03908, South Berwick, Maine Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 03908, South Berwick, Maine is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.18 percent of residents in 03908 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.99 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is York Hospital with a distance of 8.84 miles from the area.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Healthcare Access in 03908**

The picturesque town of South Berwick, Maine, nestled in the 03908 ZIP code, offers a charming New England lifestyle. However, when considering a move, especially for those over 50, the quality of healthcare access, particularly for conditions like prostate cancer, becomes paramount. This write-up provides a "Prostate Cancer Score" analysis, focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access for individuals in South Berwick.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" here is not a clinical metric, but rather a composite evaluation of the ease and speed with which residents can reach specialized medical care, specifically urological oncology services, for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. This score considers the availability of various transportation modes, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, all critical for timely and consistent healthcare access.

**Driving the Distance: Highways and Roads**

For most residents, personal vehicles will be the primary mode of transportation. South Berwick's location, while beautiful, presents some transportation challenges. The primary arteries for accessing healthcare are US Route 1 and Route 236. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours.

The drive to Portsmouth Regional Hospital in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a major healthcare hub, is approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. This route utilizes Route 236 to the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) and then to the hospital. The drive to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover, New Hampshire, another crucial healthcare provider, is also around 20-30 minutes, using Route 236 to Route 4.

For more specialized care, such as at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, the drive is significantly longer, approximately 2-3 hours, primarily via the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) to the Everett Turnpike (Route 93) and then to Route 89. This longer travel time highlights the importance of considering proximity to specialized cancer care when evaluating a move to South Berwick.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options within the 03908 ZIP code are limited. The Greater Seacoast Public Transportation (Coast) provides bus services in the region, but routes directly serving South Berwick are infrequent and may not align with the needs of individuals requiring frequent medical appointments.

Route 1 provides limited service through South Berwick, but its schedules are not optimized for healthcare access. The buses are not equipped with features such as wheelchair lifts or ramps, which is a major barrier to healthcare access for individuals with mobility limitations. The lack of frequent service and ADA-compliant features significantly impacts the "Prostate Cancer Score" for those reliant on public transit.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can vary. Availability may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability can be a significant barrier to accessing timely medical care.

Medical transport services, such as SeniorCare and FirstLight Home Care, offer specialized transportation for medical appointments. These services are often designed to accommodate individuals with mobility issues and can provide door-to-door service. However, they can be expensive, and availability may be limited, particularly for short-notice appointments.

**Impact on the "Prostate Cancer Score"**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for 03908 is moderately impacted by the transportation landscape. The proximity to hospitals in Portsmouth and Dover is a positive factor, but the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options present challenges. The longer travel times to specialized cancer centers further reduce the score.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services adds a layer of support, but their limitations in terms of cost, reliability, and availability impact the overall score. For individuals considering a move to South Berwick, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and access to healthcare is essential.

**Moving to South Berwick: A Healthcare Perspective**

For individuals diagnosed with or at high risk for prostate cancer, the decision to move to South Berwick requires careful consideration. While the town offers a desirable lifestyle, the transportation infrastructure and the availability of specialized medical care must be thoroughly evaluated.

Individuals should investigate the proximity of urologists and oncologists, the ease of scheduling appointments, and the cost of transportation. They should also consider the availability of support services, such as home healthcare and caregiver assistance, to ensure they can maintain their quality of life while managing their healthcare needs.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" serves as a guide, highlighting the importance of transportation and healthcare access in South Berwick. By carefully considering these factors, individuals can make informed decisions about their move and ensure they have the support they need to thrive in their new community.