04010, Brownfield, Maine Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 04010, Brownfield, Maine is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.82 percent of residents in 04010 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.81 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bridgton Hospital with a distance of 12.29 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Brownfield, Maine (ZIP Code 04010)

Considering a move to the scenic landscapes of Brownfield, Maine (ZIP Code 04010)? While the promise of fresh air and a slower pace of life may beckon, it’s crucial to factor in a vital aspect of your well-being: healthcare access. This analysis provides a "Prostate Cancer Score," a personalized assessment of your ability to receive timely and effective prostate cancer care, focusing specifically on transportation options within and from this rural community.

This score isn’t a medical diagnosis, but rather a practical guide to understanding the challenges and opportunities presented by the local transportation landscape. It considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport options. The goal is to empower you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs should you choose to relocate to Brownfield.

**Understanding the Score**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" uses a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing the most challenging access and 5 indicating the most favorable. This score is determined by analyzing the availability and accessibility of various transportation methods to reach urologists, oncologists, and treatment centers specializing in prostate cancer care. Factors considered include distance, road conditions, public transit frequency and reliability, and the availability of alternative transportation services.

**The Brownfield Landscape: Highways and Roads**

Brownfield, nestled in western Maine, is primarily served by a network of smaller roads. The major thoroughfare is **Route 113**, which runs north-south, providing access to neighboring towns and connecting to larger routes. Heading south on Route 113, you'll eventually intersect with **Route 302**, a major east-west artery. Route 302 offers access to larger towns and cities, including Bridgton and North Conway, New Hampshire.

Driving times are a crucial element of the score. Reaching specialized medical care often necessitates travel to Portland or Lewiston, both of which are significant distances from Brownfield. The drive to Portland, using Route 302 and then the Maine Turnpike (I-95), can take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic. The drive to Lewiston, utilizing Route 302 and then Route 4, is slightly shorter, around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Road conditions, particularly during the winter months, can significantly impact drive times and the reliability of transportation. Snow and ice can make travel treacherous, potentially delaying or even preventing access to crucial medical appointments. Therefore, the score reflects the inherent challenges of navigating rural roads, especially during inclement weather.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Brownfield are extremely limited. The Greater Portland Metro, a major public transit provider, does not extend its services to this area. Local bus routes are virtually non-existent, making public transit a non-viable option for accessing specialized prostate cancer care. This lack of public transportation significantly impacts the "Prostate Cancer Score," as it restricts access to healthcare for those who cannot or prefer not to drive.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration for public transit. Since public transit is not available, the score must reflect this lack of accommodation for individuals with disabilities who may require specialized transportation assistance.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may have limited availability in Brownfield. While they may be present, their reliability and response times can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in adverse weather conditions. This uncertainty poses a significant challenge for individuals needing timely access to medical appointments.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. These services, often provided by companies specializing in non-emergency medical transport, provide transportation to and from medical appointments. However, availability and cost can vary. It is crucial to research and pre-arrange medical transportation options well in advance of any appointments, especially given the distances involved.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Several medical transport brands may serve the Brownfield area, including:

* **Careline Ambulance Service:** Provides non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair and stretcher transport.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Offers non-emergency medical transport, potentially serving the area.
* **Local Ambulance Services:** Local ambulance services may offer non-emergency transport options.

The availability of these services, along with their coverage area and pricing, will significantly influence the "Prostate Cancer Score." Researching and contacting these services to understand their capabilities is essential for anyone considering a move to Brownfield.

**The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Brownfield (04010)**

Considering the factors outlined above, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for Brownfield, Maine (04010) is a **2 out of 5**. This score reflects the significant challenges in accessing specialized prostate cancer care due to the rural location, limited public transportation, and reliance on personal vehicles or potentially unreliable ride-sharing services. While medical transport options exist, they may involve added costs and require careful planning.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

For individuals considering a move to Brownfield, proactive planning is essential.

* **Establish a relationship with a primary care physician (PCP) in the area.** Your PCP can be a valuable resource for referrals to specialists and coordinating your care.
* **Research and identify urologists and oncologists in the Portland or Lewiston areas.** Understand their appointment scheduling processes and potential wait times.
* **Investigate medical transportation options.** Contact local providers to understand their services, coverage area, and pricing.
* **Consider the impact of weather on transportation.** Factor in potential delays and plan accordingly, especially during winter months.
* **Assess your personal transportation capabilities.** If you do not drive, consider the reliability of ride-sharing services or the availability of family or friends to provide transportation.

**Conclusion: Navigating Healthcare Access**

Moving to Brownfield offers a unique opportunity to embrace a tranquil lifestyle. However, it's crucial to acknowledge the challenges associated with healthcare access. By understanding the transportation landscape and taking proactive steps to plan for your medical needs, you can make an informed decision about whether this community is the right fit for you. This "Prostate Cancer Score" serves as a starting point, encouraging you to research and prepare for your healthcare needs. The key to successful healthcare access in Brownfield, and any rural area, is proactive planning, careful consideration of transportation options, and a commitment to prioritizing your health and well-being.