04920, Bingham, Maine Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 04920, Bingham, Maine is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.52 percent of residents in 04920 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 28.97 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital with a distance of 31.44 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 04920

The question of healthcare access, particularly for a condition as serious as prostate cancer, becomes paramount when considering a move. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape surrounding healthcare in ZIP Code 04920, encompassing the town of Bingham, Maine. We'll explore the journey to potential prostate cancer treatment centers, evaluating drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation methods. This information will contribute to a "Prostate Cancer Score," a hypothetical metric reflecting the ease of accessing vital medical care.

Bingham, nestled in Somerset County, presents unique challenges regarding transportation. Its rural setting necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles for many residents. The nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities capable of handling prostate cancer diagnoses and treatment are located in larger towns and cities, making transportation a critical factor in the overall healthcare experience.

The primary arteries for vehicular travel in and out of Bingham are Route 16 and Route 148. Route 16, a state highway, offers the most direct route eastward towards Skowhegan, a town approximately 25 miles away. Skowhegan, with its healthcare facilities, including Redington-Fairview General Hospital, is the closest option for initial consultations and potentially some diagnostic procedures. The drive along Route 16 typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Westward travel on Route 16 leads towards the more distant city of Farmington, roughly 50 miles from Bingham. Farmington is home to Franklin Memorial Hospital, which might offer more specialized services or access to specialists for prostate cancer. The drive to Farmington, mostly on Route 16, is estimated at about one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes.

Further afield, the city of Bangor, approximately 80 miles east of Bingham, presents another viable option. Bangor boasts Eastern Maine Medical Center (Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center), a regional hub with advanced medical capabilities. The journey to Bangor, primarily via Route 16 and Interstate 95 (I-95), requires a drive of approximately one hour and thirty minutes to two hours.

Public transportation options in this rural area are severely limited. Somerset Explorer, a public transit service, provides demand-response transportation within Somerset County. However, its service area and frequency are limited, and it is unlikely to offer regular, scheduled routes specifically tailored to medical appointments outside of the immediate vicinity. Confirming the availability and accessibility, especially for those requiring ADA-compliant vehicles, would be crucial.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance of any public transit option is paramount. Individuals with mobility limitations need assurance that accessible vehicles are available and that the service is reliable for scheduled medical appointments. This aspect significantly impacts the Prostate Cancer Score for those needing accessible transportation.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not readily available in Bingham or the surrounding areas. This lack of access presents a significant hurdle for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. The absence of these services necessitates reliance on other transportation options, potentially increasing travel time and logistical complexities.

Medical transportation services, specializing in transporting patients to and from medical appointments, offer a potential solution. Companies like Life Flight of Maine, while primarily focused on emergency medical transport, might offer non-emergency transport services. Other regional medical transport providers may also serve the area. Thorough research is crucial to identify available providers, assess their service areas, and understand their pricing structures.

The Prostate Cancer Score for 04920 is significantly influenced by the limitations in transportation. The lack of readily available public transit, ride-sharing, and the distances to specialized medical facilities create challenges. While the drive times to Skowhegan, Farmington, and Bangor are manageable for those with personal vehicles, the absence of alternative options poses a barrier for those without.

For individuals considering a move to Bingham, the Prostate Cancer Score would be negatively affected by the limited transportation options. This score would be particularly low for individuals who do not drive or have mobility limitations. The score could be improved by the availability of reliable medical transport services or the expansion of public transit options.

The overall healthcare access in Bingham for prostate cancer patients is heavily reliant on personal vehicles. The availability of medical transport services is critical for those unable to drive. The absence of ride-sharing and the limited public transit options lower the Prostate Cancer Score.

The analysis highlights the importance of careful consideration of transportation factors when evaluating healthcare access. For individuals with prostate cancer or those at risk, the ability to easily and reliably access medical care is essential. The limitations in transportation in 04920 necessitate a proactive approach to planning healthcare needs, including researching medical transport options and understanding the potential travel times to treatment centers.

The Prostate Cancer Score, in this context, reflects the combined impact of distance, available transportation options, and accessibility. It is a crucial factor for anyone considering a move to Bingham, or for current residents navigating their healthcare journey. The score would be improved by increased access to public transportation, the introduction of ride-sharing services, and the availability of reliable medical transport options.