01569, Uxbridge, Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 01569, Uxbridge, Massachusetts is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.56 percent of residents in 01569 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.65 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Milford Regional Medical Center with a distance of 7.45 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Uxbridge, MA (ZIP Code 01569)

Considering a move to Uxbridge, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 01569)? This analysis offers a "Prostate Cancer Score," a unique metric assessing healthcare access for individuals needing specialized care, specifically prostate cancer treatment. This score considers transportation options, drive times, and the availability of medical facilities within a reasonable commuting radius. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone prioritizing healthcare accessibility, particularly when facing a diagnosis requiring frequent appointments and specialized treatments.

Uxbridge, a charming town in Worcester County, presents a unique challenge. While offering a tranquil lifestyle, its location necessitates careful consideration of transportation options to access comprehensive healthcare services. The Prostate Cancer Score aims to provide a practical guide, evaluating the ease with which residents can reach necessary medical appointments, ultimately influencing their quality of life during a challenging time.

**The Prostate Cancer Score Framework:**

The score is based on a weighted system, considering:

* **Drive Time:** The time required to reach hospitals and cancer centers.
* **Public Transportation:** Availability, frequency, and accessibility of public transit.
* **Ride-Sharing Services:** The presence and reliability of ride-sharing options.
* **Medical Transportation:** The availability of specialized medical transport services.
* **Healthcare Facility Proximity:** The distance to hospitals and cancer centers offering prostate cancer treatment.

Each factor is assigned a weight based on its perceived importance, with drive time and proximity to healthcare facilities receiving the highest values. The final score, presented on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the most challenging and 10 the most accessible), reflects the overall ease of accessing prostate cancer-related healthcare from Uxbridge.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

Uxbridge's location, while offering a sense of seclusion, necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for accessing specialized healthcare. The primary arteries for travel are Interstate 146 (I-146), Route 146A, and Route 16. The Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) is accessible via I-146, providing further connections.

Reaching the UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus in Worcester, a major healthcare provider, typically involves a drive of approximately 25-35 minutes via I-146 North. This drive time is generally consistent during off-peak hours. However, peak traffic periods, particularly during morning and evening commutes, can significantly extend travel times, potentially adding an additional 15-20 minutes.

For access to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a renowned cancer treatment center in Boston, the journey is considerably longer. Expect a drive of approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, primarily utilizing I-146 North, I-90 East, and the Massachusetts Turnpike. This journey presents a significant time commitment, particularly for frequent appointments like radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

**Public Transportation Limitations:**

Public transportation options in Uxbridge are limited. The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) provides bus services, but these routes primarily serve the Worcester area and may not directly connect to major hospitals or cancer centers.

There is a WRTA route that services Uxbridge; however, the frequency of service is limited, and the routes may not be ideal for medical appointments. Individuals requiring public transportation for healthcare access would likely need to combine bus travel with other transportation modes, such as ride-sharing or taxis. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of WRTA buses is a crucial consideration for individuals with mobility limitations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Uxbridge. However, their availability and reliability may vary depending on the time of day and demand. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can significantly increase transportation costs.

Medical transportation services, such as MedRide and LogistiCare, offer specialized transportation for medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door assistance and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, these services typically require prior arrangements and may have limitations regarding availability and geographic coverage.

**Healthcare Facility Proximity:**

The proximity of healthcare facilities is a critical factor in the Prostate Cancer Score. While Uxbridge offers some local medical services, comprehensive prostate cancer treatment, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, is typically available at larger hospitals and cancer centers.

The UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus in Worcester is a primary option, offering a range of cancer care services. The drive time, as previously discussed, is approximately 25-35 minutes. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, a world-renowned cancer center, is another option, but the commute time is considerably longer.

**The Prostate Cancer Score for Uxbridge (01569):**

Based on the analysis, the Prostate Cancer Score for Uxbridge (01569) is approximately **6 out of 10**. This score reflects a moderate level of healthcare access. While drive times to major healthcare facilities are manageable, the limitations of public transportation and the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services can pose challenges.

**Recommendations for Individuals Considering Moving to Uxbridge:**

For individuals considering moving to Uxbridge, especially those with a history of prostate cancer or at high risk, it is essential to carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and transportation requirements.

* **Assess Healthcare Needs:** Determine the specific types of treatment and appointments required.
* **Evaluate Transportation Options:** Consider the feasibility of driving, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the potential need for medical transportation.
* **Factor in Travel Time:** Account for the time required to travel to and from healthcare facilities, including potential traffic delays.
* **Explore Healthcare Options:** Research the availability of prostate cancer specialists and treatment options at nearby hospitals and cancer centers.

**Conclusion:**

Uxbridge offers a desirable lifestyle, but its location necessitates careful consideration of healthcare access. The Prostate Cancer Score provides a valuable framework for evaluating transportation and healthcare access, helping individuals make informed decisions about moving to this community. By understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with healthcare access, residents can ensure they receive the timely and comprehensive care they need. The ease of transportation directly influences healthcare access, making it a critical factor for anyone considering moving to Uxbridge, especially those prioritizing their health and well-being.