04027, Lebanon, Maine Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 04027, Lebanon, Maine is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.55 percent of residents in 04027 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.18 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bridgton Hospital with a distance of 46.01 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Lebanon, Maine (ZIP Code 04027)

Assessing the accessibility of healthcare, specifically for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, is a critical component of understanding the quality of life within any community. For residents of Lebanon, Maine (ZIP Code 04027), this assessment becomes even more crucial, given the rural nature of the area and its reliance on **transportation** to access specialized medical services. This write-up, a "Lung Cancer Score" analysis, delves into the realities of healthcare **access** for potential and current residents, considering various **transportation** options and their impact on timely care. It's a consideration for anyone **moving to Lebanon**.

The most immediate factor influencing a "Lung Cancer Score" is the proximity to comprehensive cancer care facilities. In the context of Lebanon, the nearest major hospitals equipped to handle lung cancer diagnosis and treatment are primarily located in the larger cities of Southern Maine and New Hampshire. These include the Maine Medical Center in Portland, the Portsmouth Regional Hospital in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and the Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford.

Driving times to these facilities are significant, representing a considerable hurdle for individuals facing a potential lung cancer diagnosis. The primary arteries connecting Lebanon to these healthcare hubs are the US Route 202, a major east-west thoroughfare, and the Maine Turnpike (Interstate 95), which provides north-south access. The drive to Portland, via US Route 202 and potentially I-95, can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day. Portsmouth, accessible via US Route 202 and Route 125, is typically a 45-minute to an hour drive. Biddeford, using US Route 202 and secondary roads, presents a 30- to 45-minute drive.

These drive times are, of course, estimates. Unexpected delays, such as accidents or inclement weather, can drastically increase travel time, potentially impacting a patient's ability to receive timely diagnosis and treatment. This factor alone significantly lowers the "Lung Cancer Score" for Lebanon residents.

Public **transportation** options within Lebanon and to these major medical centers are limited. The Greater Portland Metro bus system, while providing extensive service within the Portland area, does not extend to Lebanon. The closest public **transportation** options are the York CountyYork County Community Action Corporation (YCCAC) and the Sanford Regional **Transportation** System. These services, while offering demand-response **transportation**, are primarily designed for local travel and may not be ideal for frequent trips to distant cancer centers.

The YCCAC provides door-to-door service, but scheduling and travel times can be lengthy, potentially adding hours to the journey. While they strive to offer ADA-accessible vehicles, availability can vary. Sanford Regional **Transportation** System offers similar services, with the same limitations. Neither system provides direct, rapid transit to the major cancer centers, making them a less-than-ideal option for patients needing frequent appointments. The lack of robust public **transportation** options further diminishes the "Lung Cancer Score."

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can be a significant concern. Availability can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of frequent rides to and from cancer treatment centers can quickly become a financial burden, adding another layer of stress for patients. This variable adds another negative element to the "Lung Cancer Score."

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like CareRide and MedRide, for example, provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, often with trained personnel and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. While these services can alleviate some of the **transportation** challenges, they come at a cost, and availability needs to be confirmed. The cost can be a significant barrier for some patients, impacting their ability to receive timely care.

The infrastructure in Lebanon, Maine, and its surrounding areas, while offering scenic beauty, is not designed to prioritize quick and easy access to specialized medical care. The roads, while generally well-maintained, are subject to weather-related delays. The lack of sidewalks and bike lanes further limits the options for individuals without access to a car. This lack of infrastructure contributes to a lower "Lung Cancer Score."

Beyond **transportation**, the "Lung Cancer Score" must also consider the availability of primary care physicians and specialists within Lebanon. Early detection is crucial in the successful treatment of lung cancer. Having access to local physicians who can perform initial screenings and refer patients to specialists is vital. The proximity of specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, to Lebanon is also a significant factor. The need to travel long distances to see specialists can delay diagnosis and treatment, negatively impacting the "Lung Cancer Score."

Another crucial element of the "Lung Cancer Score" is the availability of support services. Lung cancer patients often require psychological support, financial assistance, and access to support groups. The presence of these resources within the local community or in easily accessible locations is essential for improving the patient's overall well-being and improving the "Lung Cancer Score."

The "Lung Cancer Score" for residents of Lebanon, Maine (ZIP Code 04027) reflects a complex interplay of factors. While the area offers a desirable quality of life, the limited **transportation** options and the distance to comprehensive cancer care facilities pose significant challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public **transportation**, the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing, and the expenses associated with medical **transportation** all contribute to a lower score.

Anyone **moving to Lebanon** should carefully consider these factors. While the community may offer a peaceful and fulfilling lifestyle, the realities of healthcare **access**, particularly for individuals facing a serious illness like lung cancer, must be carefully weighed. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a crucial reminder that the quality of life is inextricably linked to the ability to access timely and effective healthcare.