01746, Holliston, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 01746, Holliston, Massachusetts is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

38.37 percent of residents in 01746 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.71 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Metrowest Medical Center with a distance of 5.07 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Holliston (01746)

Holliston, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 01746), a charming suburban town, offers a desirable quality of life. However, assessing **healthcare access** is crucial, especially for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up evaluates the **transportation** landscape impacting access to medical care for residents, culminating in a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease of reaching necessary services. This is particularly important for anyone **moving to Holliston**, as proximity to quality healthcare is a significant factor in overall well-being.

The primary challenge in Holliston is its reliance on personal vehicles. Public transportation options are limited, and alternative modes like ride-sharing and medical transport services play a crucial, yet potentially costly, role. Evaluating these factors will paint a clear picture of healthcare accessibility.

The backbone of Holliston’s road network is Route 126, the main artery running north-south. Route 16 provides east-west access, connecting Holliston to surrounding towns. The Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) is a short drive away, offering rapid access to Boston and Worcester. These highways significantly influence drive times to healthcare facilities.

For residents with hypertension, timely access to medical appointments, medication refills, and emergency care is paramount. Drive times to hospitals and clinics become a critical factor.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The closest major hospital is Milford Regional Medical Center, approximately a 15-20 minute drive via Route 16 and Route 109. This drive time is generally manageable, assuming normal traffic conditions. However, during peak hours, particularly weekday mornings and evenings, congestion on Route 16 can increase travel time.

For specialized care, residents often travel to Boston-area hospitals, such as Massachusetts General Hospital or Brigham and Women's Hospital. These trips involve a drive of roughly 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic and the chosen route, often utilizing the Massachusetts Turnpike. This longer travel time necessitates careful planning, especially for individuals with urgent health needs.

Smaller clinics and primary care physicians are located within Holliston and neighboring towns like Ashland and Hopkinton. Drive times to these facilities range from 5-15 minutes, offering more convenient options for routine check-ups and medication management.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation in Holliston is limited. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) does not directly serve Holliston with commuter rail. This means residents must rely on other modes of transport to access public transit.

The MetroMetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) offers some bus services, but their routes are limited in Holliston. The primary routes serving the area are the 1, 2, and 5. These routes are subject to change, so it is essential to check the MWRTA website for current schedules and route information.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration for individuals with mobility limitations. MWRTA strives to provide accessible buses, but it is essential to confirm accessibility features, such as ramps or lifts, when planning a trip. The limited frequency and coverage of MWRTA routes pose a significant challenge for those relying on public transit for healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Holliston. These services offer a convenient alternative to personal vehicles, particularly for those unable to drive or who prefer not to. However, ride-sharing costs can accumulate, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services cater specifically to individuals with healthcare needs. Companies such as Logisticare and Medical Transportation Management (MTM) provide non-emergency medical transportation, often coordinating with insurance providers. These services can be a valuable resource for individuals with mobility limitations or those who lack access to personal transportation. However, eligibility criteria and service availability can vary.

**Evaluating the Score:**

To determine a "Hypertension Score," we consider several factors: drive times to healthcare facilities, the availability and accessibility of public transportation, the cost and availability of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transport options.

* **Drive Times:** Moderate drive times to Milford Regional Medical Center (15-20 minutes) are favorable. Longer drive times to Boston hospitals (45-60 minutes) pose a challenge.
* **Public Transportation:** Limited public transit options, with infrequent MWRTA bus routes, negatively impact the score.
* **Ride-Sharing/Medical Transport:** The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport options provides alternatives, but their cost and eligibility requirements must be considered.

**Calculating the Hypertension Score:**

The "Hypertension Score" is a subjective assessment, considering the strengths and weaknesses of the **transportation** landscape.

* **Favorable Factors:** Relatively short drive times to Milford Regional Medical Center. Availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.
* **Unfavorable Factors:** Limited public transportation options. Longer drive times to specialized care in Boston. Potential cost of ride-sharing and medical transport.

Considering these factors, the "Hypertension Score" for residents of Holliston (01746) would be a **6 out of 10**. This score reflects a moderately accessible healthcare environment, with some challenges related to **transportation** and **healthcare access**.

**Recommendations:**

* Residents with hypertension should prioritize establishing a primary care physician within Holliston or a neighboring town to minimize drive times for routine care.
* For those reliant on public transit, exploring MWRTA routes and confirming ADA accessibility is essential.
* Investigating the availability and coverage of medical transport services is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or who lack access to personal vehicles.
* Individuals **moving to Holliston** should factor in the **transportation** challenges when assessing **healthcare access** and consider the potential costs of alternative modes of **transportation**.

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the **transportation** landscape impacting **healthcare access** in Holliston, Massachusetts (01746). While the town offers a desirable lifestyle, residents with hypertension must carefully consider the challenges associated with accessing medical care. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a valuable tool for understanding the complexities of healthcare access within this community.