02790, Westport, Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 02790, Westport, Massachusetts is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.20 percent of residents in 02790 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Morton Hospital with a distance of 21.69 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Westport, MA (ZIP Code 02790)

The picturesque coastal town of Westport, Massachusetts, offers a serene lifestyle, yet accessing crucial healthcare services, particularly for a diagnosis like prostate cancer, demands careful consideration. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape within and around ZIP code 02790, assessing its impact on healthcare access and providing a Prostate Cancer Score, a simplified metric reflecting the ease of reaching specialized medical facilities. We will explore the available transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing, to understand the practical challenges and opportunities for individuals navigating their healthcare journey.

Westport's location, nestled along the Massachusetts coastline, presents both advantages and disadvantages concerning healthcare access. The town's relative isolation, while contributing to its charm, necessitates reliance on external resources for advanced medical care. For individuals facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, timely access to specialists, diagnostic imaging, and treatment centers is paramount. The efficiency and reliability of transportation become critical factors in determining the overall quality of care and patient outcomes.

**The Prostate Cancer Score:**

Our Prostate Cancer Score is a composite measure, considering drive times, public transit availability, ride-share options, and medical transport services. It provides a simplified understanding of the challenges and opportunities for accessing prostate cancer-related healthcare in Westport. The score is presented on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing the most challenging access and 5 representing the most accessible.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

Westport residents primarily rely on personal vehicles for transportation. The major roadways influencing healthcare access include Route 6, Route 177, and Interstate 195 (I-195). Route 6, running east-west, provides a direct route to Fall River and New Bedford, where several hospitals and medical centers offer urology and oncology services. Route 177, a north-south artery, connects Westport to Little Compton, Rhode Island, and provides access to healthcare facilities in that state. I-195, a vital east-west highway, offers the quickest route to Providence, Rhode Island, and other major medical hubs.

Drive times are significantly influenced by traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours. A typical drive to Saint Anne's Hospital in Fall River, a facility with urology services, takes approximately 20-30 minutes via Route 6. Reaching Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, another option, involves a similar travel time. The drive to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, a major tertiary care center with comprehensive cancer services, takes approximately 45-60 minutes via I-195, depending on traffic. The journey to Boston, where world-renowned medical centers like Massachusetts General Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are located, can take upwards of 90 minutes to two hours, depending on the time of day and traffic congestion.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Westport are limited. The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides bus service within the region, but routes serving Westport are infrequent and primarily connect to Fall River and New Bedford. These routes are not specifically designed for medical transport, and the schedules may not align with appointment times. Furthermore, the limited frequency of service and the potential for multiple transfers can significantly extend travel times, making public transit a less desirable option for individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

SRTA does offer ADA-accessible buses, equipped with ramps and lifts to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the limited route coverage and the potential for long travel times remain significant barriers for individuals with mobility challenges. The lack of direct routes to major medical centers further complicates the use of public transit for healthcare access.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Westport, offering a convenient alternative to personal vehicles, particularly for those unable to drive or who prefer not to. However, ride-share availability can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Surge pricing, which increases fares during periods of high demand, can also pose a financial burden for patients requiring frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as those provided by companies specializing in non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), offer a more specialized solution. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. While these services can be more expensive than ride-sharing, they offer a higher level of reliability and cater specifically to the needs of patients with medical conditions. It is important to research and compare different NEMT providers, such as MedRide or First Medical Transport, to find the most suitable option based on individual needs and insurance coverage.

**Impact on Healthcare Access:**

The transportation challenges in Westport significantly impact healthcare access for individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the limited public transit options, can create barriers to timely appointments and treatment. Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can add significant travel time and stress, potentially impacting patient well-being. The lack of readily available ride-sharing services, particularly during off-peak hours, can further exacerbate these challenges.

**Prostate Cancer Score for Westport (ZIP Code 02790): 3/5**

Considering the factors discussed above, the Prostate Cancer Score for Westport, MA (ZIP Code 02790) is a 3 out of 5. This score reflects the moderate accessibility of healthcare services. While personal vehicles offer the most convenient option, drive times can be significant, and traffic can be a factor. The limited public transit options and the potential for unpredictable ride-share availability pose challenges. The presence of medical transport services provides a valuable, albeit more expensive, alternative.

**Moving to Westport with Prostate Cancer:**

For individuals considering moving to Westport with a prostate cancer diagnosis, careful planning is essential. It is crucial to assess the availability of specialized medical care in the surrounding areas, including urologists, oncologists, and radiation therapy centers. Researching the transportation options and understanding the potential travel times to these facilities is critical. Establishing a reliable transportation plan, including personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transport, is essential for ensuring timely access to medical appointments and treatment.

Additionally, it is important to investigate the availability of support services, such as support groups and patient advocacy organizations, within the community. These resources can provide valuable emotional support and practical assistance to individuals navigating their healthcare journey. By carefully considering these factors, individuals can make informed decisions about moving to Westport and ensure they have access to the healthcare services they need.

In conclusion, while Westport offers a desirable lifestyle, healthcare access, particularly for specialized conditions like prostate cancer, requires careful consideration of the transportation landscape. Understanding the drive times, public transit limitations, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services is crucial for ensuring timely access to care. The Prostate Cancer Score of 3/5 reflects the moderate accessibility of healthcare services in the area, highlighting the need for careful planning and proactive transportation solutions for individuals navigating their healthcare journey in Westport.