The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 04768, Portage, Maine is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
50.72 percent of residents in 04768 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 27.30 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is A R Gould Hospital with a distance of 23.32 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 04768, Portage, Maine
Lung Cancer Score | 62 |
---|---|
People Score | 93 |
Provider Score | 34 |
Hospital Score | 69 |
Travel Score | 13 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 04768 | Portage | Maine |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 0.00 | 0.00 | 2.13 |
1 Car | 14.77 | 14.77 | 18.39 |
2 Cars | 54.36 | 54.36 | 45.49 |
3 or More Cars | 30.87 | 30.87 | 34.00 |
Vehicular Access in 04768, Portage, Maine
## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Portage, Maine (ZIP Code 04768)
The crisp air of Aroostook County, Maine, often carries the scent of pine and potato blossoms, a stark contrast to the complex realities of healthcare access for residents of Portage (ZIP code 04768). Understanding the nuances of transportation is paramount, especially when considering the challenges of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering the critical link between transportation and healthcare access for those living in and potentially *moving to Portage*.
The "score" isn't a numerical value but a qualitative assessment of the accessibility challenges. It highlights the transportation hurdles faced by individuals needing timely medical care, particularly for a disease like lung cancer, where early diagnosis and consistent treatment are vital. We'll explore the available transportation options, their limitations, and the potential impact on patient outcomes.
Portage, a small town nestled in the heart of Aroostook County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. The nearest major medical facilities are located in Presque Isle and Caribou, both requiring significant travel time. The primary roadways serving Portage are State Route 11 and State Route 161. These roads, while scenic, are often subject to harsh weather conditions, particularly during the long Maine winters.
The journey to Presque Isle, home to Northern Light AR Gould Hospital, is approximately a 30-minute drive under ideal conditions, primarily via Route 11. However, winter storms can easily double or triple that travel time, creating significant delays for patients requiring urgent care or scheduled appointments. This delay can be a critical factor in lung cancer treatment, where timely intervention is crucial.
Traveling to Caribou, where Cary Medical Center is located, involves a similar drive time, also predominantly utilizing Route 11. The specific route and potential delays remain the same, emphasizing the dependency on a single road for access to crucial medical resources. The remoteness of Portage adds an extra layer of complexity.
Public transportation options in this region are limited. Aroostook Regional Transportation System (ARTS) offers some services, but its routes and schedules are not designed to cater specifically to medical needs. The frequency of service is limited, and the routes may not directly serve the medical facilities in Presque Isle or Caribou. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant vehicles, crucial for patients with mobility issues, must be carefully considered.
The ARTS service is a vital resource for some residents, but its limitations in this area are a significant concern. The lack of frequent service and the potential for long wait times can severely impact a patient's ability to attend appointments, undergo treatments, and receive timely care. This is especially true for lung cancer patients who may require frequent visits for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or follow-up appointments.
Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are generally unavailable in this rural area. The lack of these services further exacerbates the transportation challenges, leaving residents with limited options. The absence of ride-sharing forces individuals to rely on personal vehicles, family members, or potentially, medical transportation services.
Medical transportation services are available, but their cost can be a significant barrier to access. These services often provide transportation to and from medical appointments, but the fees associated with these services can be a financial burden for patients, particularly those on fixed incomes or facing significant medical expenses.
Medical transport companies, such as MedStar Ambulance Service and Crown Ambulance, are available to transport patients, but this service is primarily for emergency situations. Their availability for routine appointments is limited, and the cost can be substantial. The reliance on these services for regular appointments can be financially unsustainable for many residents.
The lack of readily available and affordable transportation options significantly impacts healthcare access for residents of Portage. This is particularly true for individuals battling lung cancer, who require consistent and timely access to medical care. The challenges of navigating harsh weather conditions, limited public transportation, and the absence of ride-sharing services create a complex web of obstacles.
The "Lung Cancer Score" for Portage, therefore, reflects a concerning situation. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transportation, and the cost of medical transportation services create significant barriers to healthcare access. These barriers can lead to delayed diagnoses, missed appointments, and potentially poorer treatment outcomes for lung cancer patients.
For individuals *moving to Portage*, the transportation challenges should be a primary consideration. Prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and the availability of resources to meet those needs. This assessment should include a realistic evaluation of their ability to travel to medical facilities, the cost of transportation, and the potential impact of weather-related delays.
The challenges associated with healthcare access in Portage are not unique to this community. Rural areas across the country face similar issues, highlighting the need for innovative solutions. Investing in improved public transportation, expanding ride-sharing services, and providing financial assistance for medical transportation are crucial steps toward improving healthcare access for all residents.
Addressing the transportation barriers is essential to ensure that residents of Portage have the opportunity to receive timely and effective lung cancer treatment. This requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, transportation agencies, community organizations, and policymakers. Only through such a concerted effort can we hope to improve the "Lung Cancer Score" and ensure that all residents have access to the care they need.
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