilities, presents another option. The drive time, primarily via Route 6, is similar to New Bedford, usually taking between 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic flow. This offers a potentially shorter commute for some residents, offering an alternative to the New Bedford route.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation in Fairhaven, while present, offers limited options for frequent medical appointments. The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides bus service within the area. However, routes are infrequent, and direct connections to major hospitals may be limited, potentially requiring multiple transfers.

The SRTA Route 1, for example, travels through Fairhaven, connecting to New Bedford. While this route could be utilized to access St. Luke's Hospital, the frequency of buses and the potential for delays could pose challenges for patients with time-sensitive medical needs.

ADA accessibility is a crucial consideration. SRTA buses are equipped with ramps and lifts to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the overall reliance on public transit for complex cancer treatment regimens might be less than ideal, especially considering the potential for fatigue and the need for frequent appointments.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, provide a more flexible transportation option. Availability in Fairhaven is generally good, offering on-demand transportation to medical appointments. However, the cost of frequent rides can be a significant financial burden for patients.

Medical transportation services, such as First Transit and other specialized providers, cater specifically to patients with medical needs. These services offer door-to-door transportation, often with trained personnel and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. They can be a valuable resource for individuals who are unable to drive or use public transportation. However, these services often require advance booking and may not be readily available for last-minute appointments.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" Considerations:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" would factor in these elements:

* **Drive Time:** Shorter drive times to cancer centers and hospitals would positively impact the score.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** Reliable and frequent public transit routes, with direct connections to healthcare facilities, would improve the score.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** Consistent availability of ride-sharing services, with reasonable fares, would enhance the score.
* **Medical Transport Options:** The availability and affordability of medical transportation services would contribute positively to the score.
* **Traffic Congestion:** Areas with less traffic congestion during peak hours would improve the score.

**Moving to Fairhaven: A Balanced Perspective:**

Fairhaven offers a desirable lifestyle. However, individuals considering a move to Fairhaven, especially those with pre-existing health conditions or a family history of cancer, should carefully evaluate the transportation landscape. While the town is relatively close to major healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing services need careful consideration.

Potential residents should research the availability and cost of medical transportation services. They should also factor in the potential for traffic delays and the impact on their ability to attend appointments.

For a hypothetical lung cancer patient, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Fairhaven might be moderate. While access to healthcare is available, the transportation challenges present potential hurdles. A patient's ability to drive, access to reliable support for transportation, and financial resources will significantly influence their ability to navigate the healthcare system effectively.

Ultimately, a thorough assessment of individual needs and resources is crucial before making a decision about moving to Fairhaven. This includes assessing the availability of support networks, the financial implications of transportation costs, and the ability to manage the logistical challenges of accessing specialized medical care. Careful planning and proactive research can mitigate potential challenges and ensure that residents have access to the healthcare they need. The journey to healthcare access is a critical consideration when moving to a new area.