02762, Plainville, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02762, Plainville, Massachusetts is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.06 percent of residents in 02762 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.61 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sturdy Memorial Hospital with a distance of 5.37 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Plainville, MA (ZIP Code 02762)

Considering a move to Plainville, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02762), and concerned about healthcare access, particularly for potential lung cancer treatment? This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" analysis, assessing the ease of transportation to crucial medical facilities. We'll delve into drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of your healthcare accessibility. This information is vital for anyone prioritizing their health and well-being when choosing a new community.

Plainville, a town nestled in Norfolk County, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to larger metropolitan areas. However, the proximity to healthcare facilities is a critical factor, especially when facing the complexities of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. This score will consider the various transportation methods available, recognizing that efficient access to medical care is paramount.

**Drive Time Dynamics: The Asphalt Arteries**

The primary mode of transportation for most residents in Plainville is the automobile. The town's location provides relatively easy access to major highways, but drive times can fluctuate significantly depending on traffic conditions.

For specialized lung cancer care, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston is a premier destination. From Plainville, the most direct route typically involves taking **I-95 North** or **I-495 North** to **I-90 East (Massachusetts Turnpike)**. The drive, without traffic, can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour. However, during peak commuting hours, this drive time can easily double, emphasizing the importance of planning and flexibility.

Another crucial healthcare destination is the Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, offering comprehensive cancer services. The journey involves taking **I-95 South** from Plainville. This trip, free of congestion, is usually completed in about 30 to 45 minutes. Again, traffic, particularly around Providence, can significantly extend the travel time.

Closer to home, Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro provides essential healthcare services, including oncology. This drive is a significantly shorter commute, typically taking only 10 to 15 minutes via **Route 1A** or **I-95 South**. The ease of access to Sturdy Memorial Hospital is a significant advantage for residents of Plainville, offering immediate care and potential follow-up appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited but Valuable Option**

Public transportation in Plainville is limited, but understanding the available options is essential. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provides commuter rail service to Boston. The closest commuter rail station is in Mansfield, a short drive from Plainville.

The **Franklin Line** provides service to South Station in Boston. While this offers a potentially traffic-free alternative, the commute time is around an hour, excluding the drive to the station. This option is not ideal for urgent medical needs but can be a viable choice for routine appointments.

The MBTA also offers bus services, but routes within Plainville are limited. The **Route 14** bus connects Plainville to Attleboro and provides a connection to the commuter rail. The bus service is not designed for quick travel to Boston hospitals.

ADA accessibility is a crucial consideration for public transit. The MBTA strives to provide accessible services, including accessible stations and buses. However, it is essential to verify the accessibility of specific stations and routes, especially if mobility is a concern.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are readily available in Plainville. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving, particularly for those who cannot drive or prefer not to. The availability of ride-sharing can be a significant advantage for healthcare access.

However, it is important to consider the cost and reliability of ride-sharing services. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can significantly increase the cost of a ride. Furthermore, the availability of drivers can vary, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather.

Medical transport services offer specialized transportation for patients with medical needs. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. Several medical transport companies operate in the Plainville area.

These services are particularly valuable for patients who require assistance with mobility or who cannot drive themselves. However, medical transport services can be expensive, and it is essential to check insurance coverage and compare prices.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **American Medical Response (AMR):** A national provider with a presence in the area, offering ambulance and non-emergency medical transport.
* **Careline Medical Transport:** A regional provider specializing in non-emergency medical transportation.
* **First Transit:** Offers medical transportation services.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Plainville, MA (02762) is a composite assessment, considering drive times, public transit limitations, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport.

* **Drive Time Factor:** Access to Boston-based hospitals (Dana-Farber) is subject to traffic, potentially extending travel times significantly. The shorter drive to Providence (Rhode Island Hospital) and Attleboro (Sturdy Memorial Hospital) is a positive aspect.
* **Public Transit Factor:** Limited public transit options, with the commuter rail offering a viable but time-consuming alternative to Boston.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Factor:** The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides crucial flexibility, especially for those who cannot drive.

**Overall:** Plainville offers a mixed bag regarding healthcare access. The town's proximity to major highways provides relatively quick access to healthcare facilities, but the potential for traffic congestion is a significant concern. The limited public transit options necessitate reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transport.

**Recommendation:** For individuals prioritizing healthcare access, especially those with potential lung cancer concerns, a thorough evaluation of transportation options is essential. Consider the potential impact of traffic on drive times, the reliability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport. Moving to Plainville requires a proactive approach to healthcare planning, ensuring that efficient and reliable transportation is available to meet medical needs. This "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a starting point, encouraging further investigation and personalized planning to ensure the best possible healthcare experience in your new community.