02562, Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02562, Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.05 percent of residents in 02562 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.90 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Plymouth with a distance of 11.94 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 02562 (Sagamore Beach, MA)**

The allure of Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02562), with its serene coastal charm, often overshadows the practicalities of daily life, particularly healthcare access. This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score," a hypothetical metric assessing the ease of transportation to medical facilities equipped to diagnose and treat lung cancer. This score considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-share availability, crucial factors influencing the timely receipt of potentially life-saving care. For individuals contemplating a move to this idyllic location, understanding these transportation challenges is paramount.

The Lung Cancer Score is not a formal medical assessment but a framework for evaluating healthcare accessibility. It considers the distance to specialized care, the reliability of transportation options, and the potential impact on a patient's well-being. A higher score indicates greater ease of access.

**Driving to Healthcare: The Road Ahead**

For residents of Sagamore Beach, the primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities is the automobile. The major arteries are the US-6, also known as the Mid-Cape Highway, and the US-6A, the historic Old King's Highway. These roads, while offering scenic routes, can experience heavy traffic, especially during peak seasons and weekends.

The nearest hospitals equipped to handle lung cancer diagnosis and treatment are located in Hyannis and Plymouth. Driving to Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, the closest full-service hospital, involves navigating the US-6 East, a journey that can take approximately 30 to 45 minutes under normal traffic conditions. However, during the summer months, this commute can easily extend to an hour or more, significantly impacting the speed of care.

Alternatively, the drive to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Plymouth, located south of Sagamore Beach, also involves travel on the US-6 East and then Route 3 South. This route, roughly 30 miles, typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. While offering a different direction, this option doesn’t necessarily guarantee a shorter commute, and the traffic patterns can be just as unpredictable.

The drive times to both hospitals are significant, especially for individuals requiring frequent appointments for chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatments. The potential for delays due to traffic congestion underscores the importance of planning and the need for alternative transportation strategies. This is a critical consideration for anyone facing a lung cancer diagnosis.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Sagamore Beach are limited, posing a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway Company (P&B) provides bus service along Route 6, offering a potential link to healthcare facilities. However, the frequency of service is limited, and the routes may not directly connect to all hospitals.

The P&B route, while offering a basic level of service, often requires transfers and extended travel times. This can be particularly burdensome for individuals with mobility issues or those undergoing treatment that may cause fatigue or other side effects. Accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts, are available on some buses, but it is crucial to confirm these features before travel.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) does not directly serve Sagamore Beach. Therefore, relying on public transit for healthcare access necessitates a combination of bus travel and potentially ride-sharing or taxis, further complicating the journey and adding to the overall travel time. The lack of robust public transportation significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Sagamore Beach area, providing an alternative to driving or public transit. However, the availability of drivers can vary, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies or specialized medical transportation providers, are available for individuals who require assistance with mobility or have other medical needs. These services can provide door-to-door transportation, but they often come at a higher cost than ride-sharing or public transit.

The reliance on ride-sharing or medical transport adds to the financial burden of healthcare access, a crucial consideration for individuals managing the costs of lung cancer treatment. The availability and reliability of these services directly influence the Lung Cancer Score.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Synthesis**

Considering the factors discussed, the Lung Cancer Score for Sagamore Beach, MA (ZIP Code 02562), reflects a moderate level of healthcare access. The primary reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit options and the variability of ride-sharing services, presents challenges for timely and convenient access to specialized care.

The drive times to hospitals in Hyannis and Plymouth are substantial, especially during peak traffic periods. The limited public transit options, while offering a basic level of service, require careful planning and may involve extended travel times. Ride-sharing and medical transport services provide alternatives, but their availability and cost can be significant barriers.

For individuals considering a move to Sagamore Beach, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is essential. This includes evaluating the frequency of medical appointments, the availability of support networks, and the financial implications of transportation costs.

The Lung Cancer Score serves as a reminder that healthcare access is not just about the availability of medical facilities but also about the ability to reach them. For residents of Sagamore Beach, careful planning and a proactive approach to transportation are crucial for ensuring timely and effective healthcare. This is especially important when considering the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. The beauty of Sagamore Beach must be balanced with the practicalities of life, including the vital importance of healthcare access.