04607, Gouldsboro, Maine Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 04607, Gouldsboro, Maine is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.39 percent of residents in 04607 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.58 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mount Desert Island Hospital with a distance of 8.71 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Gouldsboro, Maine (ZIP Code 04607)

Considering a move to the serene coastal community of Gouldsboro, Maine (ZIP code 04607)? Beyond the picturesque views and tranquil lifestyle, it's crucial to assess your access to essential healthcare, particularly concerning prostate cancer screening and treatment. This write-up provides a comprehensive overview of transportation options and healthcare facilities relevant to prostate cancer care, offering a "Prostate Cancer Score" to help you evaluate your potential healthcare access.

The Prostate Cancer Score, in this context, isn't a medical assessment. Instead, it's a metric reflecting the ease of access to necessary healthcare services, taking into account transportation options and the proximity of relevant medical facilities. It considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options. The score will help you determine how readily you can access prostate cancer screenings, diagnoses, and treatments from your new home in Gouldsboro.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

Gouldsboro, a town nestled along the rugged Maine coastline, presents unique transportation challenges. The primary mode of transportation is the personal vehicle. The town is served primarily by Route 186, a scenic but often winding road that snakes along the coastline. Accessing specialized medical care typically involves driving to larger towns and cities.

For prostate cancer screening, you'll likely need to travel to Ellsworth, approximately 30 miles west. The drive via Route 186 and Route 1 is typically a 45-minute to one-hour journey, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This route is generally well-maintained, but winter weather can significantly impact travel times.

For more specialized care, such as consultations with urologists or radiation therapy, you might need to travel to Bangor, roughly 60 miles northwest. The drive involves taking Route 186 to Route 1, then connecting to I-395 and finally I-95. This trip can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours, again influenced by traffic and weather.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Gouldsboro and the surrounding areas are limited. Hancock County, where Gouldsboro is located, has a rural transit system, Downeast Transportation, which offers demand-response service. This means you must schedule rides in advance.

Downeast Transportation does provide service to Ellsworth and Bangor, but the schedules are limited, and the travel times are significantly longer than driving. Furthermore, the frequency of service might not align with medical appointments. The ADA accessibility of these services is available, but you need to book in advance.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Bangor and Ellsworth areas, but their presence in Gouldsboro itself is sporadic. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is generally unreliable.

Medical transportation services are available, but they are typically reserved for patients with specific medical needs or those requiring assistance with mobility. These services often require pre-authorization and may have limited availability. Companies like LifeFlight of Maine provide air ambulance services for emergencies, but these are not intended for routine appointments.

**Healthcare Access and Facilities:**

The primary healthcare provider in Gouldsboro is the local health center, which can provide primary care services and initial screenings. However, for specialized prostate cancer care, you'll need to access facilities in Ellsworth or Bangor.

Maine Coast Memorial Hospital in Ellsworth offers a range of diagnostic services, including imaging and laboratory tests, which are crucial for prostate cancer screening. Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) in Bangor provides comprehensive cancer care, including urology services, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology.

**Prostate Cancer Score Assessment:**

Based on the available transportation options and healthcare facilities, Gouldsboro receives a moderate Prostate Cancer Score. While the town offers a tranquil lifestyle, the limited transportation options pose challenges for accessing specialized medical care.

* **Drive Time:** The drive to Ellsworth for screening is manageable, but the longer drive to Bangor for specialized care can be time-consuming.
* **Public Transit:** Limited and unreliable, making it an unsuitable option for regular appointments.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Sporadic availability, making it unreliable.
* **Medical Transportation:** Available but limited in scope and requires pre-authorization.
* **Healthcare Facilities:** Adequate screening and diagnostic services in Ellsworth, but specialized treatment requires travel to Bangor.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents:**

If you are considering moving to Gouldsboro and have concerns about prostate cancer care, consider the following:

* **Assess your current health status:** Discuss your prostate cancer risk factors and screening needs with your physician before relocating.
* **Plan for transportation:** Factor in the drive times to Ellsworth and Bangor when scheduling appointments. Consider the potential impact of weather on travel.
* **Explore medical transportation options:** Inquire about medical transportation services and their availability in advance.
* **Establish a relationship with a local primary care provider:** This will help facilitate referrals and coordinate your care.
* **Consider the impact of limited healthcare access on your overall well-being:** Ensure you are comfortable with the potential inconvenience of traveling for specialized medical care.

Moving to Gouldsboro offers a unique lifestyle, but it's essential to weigh the benefits against the challenges of healthcare access. By carefully evaluating the transportation options and healthcare facilities, you can make an informed decision and ensure you have the necessary resources to manage your health needs. The Prostate Cancer Score is designed to help you with your healthcare access considerations.