02671, West Harwich, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 02671, West Harwich, Massachusetts is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

76.60 percent of residents in 02671 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cape Cod Healthcare with a distance of 8.53 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 02671 (West Harwich, MA)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a condition as serious as breast cancer, is more than just a medical appointment; it's a complex equation of time, distance, and available **transportation**. Understanding the accessibility of treatment centers is paramount when considering a move to West Harwich, Massachusetts (ZIP code 02671). This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score," evaluating the ease of reaching essential medical facilities from this location.

West Harwich, a charming coastal community, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding **healthcare access**. The area's relative isolation, coupled with the seasonal influx of tourists, can significantly impact **transportation** options and drive times, particularly during peak seasons. This assessment considers the primary methods of reaching breast cancer treatment centers, including driving, public transit, and ride-sharing services.

**Driving: The Primary Route**

For residents of 02671, driving is the most common method of **transportation** to medical facilities. The primary arteries for navigating Cape Cod are Route 28 and Route 6. Route 28, a major thoroughfare, provides direct access to several healthcare providers. Route 6, also known as the Mid-Cape Highway, offers a faster route, but can be subject to heavy traffic, especially during the summer months.

The closest major medical center is Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis. The drive to Cape Cod Hospital from West Harwich typically takes approximately 15-20 minutes via Route 28, under normal traffic conditions. This drive time can increase significantly during peak tourist season or during inclement weather.

Another essential destination is the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's satellite location in Yarmouth. The drive to this facility is also primarily via Route 28, and usually takes about 10-15 minutes. This close proximity to a renowned cancer center is a significant advantage for residents of West Harwich.

The Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, a highly regarded facility, is further afield, with its main campus in Boston. Driving to Boston from West Harwich is a considerable undertaking, usually taking around two hours, primarily via Route 6 and I-495. This long drive time necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transit options in West Harwich are limited. The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) operates the "Flex" service, a demand-response system, which may be available for medical appointments. This service requires advance booking and operates within a specific service area.

The CCRTA also provides bus routes, but they are less frequent and may not directly serve all medical facilities. The B3 route, for example, travels along Route 28 and could potentially be used for accessing Cape Cod Hospital. However, the bus schedules and routes may not be convenient for all appointments.

ADA accessibility is available on all CCRTA buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the public transit system. However, the limited routes and schedules can pose a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for those who rely on public **transportation**.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Alternatives**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in West Harwich, providing an alternative to driving or public transit. However, availability can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or during inclement weather. Ride-sharing fares can also be a significant expense, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services offer specialized **transportation** for patients with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door service, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. Several medical transport providers serve the Cape Cod area, including SeniorCare and Cape Cod Healthcare. These services typically require pre-booking and may involve a higher cost than ride-sharing.

**Breast Cancer Score: Assessing Accessibility**

The Breast Cancer Score for 02671 is based on several factors: drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing accessibility, and the proximity of specialized cancer treatment centers.

The proximity to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's satellite location in Yarmouth is a significant advantage, contributing positively to the score. The relatively short drive time to Cape Cod Hospital is also a positive factor.

However, the limited public transit options and the potential for increased drive times during peak season or inclement weather detract from the score. The availability and cost of ride-sharing services also need to be considered.

The long drive time to Boston's Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center is a significant challenge, requiring careful planning and potentially impacting the overall score.

**Moving to West Harwich: Considerations**

For individuals considering **moving to West Harwich** and concerned about **healthcare access**, the following factors should be carefully considered:

* **Proximity to Treatment Centers:** The proximity to Dana-Farber and Cape Cod Hospital is a significant advantage.
* **Transportation Options:** Assess your ability to drive, utilize ride-sharing services, or rely on medical transport.
* **Traffic Conditions:** Factor in potential delays during peak season or inclement weather.
* **Public Transit Limitations:** Recognize the limitations of public transit and its impact on **healthcare access**.
* **Financial Considerations:** Evaluate the costs associated with **transportation**, including driving expenses, ride-sharing fares, and medical transport fees.

**Conclusion**

The Breast Cancer Score for 02671 reflects a mixed picture regarding **healthcare access**. While the proximity to local medical facilities is a significant advantage, the limitations of public transit and the potential for increased drive times pose challenges. Careful consideration of these factors is essential for anyone considering **moving to West Harwich** and prioritizing convenient access to breast cancer treatment.