01930, Gloucester, Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 01930, Gloucester, Massachusetts is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.45 percent of residents in 01930 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.13 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northeast Hospital Corporation with a distance of 11.03 miles from the area.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Gloucester, MA (ZIP Code 01930)**

Considering a move to the historic fishing town of Gloucester, Massachusetts, and concerned about prostate cancer healthcare access? This analysis, tailored for ZIP code 01930, provides a "Prostate Cancer Score" by evaluating transportation options to key medical facilities. We'll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, offering a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility. This information is crucial for anyone prioritizing healthcare access when choosing a new home.

The score reflects the ease with which residents can reach specialized prostate cancer care, factoring in travel time, cost, and convenience. A higher score indicates better access. We’ll consider proximity to urologists, radiation oncology centers, and surgical facilities, all vital for comprehensive prostate cancer treatment.

**Drive Time Delights and Detours**

Gloucester's geographical layout significantly influences healthcare access. The primary arteries for transportation are Route 128, Route 127, and local roads. Driving remains a dominant mode, but travel times fluctuate based on traffic, especially during peak hours and summer weekends.

For residents in the heart of Gloucester, reaching Beverly Hospital, a major healthcare provider, typically involves a drive south on Route 128. During off-peak hours, this journey might take around 20-30 minutes. However, rush hour can extend this to 45 minutes or longer. Route 127, the scenic coastal road, offers an alternative route, but it's often slower due to its winding nature and potential for congestion.

Heading north, the Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester itself provides some local healthcare options. This facility offers basic medical services, but for specialized prostate cancer care, patients often need to travel further afield. The drive to Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, a renowned facility with comprehensive cancer services, can take up to an hour, depending on traffic conditions on Route 128.

**Public Transit Pathways**

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) offers public transit options, though their impact on healthcare access in Gloucester is limited. The commuter rail, the Newburyport/Rockport line, provides service to Boston and some surrounding communities. The Gloucester station is a central hub.

Accessing healthcare facilities via public transit requires careful planning. From the Gloucester station, a transfer to the Orange Line in Boston might be necessary to reach hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, both offering specialized prostate cancer care. This journey can easily exceed two hours, making it less convenient for routine appointments or treatments.

MBTA buses also operate within Gloucester and connect to neighboring towns. Route 451 provides service to Rockport and Salem, while Route 452 travels to Beverly. These routes offer a more localized transportation option, but they may not directly serve major medical centers. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features on MBTA buses and trains include ramps, elevators, and priority seating, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can utilize public transit.

**Ride-Sharing Realities**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer another transportation alternative. Availability in Gloucester is generally good, especially during peak hours. However, the cost can be a significant factor, particularly for frequent appointments.

A ride to Beverly Hospital from Gloucester might cost $30-$50, depending on demand and time of day. A trip to Boston hospitals could easily exceed $100. While convenient, ride-sharing's financial burden needs consideration, especially for those on fixed incomes or with extensive treatment plans.

**Medical Transport Matters**

For individuals requiring assistance with mobility, medical transport services provide a crucial lifeline. Several companies operate in the area, offering non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from medical appointments.

These services often cater to patients with disabilities, those unable to drive, or those lacking access to other transportation options. Medical transport companies, such as MedStar and First Transit, provide specialized vehicles equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

The cost of medical transport varies depending on distance, service level, and insurance coverage. Medicare and Medicaid often cover some NEMT expenses for eligible beneficiaries. However, individuals should verify their insurance coverage and explore available financial assistance programs.

**Prostate Cancer Score Calculation**

The Prostate Cancer Score is calculated using a weighted system:

* **Drive Time:** 40% (Shorter drive times to specialized care centers receive higher scores.)
* **Public Transit:** 20% (Availability, frequency, and travel time to key medical facilities.)
* **Ride-Sharing:** 20% (Availability, cost, and reliability.)
* **Medical Transport:** 20% (Availability, accessibility, and insurance coverage.)

**Scoring and Interpretation**

Based on the analysis, the Prostate Cancer Score for Gloucester, MA (01930) is moderate. While the town offers local healthcare options, specialized prostate cancer care often necessitates travel to Beverly, Boston, or Burlington.

* **High Score (80-100):** Excellent access to prostate cancer care.
* **Moderate Score (50-79):** Adequate access, but travel time and cost may be factors.
* **Low Score (Below 50):** Limited access, requiring significant travel and potentially higher costs.

Gloucester's score reflects the need for careful planning and consideration of transportation options. Residents should proactively research healthcare providers, explore public transit routes, and investigate medical transport services.

**Moving to Gloucester: A Healthcare Perspective**

For individuals considering moving to Gloucester and prioritizing healthcare access, this analysis provides valuable insights. While the town offers a charming coastal lifestyle, it's essential to weigh the transportation challenges associated with accessing specialized prostate cancer care.

Before making a move, prospective residents should:

* Research local healthcare providers and their prostate cancer services.
* Assess their transportation needs and capabilities.
* Investigate insurance coverage for medical transport and other healthcare expenses.
* Consider the potential impact of travel time and cost on their overall well-being.

By understanding the transportation landscape and proactively planning for healthcare needs, individuals can make informed decisions and ensure access to quality prostate cancer care in their new home. The journey to Gloucester can be a fulfilling one, especially when coupled with a clear understanding of healthcare access and transportation options.