02537, East Sandwich, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 02537, East Sandwich, Massachusetts is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.03 percent of residents in 02537 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.29 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cape Cod Healthcare with a distance of 10.97 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 02537 (East Sandwich, MA)

Moving to East Sandwich, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02537) offers a tranquil coastal lifestyle, but assessing healthcare access is crucial, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up provides a "Hypertension Score" framework, evaluating transportation options to medical facilities, vital for consistent care. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, all critical components of **healthcare access**.

The foundation of our score rests on the assumption that timely and reliable **transportation** is paramount for managing hypertension. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency interventions necessitate efficient travel options. The "Hypertension Score" aims to quantify the ease with which residents of 02537 can reach essential healthcare providers.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary arteries connecting East Sandwich to healthcare facilities are Route 6A (historic Old King's Highway), Route 130, and the Mid-Cape Highway (Route 6). Drive times significantly influence the "Hypertension Score." For example, driving to Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, a major regional medical center, typically involves a journey on Route 6, potentially encountering traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Traffic congestion can dramatically extend these travel times, potentially impacting an individual's ability to adhere to scheduled appointments or seek immediate medical attention. The score will factor in average drive times, considering both off-peak and peak travel conditions.

Accessing specialized care, such as cardiology or nephrology, might necessitate travel to facilities further afield, such as Boston-area hospitals. This would involve navigating the Mid-Cape Highway (Route 6) and then connecting to I-495 or I-95, significantly increasing travel time and complexity.

The score will also consider the availability of parking at medical facilities, a crucial factor for individuals with mobility issues or those requiring assistance. Ample parking and accessibility features are essential for a positive healthcare experience.

**Public Transit:**

The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) provides public transit services, including the "Flex" service, which operates on a demand-response basis. While offering a potential alternative to driving, the Flex service requires advance booking and may have limited operating hours. The "Hypertension Score" will evaluate the practicality of utilizing the Flex service for medical appointments, considering its availability, frequency, and potential travel times.

The CCRTA also operates fixed-route buses, though their coverage in East Sandwich may be limited. These routes, if available, would be assessed for their accessibility to medical facilities and their adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. ADA-compliant buses are crucial for individuals with mobility impairments, ensuring equitable **healthcare access**.

The score will consider the proximity of bus stops to medical facilities, the frequency of service, and the overall convenience of using public transit for healthcare appointments. The goal is to determine whether public transit offers a viable alternative to driving for residents of 02537.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer another **transportation** option, particularly for those unable to drive or lacking access to a personal vehicle. The "Hypertension Score" will assess the availability of ride-sharing services in East Sandwich and their reliability in providing timely **transportation** to medical appointments.

The score will also factor in the cost of ride-sharing services, as this can be a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for some individuals. The availability of medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, will also be evaluated. These services, often provided by specialized companies, offer door-to-door **transportation** and may include assistance with mobility and medical equipment.

The "Hypertension Score" will consider the availability, cost, and reliability of medical transport services in 02537, recognizing their crucial role in ensuring **healthcare access** for individuals with specific needs.

**Medical Facilities and Proximity:**

The proximity of medical facilities to East Sandwich is a key factor in the "Hypertension Score." The score will consider the presence of primary care physicians, specialists, pharmacies, and urgent care centers within a reasonable driving distance. The closer these facilities are, the higher the score.

The score will also consider the quality of care provided by these facilities, as measured by patient reviews, accreditation, and other relevant metrics. Access to high-quality healthcare is essential for managing hypertension effectively.

**The "Hypertension Score" Methodology:**

The "Hypertension Score" will be calculated based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. Drive times will be assigned the highest weight, reflecting their significant impact on **healthcare access**. Public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services will be weighted based on their availability, reliability, and cost.

The proximity and quality of medical facilities will also contribute to the score. The final score will be presented on a scale, with a higher score indicating better **healthcare access** for individuals managing hypertension.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to East Sandwich offers a desirable lifestyle, but a thorough assessment of **healthcare access** is vital, especially for those managing hypertension. The "Hypertension Score" provides a framework for evaluating the **transportation** options available to residents of 02537, enabling them to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

By considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, medical transport services, and the proximity of medical facilities, the "Hypertension Score" aims to quantify the ease with which residents can access essential healthcare services. This information is crucial for anyone considering **moving to East Sandwich** and for those already residing in the area who need to ensure consistent and reliable access to care.