02717, East Freetown, Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 02717, East Freetown, Massachusetts is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.55 percent of residents in 02717 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.18 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southcoast Hospitals Group with a distance of 9.12 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 02717

The decision to move to East Freetown, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02717), is often driven by the promise of a quieter life, closer to nature, perhaps a more affordable housing market. However, alongside these appealing aspects, potential residents must consider critical factors like healthcare access, particularly for conditions like prostate cancer, which disproportionately affects men over 50. This write-up provides a "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access for those living in or considering a move to 02717. The score will consider drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities in accessing prostate cancer care.

The cornerstone of any healthcare access assessment is proximity to medical facilities. In the context of prostate cancer, this translates to specialized urology practices, radiation oncology centers, and hospitals equipped to handle diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Residents of 02717 are primarily reliant on personal vehicles for transportation.

Driving to the nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities involves navigating several key roadways. Accessing the major hospitals in Fall River, such as Saint Anne's Hospital, typically requires a drive of approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This route generally involves taking South Main Street, which connects directly to Route 195 East. Route 195 is a major highway that can experience heavy congestion during peak commuting hours.

For those seeking care at hospitals in New Bedford, like the relatively new and modern Southcoast Health System, the drive is slightly longer, averaging 30 to 45 minutes. This journey typically involves taking Route 18, which then merges onto Route 195 West. Again, traffic on Route 195 can significantly impact travel times. The quality of these facilities is high, but the distance and potential for traffic delays are critical factors influencing the Prostate Cancer Score.

Moving further afield, Boston-based hospitals, renowned for their specialized cancer care, are approximately an hour and a half away, depending on traffic. This trip necessitates traversing Route 195 to I-95 North, a major interstate highway. While these hospitals offer world-class care, the extended travel time presents a significant barrier to regular appointments, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, which are often daily or weekly commitments.

Public transportation options in 02717 are limited, which negatively impacts the Prostate Cancer Score. The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides bus service in the region, but its routes are sparse and infrequent in East Freetown. The SRTA does not directly serve 02717 with a dedicated route. This means that residents would need to drive to a nearby town, such as Fall River or New Bedford, to access the SRTA system.

Even with access to SRTA, the bus routes are not optimized for healthcare access. The routes primarily serve commercial areas and do not directly connect to many of the key medical facilities. Furthermore, the frequency of buses, especially during evenings and weekends, is limited, making it challenging to schedule appointments and return home. While SRTA buses are ADA accessible, the lack of direct routes and the necessity of transfers add to the overall travel time and complexity. This significantly diminishes the practicality of public transit for prostate cancer patients.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible transportation alternative. Their availability in 02717 is generally good, but the cost can be a significant factor. The expense of regular rides to and from medical appointments, especially for treatments like radiation therapy, can quickly accumulate. The reliability of ride-sharing services also comes into play. Availability can fluctuate, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather, potentially leading to missed appointments or delays in accessing care.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to cater to patients with mobility limitations or medical needs, offer another option. Companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and LogistiCare provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services are often covered by insurance, but availability and scheduling can vary. They may require advance booking and may not always be available on short notice. The Prostate Cancer Score must consider the potential reliance on these services for patients who cannot drive or who require assistance.

The Prostate Cancer Score for 02717 is negatively affected by the limited public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially costly ride-sharing services. The drive times to major hospitals and cancer centers are reasonable, but the potential for traffic congestion on Route 195 and the distance to specialized care facilities in Boston pose challenges. The lack of direct public transit routes and the potential financial burden of ride-sharing services further complicate healthcare access.

For individuals considering a move to 02717, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is crucial. Those who are already diagnosed with prostate cancer or are at high risk should carefully evaluate the accessibility of healthcare facilities, considering the drive times, traffic patterns, and the potential reliance on alternative transportation options.

The Prostate Cancer Score also needs to consider the availability of local primary care physicians and urologists who can provide initial screenings, referrals, and ongoing monitoring. While 02717 might not have a dedicated urology practice, nearby towns like Fall River and New Bedford offer specialized care.

The overall assessment of healthcare access in 02717, as it pertains to prostate cancer, reveals a mixed picture. While the area offers access to quality healthcare facilities, the dependence on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential cost of ride-sharing services present challenges. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is vital for making informed decisions about moving to or residing in 02717, particularly for individuals concerned about prostate cancer care. The Prostate Cancer Score, therefore, reflects the need for careful planning and consideration of transportation logistics to ensure timely and convenient access to essential healthcare services.