02720, Fall River, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02720, Fall River, Massachusetts is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.28 percent of residents in 02720 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.50 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southcoast Hospitals Group with a distance of 1.28 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Fall River, MA (ZIP Code 02720)

The specter of lung cancer casts a long shadow, demanding swift and efficient healthcare access. For residents of Fall River, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02720), the journey to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care is inextricably linked to the availability and efficacy of local transportation. This write-up, a 'Lung Cancer Score' assessment, examines the transportation landscape, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities for those seeking timely healthcare within this community. We'll explore drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility in the context of a potential lung cancer diagnosis.

The importance of prompt medical attention cannot be overstated. Early detection and treatment are critical in improving outcomes for individuals battling lung cancer. Delays in accessing healthcare, caused by transportation barriers, can significantly impact a patient's prognosis and quality of life. This analysis aims to highlight the realities of transportation within Fall River, providing valuable information for residents, healthcare providers, and anyone considering a move to this city. It underscores the critical connection between transportation and healthcare access.

**Driving Times and Roadways: The Paved Paths to Care**

Fall River's road network is the backbone of its healthcare access. The most direct route to major healthcare facilities often involves navigating the city's intricate streets and highways. For residents in the northern sections of 02720, accessing Saint Anne's Hospital, located at 795 Middle Street, typically involves a drive of approximately 10-15 minutes via North Main Street or Highland Avenue. Traffic flow is generally manageable, although rush hour congestion can extend this commute.

Traveling to Charlton Memorial Hospital, situated at 363 Highland Avenue, is another common destination. Depending on the specific location within 02720, the drive can range from 5 to 15 minutes, utilizing roads like Pleasant Street and President Avenue. The speed of this journey is highly dependent on traffic conditions, especially during peak commuting hours.

For those seeking specialized care, such as oncology services, a trip to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at the Southcoast Health Cancer Center in Fall River, located at 2030 South Main Street, is often necessary. This drive, also influenced by traffic, can take between 10 and 20 minutes depending on the origin point within 02720. Utilizing roads like Eastern Avenue and Plymouth Avenue, navigating the city's traffic patterns is key to minimizing travel time.

The primary highways serving Fall River, namely Interstate 195 (I-195) and Route 24, offer alternative routes. While I-195 provides a faster connection to Providence, Rhode Island, and its medical facilities, it's not always the most direct route for local healthcare. Route 24, while offering access to Boston, is also less directly relevant for local healthcare access within Fall River. The efficiency of these highways depends on traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours and on weekends.

**Public Transit: Navigating the City by Bus**

The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) operates a bus network within Fall River, offering a crucial transportation lifeline for those without personal vehicles. Several bus routes serve the 02720 ZIP code, providing access to key healthcare facilities. Route 1, for example, travels along North Main Street, offering direct access to Saint Anne's Hospital. Route 2, running along Highland Avenue, provides access to Charlton Memorial Hospital.

These routes, while offering essential services, may present challenges for individuals with mobility limitations. While SRTA strives to provide ADA-accessible buses, the frequency of service and the potential for overcrowding can impact the comfort and convenience of travel. The time required for a bus journey can be significantly longer than a car ride, potentially impacting the timeliness of healthcare appointments.

Moreover, the bus schedules may not always align perfectly with the needs of patients undergoing treatment or requiring frequent medical visits. The dependence on fixed routes and schedules can also limit flexibility, especially for those requiring specialized care or facing unexpected medical needs.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Alternative Avenues**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become increasingly prevalent in Fall River, offering an alternative to driving or relying on public transit. These services provide on-demand transportation, potentially reducing wait times and offering door-to-door service. However, the availability and cost of ride-sharing can vary, particularly during peak hours or in areas with limited driver availability.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to cater to the needs of patients, offer another option. Companies like MedStar and Access Medical Transportation provide specialized transportation, often equipped with medical personnel and equipment. These services are particularly valuable for patients with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance during transport. However, these services often require pre-booking and can be more expensive than other transportation options.

**The Score: A Synthesis of Transportation Realities**

The 'Lung Cancer Score' for Fall River (ZIP Code 02720) reflects a complex interplay of factors. While the city offers multiple transportation options, including driving, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, the efficiency and accessibility of these options vary.

The relatively short drive times to local hospitals, particularly Saint Anne's and Charlton Memorial, offer a degree of convenience for those with access to a car. However, traffic congestion can impact these times, particularly during peak hours. The SRTA bus network provides a vital service, but the limitations of fixed routes, schedules, and potential accessibility challenges must be considered. Ride-sharing services offer flexibility, but availability and cost can be factors. Medical transport services provide specialized care but come with associated costs.

**Moving to Fall River: A Healthcare Consideration**

For individuals considering a move to Fall River, particularly those with a history of lung cancer or other respiratory illnesses, the availability and reliability of transportation are crucial factors. The proximity to healthcare facilities is a significant advantage, but the ability to navigate the city's transportation infrastructure is equally important. Assessing the accessibility of public transit, the availability and cost of ride-sharing, and the potential need for medical transport services are essential considerations.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' for Fall River emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to healthcare access. Residents should familiarize themselves with the available transportation options, plan for potential delays, and consider the cost implications of various choices. Healthcare providers should also be aware of the transportation challenges faced by their patients and work to provide support and resources to overcome these barriers.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that all residents of Fall River, regardless of their transportation situation, have timely and efficient access to the healthcare they need. This requires a collaborative effort from individuals, healthcare providers, and the community to address the transportation challenges and improve healthcare access for all. The 'Lung Cancer Score' serves as a reminder of the critical link between transportation and healthcare, highlighting the need for continued efforts to create a more accessible and equitable healthcare system in Fall River.