04628, Dennysville, Maine Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 04628, Dennysville, Maine is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.28 percent of residents in 04628 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Down East Community Hospital with a distance of 17.28 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Access to Care in Dennysville, Maine (ZIP Code 04628)**

Dennysville, Maine, a small coastal community nestled in Washington County, presents a unique set of challenges when it comes to healthcare access, particularly for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. This analysis, the Lung Cancer Score, delves into the complexities of transportation options and their impact on timely care, a crucial factor in lung cancer treatment outcomes. The score considers the availability, accessibility, and affordability of transportation to medical facilities equipped to diagnose and treat lung cancer, painting a picture of the realities faced by residents of ZIP code 04628.

The primary concern for Dennysville residents is the distance to specialized medical care. The nearest hospitals with comprehensive oncology departments are located in Bangor, roughly 100 miles away, and in Portland, a daunting 200-mile journey. These distances translate into significant travel times, impacting the timeliness of appointments, treatments, and follow-up care. The journey itself becomes a formidable hurdle in the fight against lung cancer.

The primary thoroughfare connecting Dennysville to the outside world is Route 1, a scenic but often slow two-lane highway that meanders along the Maine coast. Driving to Bangor via Route 1 typically takes around two to two-and-a-half hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The route passes through several towns, but medical services along the way are limited, making it essential to reach the destination hospital.

For those without personal vehicles, public transportation options are limited. The Downeast Transportation, a regional bus service, offers routes that connect some towns in Washington County, but its service to Bangor is infrequent and not designed for medical trips. The routes, though, might be a crucial link for those unable to drive.

The Downeast Transportation operates several routes, but the frequency and schedules are not designed for the needs of cancer patients. The buses are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including wheelchair lifts and designated seating, ensuring accessibility for passengers with disabilities. However, the limited service frequency and long travel times make it a less-than-ideal option for urgent medical appointments or frequent treatments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are virtually nonexistent in Dennysville and the surrounding areas. The sparse population and limited demand make it economically unfeasible for these services to operate. This leaves residents reliant on personal vehicles, family, friends, or specialized medical transportation services.

Medical transportation services, like MedStar and other private companies, offer transportation specifically for medical appointments. These services typically require advance booking and can be expensive, adding a financial burden to the already stressful situation of a cancer diagnosis. The availability of these services can also be limited, particularly during peak hours or for urgent needs.

The Lung Cancer Score for Dennysville reflects the challenges associated with healthcare access. The lack of readily available transportation options, coupled with the long distances to specialized medical facilities, creates significant barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment. The score considers the following factors: drive times, public transit availability and accessibility, ride-sharing availability, and the cost and availability of medical transportation services.

The drive time to Bangor, the nearest city with comprehensive cancer care, is a significant factor. The two-to-two-and-a-half-hour drive via Route 1 is a considerable burden, particularly for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The journey can be exhausting and can exacerbate the side effects of treatment.

Public transportation offers limited options. The Downeast Transportation provides bus service, but the infrequent schedules and long travel times make it unsuitable for frequent medical appointments. The ADA-compliant features are a positive aspect, but the overall lack of service frequency limits its usefulness.

Ride-sharing services are unavailable, leaving residents reliant on personal vehicles or specialized medical transportation. This lack of options further compounds the transportation challenges.

Medical transportation services are available but can be expensive and require advance booking. This adds a financial burden and can limit access to care for those with limited resources.

The Lung Cancer Score for Dennysville is a reflection of the realities of healthcare access in a rural community. The challenges faced by residents highlight the need for innovative solutions to improve transportation options and ensure timely access to care.

For those considering moving to Dennysville, the Lung Cancer Score should be a critical factor. The lack of readily available transportation options and the long distances to specialized medical facilities make it a challenging location for individuals facing a cancer diagnosis. Potential residents should carefully consider their transportation needs and assess the availability of support systems before making a move.

The score is not just a number; it is a reflection of the human cost of limited healthcare access. It underscores the importance of addressing transportation barriers to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their location, have the opportunity to receive timely and effective cancer care.

The Lung Cancer Score is a call to action, urging policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to collaborate and develop solutions to improve healthcare access in Dennysville and other rural communities facing similar challenges. This includes investing in public transportation, supporting medical transportation services, and exploring innovative approaches to telehealth and remote patient monitoring.

The journey to healthcare in Dennysville is a long and arduous one. The Lung Cancer Score serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by residents and the urgent need to improve transportation options and ensure that everyone has access to the care they need. The score is not just a reflection of the current situation; it is a catalyst for change, driving the development of solutions that will improve healthcare access and outcomes for the residents of ZIP code 04628.