04057, North Bridgton, Maine Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 04057, North Bridgton, Maine is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 04057 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.30 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bridgton Hospital with a distance of 3.92 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in North Bridgton (ZIP Code 04057)

Considering a move to North Bridgton, Maine (ZIP code 04057)? This picturesque community offers stunning natural beauty, but before you pack your bags, let's delve into a crucial aspect of your well-being: healthcare access, specifically concerning lung cancer treatment. This analysis, we’ll call it the "Lung Cancer Score," evaluates the ease and efficiency of *transportation* options available to residents seeking timely and specialized medical care. The goal? To paint a clear picture of how readily you can access vital services, particularly if facing a lung cancer diagnosis.

The Lung Cancer Score considers several factors. Drive times to major hospitals and cancer centers are critical. We'll examine the availability and reliability of public *transportation*, including its accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. Ride-sharing services and medical transport options will also be explored. Understanding these aspects of *healthcare access* is paramount for anyone, but especially for those at risk or undergoing treatment for a serious illness like lung cancer.

North Bridgton's location in western Maine presents both advantages and challenges. The town's proximity to the White Mountains offers a tranquil lifestyle, but the rural setting influences *transportation* options. While the area boasts scenic routes, the distance to comprehensive medical facilities is a significant consideration. This analysis will help you understand the realities of *moving to North Bridgton* from a healthcare perspective.

**Drive Times: The Road to Recovery**

The primary route connecting North Bridgton to major healthcare centers is Route 302, a vital artery for the region. Heading south, Route 302 leads to Bridgton Hospital, a critical first point of contact for medical needs. The drive is typically short, around 10-15 minutes, making it a convenient option for initial consultations and emergency care. However, Bridgton Hospital does not offer specialized cancer treatment.

For comprehensive lung cancer care, patients in North Bridgton will likely need to travel further. The nearest major hospital with a dedicated oncology department is Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston. The journey to CMMC involves navigating Route 302 east, then connecting to Route 35 and finally to the Maine Turnpike (I-95) south. This trip typically takes between 1 hour and 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Another option is Maine Medical Center (MMC) in Portland, a leading cancer treatment facility. The drive to MMC involves Route 302 south, followed by a connection to Route 302, and then I-95 south. This route, though longer, can take between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes. Traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly extend these travel times, making it crucial to factor in potential delays when scheduling appointments or seeking urgent care.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public *transportation* in North Bridgton and the surrounding area is limited. The Greater Portland Metro, the primary public transit provider for the Portland area, does not extend its services to North Bridgton. Local bus services are scarce, and routes often have limited schedules and infrequent service. This makes relying on public *transportation* for regular cancer treatments or appointments challenging, if not impossible, for most residents.

For individuals with disabilities, ADA-compliant features on public transit are essential. However, the lack of comprehensive public *transportation* in the area reduces the availability of these features for residents of North Bridgton. This presents a significant barrier to *healthcare access* for those with mobility limitations, making reliable private *transportation* options even more critical.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability can vary. While these services offer a convenient option, particularly for shorter trips, their availability in North Bridgton might be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Booking in advance is highly recommended, but even then, delays or cancellations are possible.

Medical *transportation* services provide a specialized solution for patients needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments. Several companies operate in the region, including LifeFlight of Maine, which provides air ambulance services for critical situations. However, these services are generally reserved for emergencies or patients with significant medical needs.

For routine appointments, non-emergency medical *transportation* providers, such as MedStar Ambulance Service, offer a viable option. These services typically provide door-to-door *transportation*, assisting patients with mobility challenges. However, these services often require pre-booking and can be costly, adding to the financial burden of cancer treatment.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Summary**

The Lung Cancer Score for North Bridgton (ZIP code 04057) reflects a mixed picture. While the community offers a peaceful environment, *healthcare access*, particularly for specialized cancer care, presents challenges. Drive times to major cancer centers are significant, requiring patients to allocate considerable time for travel. Public *transportation* options are severely limited, making reliance on private *transportation* essential.

Ride-sharing services offer a potential solution, but their reliability is variable. Medical *transportation* services provide a valuable option for those needing assistance, but they come with added costs. For individuals considering *moving to North Bridgton* and those with a history of lung cancer or at high risk, careful consideration of these *transportation* factors is crucial.

The Lung Cancer Score suggests that proactive planning is essential. Researching available *transportation* options, establishing relationships with medical *transportation* providers, and understanding the potential financial implications of travel are vital steps. While North Bridgton offers a desirable lifestyle, ensuring reliable *healthcare access* is paramount for anyone facing a lung cancer diagnosis. This analysis highlights the importance of considering the practical realities of *transportation* when evaluating the community’s suitability for your healthcare needs.