04253, Livermore, Maine Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 04253, Livermore, Maine is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.79 percent of residents in 04253 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Franklin Memorial Hospital with a distance of 15.21 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Livermore, Maine (ZIP Code 04253)

The air in Livermore, Maine, carries the crisp scent of pine and the quietude of a rural existence. Yet, beneath the idyllic surface, residents face the universal anxieties of healthcare access, amplified by geographical isolation. This analysis, a "Lung Cancer Score," considers the critical element of *transportation* in accessing timely diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer, a disease that demands swift intervention. This score provides a nuanced perspective for residents, potential newcomers *moving to Livermore*, and healthcare providers serving the area.

The score focuses on ZIP Code 04253, evaluating travel times and available options to reach the nearest facilities equipped to handle lung cancer care. These facilities include those offering diagnostic imaging (CT scans, PET scans), pulmonology consultations, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The journey to these crucial resources forms the crux of our assessment.

The primary determinant of this score is drive time. Livermore’s location necessitates travel to larger towns and cities. The nearest hospitals with comprehensive cancer care are in Lewiston and Augusta, Maine.

Driving to Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston, a journey of approximately 20 miles, typically takes between 25 and 40 minutes. The most direct route involves taking Route 4 south, a scenic but often congested road. Traffic flow can vary considerably depending on the time of day and season.

Alternatively, one can navigate via Route 133 south, a slightly longer but potentially less congested option. This route offers a more leisurely drive, albeit with a greater likelihood of encountering slower traffic, particularly in the smaller towns along the way. This is a crucial consideration for someone experiencing symptoms and needing swift medical attention.

The journey to MaineGeneral Medical Center (MGMC) in Augusta, a distance of approximately 35 miles, presents a more significant time commitment. The drive usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on traffic conditions. The most common route involves taking Route 4 south to Route 202 east, a stretch of highway that can be subject to delays, especially during peak commuting hours.

The condition of the roads themselves also plays a role. Winter weather in Maine can render roads treacherous, extending travel times and increasing the risk of accidents. This is a critical factor for patients undergoing treatment, who may have compromised immune systems and be more vulnerable to illness.

Public *transportation* options are limited in Livermore. The Greater Portland Metro provides bus service to some areas, but service to Livermore is non-existent. This severely restricts access for those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive.

While the absence of public *transportation* is a significant drawback, the availability of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offers a partial solution. However, ride-sharing availability in rural areas can be unreliable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of these services can also be a barrier for some patients, especially those undergoing lengthy treatment regimens.

Medical *transportation* services, such as LifeFlight of Maine, provide air ambulance services for emergencies. However, these services are reserved for critical situations and are not a practical solution for routine appointments or treatments. Ground ambulance services are available, but response times in rural areas can be longer than in urban settings.

The availability of specialized medical *transportation* services for cancer patients is also a factor. These services, which often involve wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel, can provide a crucial lifeline for patients who are unable to drive themselves.

The Lung Cancer Score considers the impact of these factors on healthcare *access*. A high score indicates a challenging situation, with long travel times, limited *transportation* options, and potential barriers to care. A low score suggests relatively easier *access* to care.

This score is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that reflects the evolving landscape of healthcare *access* in Livermore. It is a tool designed to inform residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the challenges and opportunities related to lung cancer care in this rural community.

The score also takes into account the availability of telehealth services. Telemedicine can bridge the geographical gap, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely. However, telehealth requires reliable internet *access*, which can be a challenge in some parts of Livermore.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 04253 reflects the reality of rural healthcare: a complex interplay of geography, *transportation*, and resource availability. The score highlights the need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare *access*, such as expanded telehealth services, enhanced *transportation* options, and increased investment in local healthcare infrastructure.

For someone *moving to Livermore*, understanding these challenges is essential. It is crucial to consider the practical implications of *transportation* when making healthcare decisions. The availability of support networks, such as family and friends who can provide *transportation*, is also a significant factor.

The Lung Cancer Score is a call to action. It underscores the importance of addressing the disparities in healthcare *access* that exist in rural communities. By working together, residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers can improve the quality of life for all those living in Livermore and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to receive timely and effective lung cancer care.

The score is also a reminder that the fight against lung cancer is not just a medical battle, but a social one. It is a fight that requires us to consider the broader context of healthcare *access*, including the critical role of *transportation*.