The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 02766, Norton, Massachusetts is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
48.39 percent of residents in 02766 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.35 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Morton Hospital with a distance of 5.80 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 02766, Norton, Massachusetts
Hypertension Score | 40 |
---|---|
People Score | 38 |
Provider Score | 55 |
Hospital Score | 19 |
Travel Score | 66 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 02766 | Norton | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 2.13 | 2.13 | 5.90 |
1 Car | 14.33 | 14.33 | 23.77 |
2 Cars | 40.55 | 40.55 | 41.47 |
3 or More Cars | 42.98 | 42.98 | 28.86 |
Vehicular Access in 02766, Norton, Massachusetts
**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 02766**
The quiet charm of Norton, Massachusetts, nestled within ZIP code 02766, offers a desirable suburban lifestyle. However, for individuals managing hypertension, the ease of accessing vital healthcare services becomes paramount. This analysis assesses the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access for residents, crafting a "Hypertension Score" based on commute times, available transportation options, and the accessibility of medical facilities. This is crucial for those considering moving to Norton, especially if they have hypertension.
Norton's location, roughly equidistant between Boston and Providence, presents both opportunities and challenges. While offering proximity to larger metropolitan areas, it also necessitates navigating a network of roads and transportation systems to reach specialized medical care. The "Hypertension Score" aims to provide a clear picture of these factors, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey.
**Roadways and Drive Times: The Arteries of Access**
The primary roadways influencing healthcare access in Norton include Interstate 495 (I-495), a major north-south artery, and Route 123, a crucial local thoroughfare. Route 140 also plays a significant role, connecting Norton to surrounding towns. Drive times to medical facilities are directly impacted by traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours.
Driving to Morton Hospital in Taunton, a significant healthcare provider for Norton residents, typically takes around 15-20 minutes via Route 123 or I-495, depending on traffic. Reaching Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, another key option, involves a similar drive time, utilizing I-95 and Route 1A. However, these times can fluctuate considerably, especially during rush hour, potentially impacting the timely arrival for appointments or emergency care.
Specialized care, such as cardiology or endocrinology, might necessitate travel to larger hospitals in Boston or Providence. These trips, involving I-495, I-95, and the respective city’s highways, can extend commute times to 45 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the destination and traffic. This extended travel time can pose a significant challenge for individuals with hypertension, who may require frequent monitoring and prompt medical attention.
**Public Transportation: A Limited Network**
Public transportation options in Norton are limited, presenting a significant barrier for some residents, particularly those without access to a personal vehicle. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operates commuter rail service, with the Providence/Stoughton Line serving the town. However, the nearest station is located in Mansfield, requiring a drive or local transportation to access.
The MBTA commuter rail can provide a viable option for reaching Boston hospitals, but the total travel time, including the commute to the station, train ride, and potential transfers, can be substantial, potentially exceeding an hour and a half. The accessibility of the commuter rail stations, including elevators and ramps for ADA compliance, is essential for individuals with mobility limitations.
Local bus services are minimal, with limited routes and frequency. This lack of robust public transportation options underscores the reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods for healthcare access in Norton. This is an important consideration for those moving to Norton who may be unable to drive.
**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Navigating the Gaps**
Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, provide an alternative transportation option, particularly for those unable to drive or without access to a personal vehicle. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with lower demand. The reliability of ride-sharing for scheduled medical appointments is a crucial factor to consider.
Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients requiring assistance, offer a specialized solution. Companies like MedStar and Access Medical Transportation provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services typically require advance booking and may involve co-pays or insurance coverage considerations.
The availability of medical transportation is particularly important for individuals with hypertension who may experience mobility limitations or require assistance getting to and from appointments. The cost and availability of these services should be carefully evaluated when assessing healthcare access.
**The "Hypertension Score": A Synthesis of Factors**
The "Hypertension Score" for healthcare access in Norton (02766) reflects the interplay of drive times, public transportation limitations, and the availability of alternative transportation options. The score is not a numerical value but a qualitative assessment of the challenges and opportunities.
Drive times to local hospitals, while generally manageable, are subject to traffic congestion, potentially impacting timely access to care. The limited public transportation options necessitate reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transportation. The cost and availability of these alternative options can vary.
The score also considers the accessibility of medical facilities, including ADA compliance and the availability of specialized services. The proximity to major hospitals in Boston and Providence provides access to a broader range of medical expertise, but it also necessitates longer commute times.
**Recommendations and Considerations**
For individuals with hypertension considering moving to Norton, a thorough assessment of transportation needs is essential. Factors to consider include:
* **Proximity to medical facilities:** Evaluate the distance to primary care physicians, specialists, and emergency services.
* **Transportation options:** Assess the availability of personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation.
* **Public transportation accessibility:** Determine the feasibility of using the MBTA commuter rail or local bus services.
* **Cost of transportation:** Factor in the cost of gas, ride-sharing fares, and medical transportation services.
* **Traffic patterns:** Consider peak-hour traffic congestion and its impact on commute times.
* **ADA compliance:** Ensure that all transportation options and medical facilities are accessible for individuals with mobility limitations.
Moving to Norton offers a desirable lifestyle, but for those managing hypertension, careful planning and consideration of transportation options are crucial for ensuring timely and convenient access to healthcare. The "Hypertension Score" highlights the importance of understanding these factors to make informed decisions about healthcare access in the community.
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