02713, Cuttyhunk, Massachusetts COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 02713, Cuttyhunk, Massachusetts is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 02713 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Martha's Vineyard Hospital Inc with a distance of 18.26 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 02713

Understanding the challenges faced by individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in accessing healthcare is crucial, especially when considering a move. This write-up assesses the transportation landscape in ZIP Code 02713, encompassing Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts, and its implications for COPD patients. The goal is to provide a "COPD Score" based on healthcare access, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options. This score will help evaluate the feasibility of residing in this unique environment.

The very nature of Cuttyhunk presents an immediate hurdle. As an island, the primary mode of access is by boat. The distance from the mainland, combined with the limited transportation infrastructure, creates a unique set of challenges for those managing COPD. The remoteness significantly impacts healthcare access, necessitating careful consideration of the available options and their limitations.

**Drive Times and Roadways: A Maritime Perspective**

Direct driving from Cuttyhunk to healthcare facilities is impossible. The journey begins with a ferry ride. The Cuttyhunk Ferry operates seasonally, connecting the island to New Bedford, Massachusetts. The ferry ride itself is approximately 45 minutes. Once on the mainland, the drive to the nearest hospitals and specialized care centers becomes the next hurdle.

From New Bedford, a drive to St. Luke's Hospital, a major healthcare provider, involves navigating a combination of roadways. The most direct route would involve taking Route 6 East, a major east-west artery, for approximately 10-15 minutes. This is followed by a turn onto Route 140 North, which then merges with Interstate 195 East. The total drive time to St. Luke's Hospital from the New Bedford ferry terminal, assuming smooth traffic conditions, is roughly 20-30 minutes.

Further specialized care, such as pulmonary specialists or rehabilitation centers, might necessitate travel to larger hospitals in Providence, Rhode Island, or Boston, Massachusetts. These journeys require significantly longer drive times. A trip to Providence would involve taking Interstate 195 West, potentially adding an hour or more to the travel time, depending on traffic. A trip to Boston would be a multi-hour endeavor, involving Interstate 195 East to Interstate 95 North, and then navigating the city's congested roadways.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options are severely limited in the context of Cuttyhunk. The island itself has no public transit. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) does not service the island. The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides bus service in the New Bedford area. However, these buses primarily serve local routes and do not offer direct connections to Cuttyhunk or the ferry terminal.

The SRTA does offer some routes that could be used to reach healthcare facilities in New Bedford. These routes, such as the Route 1 and Route 2, can be used to access St. Luke's Hospital. However, the frequency of these routes is limited, and the travel time can be significantly longer than driving due to multiple stops.

ADA accessibility on SRTA buses is available, with features like ramps and designated seating. However, the limited service frequency and the need to coordinate with ferry schedules complicate the use of public transit for COPD patients. This lack of reliable public transit severely restricts healthcare access for those without access to private transportation.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: A Critical Component**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the New Bedford area. However, their availability on Cuttyhunk and at the ferry terminal is uncertain and unpredictable. Calling a ride-share service from the island could prove challenging, particularly during off-season or inclement weather. The reliability of ride-sharing for timely medical appointments is therefore questionable.

Medical transport services are crucial for COPD patients. Several companies offer medical transportation in the region, including ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT). These services can provide transportation to and from medical appointments. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and their availability on Cuttyhunk requires pre-planning and coordination.

Medical transport providers, such as MedStar Ambulance, and other private companies, are available in the area. These services are equipped to handle patients with medical needs, including those with COPD. However, their availability on the island and the potential for delays due to ferry schedules and weather conditions are significant considerations.

**The COPD Score and Healthcare Access**

Based on the analysis, the "COPD Score" for ZIP Code 02713 is low. The island's isolation, limited transportation options, and the reliance on ferry schedules create substantial barriers to healthcare access for COPD patients. The lack of public transit, the uncertain availability of ride-sharing, and the cost and logistical challenges of medical transport significantly impact the ability of individuals with COPD to receive timely and consistent medical care.

The drive times to healthcare facilities, while manageable once on the mainland, are compounded by the ferry travel time. The dependence on the ferry, which is subject to weather conditions and seasonal schedules, adds another layer of uncertainty. This makes regular medical appointments, emergency care, and access to specialized services more difficult.

**Implications for Moving to Cuttyhunk**

For individuals with COPD considering a move to Cuttyhunk, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation requirements is essential. The feasibility of living on the island depends on several factors: the severity of their COPD, the frequency of their medical appointments, their ability to arrange for transportation, and their financial resources.

Individuals with severe COPD who require frequent medical interventions or access to specialized care may find Cuttyhunk unsuitable. Those with milder symptoms and the ability to plan and coordinate transportation may be able to manage their healthcare needs, but it will require significant effort and careful planning.

The decision to move to Cuttyhunk should be made in consultation with a pulmonologist and other healthcare providers. They can assess the individual's medical needs and provide guidance on the feasibility of living in a location with limited healthcare access.

In conclusion, while Cuttyhunk offers a unique and beautiful environment, the challenges to healthcare access for individuals with COPD are significant. Careful consideration of the transportation options, the limitations of the island's infrastructure, and the individual's medical needs is crucial before making a decision to move to this remote and captivating location. The ability to maintain consistent healthcare access is paramount for managing COPD effectively, and the "COPD Score" for ZIP Code 02713 reflects the difficulties in achieving this goal.