04624, Corea, Maine Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 04624, Corea, Maine is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

28.57 percent of residents in 04624 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mount Desert Island Hospital with a distance of 11.12 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: A Transportation-Focused Analysis for Healthcare Access in Corea, Maine (ZIP Code 04624)**

The air, crisp and salty, whispers through the pines in Corea, Maine, a coastal community nestled in the heart of Hancock County. For residents of ZIP code 04624, the serenity of the ocean is juxtaposed with the potential challenges of accessing specialized healthcare, particularly when facing a diagnosis as serious as lung cancer. This analysis explores the transportation landscape that shapes healthcare access for individuals in Corea, Maine, considering the critical role of transportation in navigating the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. The goal is to illuminate the realities of healthcare access, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" that reflects the ease or difficulty of reaching essential medical services.

The score will weigh factors like drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. It will also consider the unique challenges posed by Corea's rural setting, including limited infrastructure and seasonal variations in accessibility. This assessment is not just about numbers; it is about understanding the lived experiences of individuals facing lung cancer, recognizing that the journey to healthcare is often as challenging as the disease itself.

**The Road to Care: Navigating the Highways and Byways**

For residents of Corea, the primary mode of transportation to access healthcare is by car. The journey begins on scenic Route 186, a winding coastal road that hugs the shoreline, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic. This road, however, can be slow-going, particularly during peak tourist seasons. From Route 186, the primary route to larger medical centers involves connecting to Route 1, a major north-south artery that traverses the eastern coast of Maine.

The drive to the nearest hospital with comprehensive oncology services, Maine Coast Memorial Hospital in Ellsworth, is approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Corea. This drive, though manageable, can be a significant burden for patients undergoing treatment, requiring frequent trips for chemotherapy, radiation, or follow-up appointments.

Further afield, the Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) in Bangor, offering more specialized care, including advanced surgical options and clinical trials, is a journey of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. The drive involves navigating Route 1 and then Interstate 95, a major highway that can experience congestion during peak hours and adverse weather conditions. The extended travel time can be particularly challenging for patients experiencing fatigue, pain, or other side effects of treatment.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in the Corea area are severely limited, presenting a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles. The Island Explorer bus service, which operates seasonally, does not directly serve Corea. The closest stop would be in Ellsworth, requiring a taxi or ride-share service to reach the final destination.

The Island Explorer bus, when operational, offers some routes that may be accessible to individuals with disabilities, featuring wheelchair lifts and other ADA-compliant features. However, the limited service area and seasonal operation make it an unreliable option for regular healthcare appointments. The lack of consistent public transit underscores the dependence on personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods for accessing medical care.

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

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, in the Corea area is limited. While these services may be available in Ellsworth or Bangor, their presence in Corea itself is sporadic, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is, therefore, not a reliable option.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), play a crucial role in providing healthcare access for individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs. In the Corea area, ambulance services are available for emergency situations, but the response time can be affected by the rural setting and distance to the nearest hospital.

Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services are available through various providers, including local transportation companies and national brands. These services offer transportation to and from medical appointments, often utilizing wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, the availability of NEMT services can vary, and patients may need to book appointments in advance, sometimes facing delays or limited availability.

**Medical Transport Brands in the Area**

Several medical transport brands serve the Hancock County area, including, but not limited to, MedStar Ambulance, LifeFlight of Maine, and local transportation companies. These services offer varying levels of care and transportation options, from basic ambulance services to specialized medical transport for critically ill patients. The cost of these services can vary, and patients may need to navigate insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" for Corea, Maine**

Considering the factors discussed above, the "Lung Cancer Score" for residents of ZIP code 04624 reflects the challenges associated with accessing healthcare, particularly for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis. The score is based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing the most difficult access and 10 representing the easiest.

**Drive Times:** The primary challenge is the distance to specialized medical centers. The drive to Ellsworth is manageable, but the journey to Bangor is more arduous. **Score: 6**

**Public Transit:** The absence of reliable public transportation significantly limits healthcare access. **Score: 2**

**Ride-Sharing:** The limited availability of ride-sharing services adds another layer of difficulty. **Score: 3**

**Medical Transport:** While medical transport services are available, they may be subject to delays and availability constraints. **Score: 5**

**Overall Score: 4**

This score reflects a moderate level of difficulty in accessing healthcare for individuals in Corea, Maine, facing a lung cancer diagnosis. The rural setting, limited public transportation, and reliance on personal vehicles create significant barriers to care. The score highlights the need for improved transportation options, including expanded public transit, increased ride-sharing availability, and enhanced medical transport services.

**Moving to Corea: Considerations for Healthcare Access**

For individuals considering moving to Corea, Maine, and facing a lung cancer diagnosis or a high risk of developing the disease, the transportation landscape is a critical factor to consider. The distance to medical centers, the limited public transportation options, and the reliance on personal vehicles necessitate careful planning.

Individuals should assess their ability to drive, their access to a reliable vehicle, and their financial resources to cover transportation costs. They should also investigate the availability of medical transport services and familiarize themselves with the local healthcare providers.

Choosing to live in Corea means embracing a lifestyle that values the beauty of the natural environment. It also means being prepared to navigate the challenges of healthcare access in a rural setting. By understanding the transportation landscape and planning accordingly, individuals can mitigate the difficulties and ensure they receive the necessary medical care.

The journey to healthcare in Corea, Maine, is a testament to the resilience of its residents. It is a journey that requires navigating the highways and byways, embracing the community spirit, and advocating for improved access to essential medical services. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a reminder of the challenges faced and the importance of ensuring that all residents, regardless of their location, have the opportunity to live long and healthy lives.