02882, Narragansett, Rhode Island Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02882, Narragansett, Rhode Island is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.89 percent of residents in 02882 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.77 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is South County Hospital Inc with a distance of 2.09 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Narragansett (ZIP Code 02882)

Considering a move to the charming coastal town of Narragansett, Rhode Island (ZIP code 02882)? Beyond the allure of ocean breezes and sandy shores, it's crucial to assess your access to healthcare, particularly if you're concerned about lung cancer. This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score," a subjective measure considering transportation options and potential drive times to vital medical facilities. It aims to illuminate the realities of healthcare access in this beautiful locale.

Narragansett, a town of approximately 15,000 residents, offers a relatively tranquil environment. However, its location on a peninsula presents unique challenges regarding transportation and healthcare access. This is especially critical for individuals requiring frequent medical appointments, such as those undergoing lung cancer treatment. The score will evaluate the ease of reaching diagnostic centers, oncology specialists, and hospitals equipped to manage lung cancer.

**The Score's Foundation:**

The Lung Cancer Score is not a scientific metric. It considers factors like drive times, public transportation reliability, ride-sharing availability, and the presence of medical transport services. It's a qualitative assessment, providing a snapshot of the transportation landscape and potential barriers to accessing timely and effective lung cancer care. The score ranges from "Excellent" to "Poor," with each level reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching crucial healthcare resources.

**Transportation Landscape:**

The primary mode of transportation in Narragansett is the personal vehicle. While the town boasts scenic drives, the limited public transit options and the potential for traffic congestion during peak seasons must be considered. The major thoroughfare serving Narragansett is **Route 1A**, which connects to **Route 1** (the Boston Post Road), the primary north-south artery in Rhode Island. Navigating these roads during summer weekends, when tourists flock to the beaches, can significantly increase travel times.

**Drive Times and Destinations:**

The closest hospital with comprehensive cancer care is **South County Hospital** in Wakefield, approximately a 15-20 minute drive from most parts of Narragansett via **Route 1A** and **Route 1**. This facility offers a cancer center with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology services. The drive is generally straightforward, but traffic can be a factor.

For specialized lung cancer treatment, including advanced procedures and clinical trials, residents may need to travel to hospitals in Providence, Rhode Island's capital. **Rhode Island Hospital** and **The Miriam Hospital**, both part of Lifespan, offer comprehensive cancer care. The drive to Providence, roughly 30-45 minutes via **Route 1** and **Interstate 95 (I-95)**, can be significantly impacted by traffic, especially during rush hour.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) provides bus service to Narragansett. The **Route 64** bus connects Narragansett to Wakefield and Kingston, where connections to other routes are available. However, this route operates with limited frequency, especially on weekends and evenings. The reliability of public transit can be a concern, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring timely medical appointments. ADA-accessible buses are available, but the overall accessibility and convenience of public transit for cancer patients are limited.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Narragansett, offering an alternative to driving. However, availability can be variable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability could present challenges for scheduled appointments.

Medical transport services, such as **American Medical Response (AMR)** and smaller private companies, provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services are crucial for individuals unable to drive or utilize public transit. They offer door-to-door service, but costs can be substantial, and advance booking is often required.

**The Lung Cancer Score for Narragansett (02882):**

Considering the factors above, the Lung Cancer Score for Narragansett, Rhode Island (02882) is **"Fair."**

**Justification:**

While South County Hospital offers convenient access to cancer care, the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for traffic congestion introduce some challenges. The limited public transit options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services further complicate matters. The need to travel to Providence for specialized care adds to the transportation burden. The availability of medical transport services mitigates some of the difficulties, but their cost and the need for advance booking remain significant considerations.

**Implications for Moving to Narragansett:**

For individuals with a history of lung cancer or those at high risk, a move to Narragansett requires careful consideration. While the town offers a desirable lifestyle, the challenges related to healthcare access must be acknowledged. Thoroughly researching the availability of medical transport services, exploring the potential for utilizing ride-sharing, and understanding the limitations of public transit are essential steps. Planning for potential traffic delays and ensuring access to reliable transportation are critical for maintaining continuity of care.

**Recommendations:**

* **Assess your individual needs:** Consider the frequency of medical appointments, the need for specialized care, and your ability to drive.
* **Research medical transport options:** Identify reliable medical transport providers and understand their costs and booking procedures.
* **Explore ride-sharing availability:** Familiarize yourself with the availability of Uber and Lyft in the area and consider their reliability for appointments.
* **Plan for potential delays:** Factor in potential traffic congestion, especially during peak seasons, when scheduling appointments.
* **Consider proximity to healthcare facilities:** If possible, choose a residence closer to South County Hospital or other essential medical services.

Moving to Narragansett is a significant decision. By carefully evaluating the healthcare access landscape and planning accordingly, individuals can make informed choices and ensure they receive the necessary care. This Lung Cancer Score provides a starting point for that critical assessment, promoting informed decision-making regarding healthcare access and transportation in this beautiful coastal community.