02764, North Dighton, Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 02764, North Dighton, Massachusetts is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.53 percent of residents in 02764 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Morton Hospital with a distance of 3.74 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 02764 (North Dighton, MA)

The journey to healthcare, especially for a critical diagnosis like prostate cancer, is multifaceted. It encompasses not only the quality of medical care but also the ease with which a patient can access it. This write-up, tailored for residents of ZIP code 02764 (North Dighton, MA), provides a comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options and healthcare access, crucial factors for anyone considering moving to this area or already residing here.

Understanding the geographical realities of healthcare access is paramount. North Dighton, a charming town in Bristol County, Massachusetts, presents a unique set of transportation challenges and opportunities. The "Prostate Cancer Score" for 02764 considers drive times to key medical facilities, public transportation availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport services. This analysis aims to provide a clear picture for residents, helping them navigate their healthcare journey with greater confidence.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries of Healthcare**

The primary mode of transportation for most residents is the personal vehicle. Therefore, understanding drive times to hospitals and specialized cancer centers is essential. From North Dighton, the most direct route to major healthcare providers involves navigating a network of highways and local roads.

Heading east, a trip to Morton Hospital in Taunton, a common first stop for many seeking medical attention, typically takes about 15-20 minutes. The route primarily utilizes Route 138, a well-maintained road that offers relatively smooth travel. Traffic is usually manageable, but rush hour can add delays.

For more specialized care, including prostate cancer treatment, patients often need to travel further. To access the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, a nationally renowned cancer center, the journey is significantly longer, typically taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic. The primary route involves taking Route 24 North, then merging onto I-93 North. The I-93 corridor can be notoriously congested, particularly during peak commuting hours, potentially extending travel times considerably.

Another option is to travel south to Rhode Island, which provides access to facilities like Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. This journey involves taking Route 138 South and then connecting to I-95 North. The drive time to Providence is generally around 30-45 minutes, again contingent on traffic conditions.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" acknowledges the importance of these drive times. Longer travel times can be stressful for patients, especially those undergoing treatment. The score considers the potential impact of traffic, road conditions, and the overall distance to essential medical facilities.

**Public Transportation: A Limited but Present Option**

While the reliance on personal vehicles is high in North Dighton, public transportation offers a limited alternative. The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides bus service in the area. However, service frequency and routes are limited, and the routes are not always direct to major medical centers.

The SRTA Route 12, for instance, connects Taunton with Fall River, passing through North Dighton. While this route can be used to reach Taunton, it does not directly serve any major hospitals. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial factor for patients with mobility limitations. SRTA does provide ADA-accessible buses on all routes, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access public transportation.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" assesses the practicality of public transportation. The limited service frequency, indirect routes, and potential for longer travel times are all considered. While public transportation provides an option, it may not be a viable solution for all patients, particularly those requiring frequent appointments or experiencing mobility issues.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the North Dighton area. These services can provide a convenient alternative to driving, especially for those who cannot drive themselves or prefer not to. However, the availability and cost of ride-sharing can vary, especially during peak hours or in areas with limited demand.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for patients requiring assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door service, assisting with mobility and ensuring patients arrive safely at their destination. Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including companies like MedStar and American Medical Response.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" evaluates the accessibility and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport options. The availability of these services can significantly improve healthcare access for patients who cannot drive or prefer alternative transportation methods. The score considers the cost, reliability, and the level of assistance provided by these services.

**Healthcare Access and the "Prostate Cancer Score"**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for 02764 is not a single number but a holistic assessment. It considers the interplay of all the factors discussed above: drive times, public transportation options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services.

The score acknowledges the potential challenges of accessing specialized cancer care from North Dighton, particularly the longer travel times to major medical centers in Boston. However, the score also recognizes the availability of local healthcare providers, the presence of public transportation, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" is designed to provide residents of 02764 with a realistic understanding of their healthcare access. It is a tool to help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare, whether they are considering moving to the area or already residing there. The score encourages residents to proactively plan their healthcare journey, considering all available transportation options and ensuring they can access the care they need.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

For residents of North Dighton, Massachusetts, the journey to healthcare, especially for prostate cancer, requires careful consideration of transportation options. While the reliance on personal vehicles is high, the availability of public transportation, ride-sharing services, and medical transport providers offers alternative solutions. The "Prostate Cancer Score" aims to provide a comprehensive assessment, empowering residents to navigate the healthcare landscape with greater awareness and confidence. By understanding the transportation challenges and opportunities, individuals can proactively plan their healthcare journey, ensuring they receive the timely and appropriate care they deserve. The decision to move to North Dighton, or to continue living here, should include a thorough understanding of these critical factors.