02748, South Dartmouth, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02748, South Dartmouth, Massachusetts is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.69 percent of residents in 02748 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.33 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Saint Anne's Hospital with a distance of 12.47 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 02748**

The quest for optimal healthcare access, particularly for a condition as serious as lung cancer, demands meticulous planning. This analysis focuses on the transportation landscape within and surrounding ZIP Code 02748, South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, evaluating the ease with which residents can reach crucial medical services. This assessment considers drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and specialized medical transport, culminating in a Lung Cancer Score reflecting the overall accessibility.

South Dartmouth, a picturesque coastal community, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The area's relative remoteness, while contributing to its charm, can complicate transportation to specialized medical facilities, especially for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. The analysis below considers these factors, providing a comprehensive overview for anyone considering moving to South Dartmouth and needing to understand their healthcare options.

**Driving the Distance: Navigating the Roads**

The primary roadways serving 02748 are essential for accessing healthcare. Interstate 195 (I-195) is the major artery, connecting South Dartmouth to Providence, Rhode Island, and westward towards New Bedford. Driving east on I-195 provides direct access to the major medical centers in Fall River, a journey that typically takes between 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Route 6, a more local road, runs parallel to I-195, offering an alternative route, though it often experiences more traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Route 177 provides a north-south connection, useful for reaching facilities in Westport and Little Compton. The drive to major hospitals like St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, typically takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes via I-195, accounting for potential traffic delays.

The drive times to specialized cancer treatment centers, such as the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, are significantly longer, usually taking approximately one hour and 15 minutes to one hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the time of day. This extended travel time underscores the importance of considering transportation options beyond personal vehicles.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public transportation options in South Dartmouth are limited, which presents a significant hurdle for individuals requiring frequent medical appointments. The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides bus service in the area. Route 10, which runs between New Bedford and Fall River, offers service that passes through South Dartmouth. However, the frequency of these routes is limited, with buses typically running hourly during the day and less frequently in the evenings and on weekends.

ADA accessibility is a critical consideration. SRTA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the limited service frequency and potential for long wait times can pose challenges for patients undergoing cancer treatment, who may experience fatigue, nausea, and other side effects. Planning transportation in advance and allowing ample time for travel are crucial.

The proximity of the Fall River train station, which offers commuter rail service to Boston, provides an alternative, albeit requiring a bus connection. The trip to Boston via train can be a longer journey, taking approximately two hours, including travel time to the train station and any necessary transfers.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the 02748 area. However, their availability can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Ride-sharing can be a convenient option for short trips to local medical appointments, but the cost can quickly add up for frequent travel.

Medical transportation services cater specifically to patients with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. Several providers operate in the area, offering services like wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher transport. These services require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit.

Medical transport providers often coordinate with healthcare providers to ensure seamless transport to and from appointments. This coordination can be particularly valuable for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, where consistent and reliable transportation is essential.

**Lung Cancer Score: A Synthesis**

The Lung Cancer Score for 02748 reflects the challenges and opportunities in accessing healthcare, particularly for individuals battling lung cancer. While the area offers the scenic beauty of coastal living, the limitations in transportation pose significant hurdles. The reliance on personal vehicles, combined with the limited public transit and the variable availability of ride-sharing, creates a complex transportation landscape.

The drive times to major hospitals and cancer treatment centers are moderate, but the longer travel times to specialized facilities in Boston can be burdensome. The limited public transit options and the potential for long wait times further complicate access.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides some relief, but the costs and the need for advance booking can be a barrier. The Lung Cancer Score for 02748 is therefore moderate, reflecting the need for careful planning and consideration of all available transportation options.

For individuals considering moving to South Dartmouth, this analysis highlights the importance of assessing their healthcare needs and developing a comprehensive transportation plan. This plan should include a combination of personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, ensuring timely and reliable access to essential medical care. The goal is to minimize stress and maximize the patient's ability to focus on their health and well-being.