02723, Fall River, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02723, Fall River, Massachusetts is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.72 percent of residents in 02723 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.52 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southcoast Hospitals Group with a distance of 1.24 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Transportation and Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 02723**

Navigating the complexities of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment requires more than just medical expertise; it demands reliable and accessible transportation. For residents of Fall River, Massachusetts, ZIP Code 02723, the availability of transportation options significantly impacts their healthcare access, influencing everything from initial screenings to ongoing treatment and follow-up appointments. This analysis assesses the transportation landscape, assigning a Lung Cancer Score based on commute times, public transit viability, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals in this community.

The primary determinant of a high Lung Cancer Score is swift access to quality healthcare facilities. In Fall River, the most prominent healthcare providers for lung cancer care are likely to be Saint Anne's Hospital and Charlton Memorial Hospital, both within a reasonable driving distance. Driving times, however, can fluctuate dramatically depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

A drive to Saint Anne's Hospital from various points within 02723 typically involves navigating the city streets and potentially encountering congestion on major arteries. The most direct routes often involve taking roads like Highland Avenue, Pleasant Street, and North Main Street. During peak hours, these routes can become heavily congested, potentially extending travel times. Similarly, access to Charlton Memorial Hospital requires navigating city streets, including South Main Street and President Avenue.

The presence of major highways, like Interstate 195 (I-195), offers a faster route to healthcare facilities located outside of Fall River, such as hospitals in Providence, Rhode Island. However, the reliance on highways also introduces potential barriers. Traffic accidents on I-195 can cause significant delays, and the availability of parking at hospitals can be another hurdle, especially for patients with mobility issues. Therefore, the Lung Cancer Score considers the reliability and predictability of these driving times.

Public transportation in Fall River, while present, presents challenges for those seeking healthcare access. The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) operates several bus routes within the city. Some routes, such as the Route 1 (North Main Street) and Route 2 (South Main Street), provide access to areas where healthcare facilities are located. However, the frequency of these routes, particularly during evenings and weekends, may be limited, making it difficult for patients to attend appointments or receive timely care.

ADA accessibility is a crucial factor in evaluating public transit options. SRTA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other accessibility features, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can utilize the service. However, the overall efficiency of the public transit system, including the distance to bus stops from residences and the potential for lengthy travel times, significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score. The score must factor in the need for patients to coordinate their schedules with bus timetables.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become increasingly prevalent in Fall River. These services offer on-demand transportation, providing a potentially convenient option for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle. The availability of ride-sharing services is factored into the Lung Cancer Score, considering both the cost and the reliability of these services, particularly during off-peak hours and in areas with limited coverage.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, also play a critical role in healthcare access. These services, often provided by specialized companies, offer transportation to and from medical appointments, providing assistance with mobility and ensuring the safety and comfort of patients. The availability and cost of medical transport services are significant factors in determining the Lung Cancer Score.

The score also considers the potential for patients to utilize family, friends, or community resources for transportation. The availability of informal support networks can significantly improve healthcare access, particularly for individuals with limited financial resources or mobility challenges. The Lung Cancer Score will reflect the degree to which these resources are available and accessible within the community.

A lower Lung Cancer Score would indicate that transportation options are limited, drive times are long, public transit is unreliable, and ride-sharing services are scarce. This would suggest that residents of 02723 face significant barriers to healthcare access, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a higher score would reflect the presence of multiple transportation options, efficient drive times, reliable public transit, and readily available ride-sharing and medical transport services. This would indicate improved healthcare access, allowing patients to receive timely and effective care.

When considering moving to Fall River, and specifically 02723, individuals must evaluate these transportation factors. The Lung Cancer Score provides a valuable tool for understanding the accessibility of healthcare services. It is a crucial consideration for anyone with a history of lung cancer or who is at high risk.

The ultimate goal of this Lung Cancer Score is to provide a clear picture of the transportation challenges and opportunities within 02723. It is to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare access and to advocate for improvements in the transportation infrastructure that supports the well-being of the community. The score aims to be a dynamic assessment, reflecting the evolving transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access in Fall River.