02631, Brewster, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02631, Brewster, Massachusetts is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

80.11 percent of residents in 02631 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 25.30 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cape Cod Healthcare with a distance of 12.40 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Brewster, MA (ZIP Code 02631)

Considering a move to the charming coastal town of Brewster, Massachusetts, and concerned about healthcare access, particularly regarding lung cancer treatment? This analysis, a "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 02631, explores the complexities of transportation and its impact on accessing vital medical services. We'll delve into drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive picture of navigating healthcare in this idyllic, yet geographically challenging, location.

The Lung Cancer Score isn't a numerical grade, but a descriptive assessment, highlighting the ease or difficulty of accessing lung cancer-related healthcare. It considers the crucial element of *transportation*, recognizing that the journey to care can significantly impact patient outcomes. This analysis is especially relevant for individuals considering *moving to Brewster* and those already residing there, seeking to understand their *healthcare access* options.

Brewster, a town characterized by its scenic beauty and relaxed pace, presents unique challenges when it comes to accessing specialized medical care. The primary concern revolves around distance. While the town boasts a strong sense of community, major medical facilities are located outside its borders. This necessitates careful consideration of *transportation* options, especially for individuals undergoing treatment or requiring frequent check-ups.

Driving is the most common mode of *transportation* in Brewster. The primary arteries connecting Brewster to major medical centers are Route 6A, a scenic byway, and the Mid-Cape Highway (Route 6). Route 6A, while charming, is often congested, especially during peak tourist season. The Mid-Cape Highway, a limited-access highway, offers a faster, more direct route. However, traffic can still be heavy, particularly during summer months, potentially extending travel times.

For lung cancer patients, the most likely destinations for specialized care are Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis (approximately a 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic) and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston (a significantly longer journey, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the time of day). The drive to Boston often involves navigating the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges, which can be major bottlenecks.

Public *transportation* options are limited in Brewster. The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) operates a bus service, the Flex Route, which provides on-demand service within a defined service area. However, the Flex Route's availability and coverage may not be sufficient for frequent medical appointments. The CCRTA also offers fixed-route services, but these routes are limited in frequency and coverage, potentially requiring significant wait times and transfers. ADA-accessible buses are available on all CCRTA routes, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

The CCRTA's fixed routes, while limited, offer a potential, albeit time-consuming, connection to the Barnstable Transportation Center, where connections to other Cape Cod towns and even Boston may be possible. However, the journey to Boston via public *transportation* would likely involve multiple transfers and extended travel times, making it a less practical option for many lung cancer patients.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Brewster, but their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying solely on ride-sharing for frequent medical appointments could be unreliable and potentially expensive. Surge pricing, common during periods of high demand, can further inflate costs.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for patients requiring assistance with *transportation*. Several companies provide non-emergency medical *transportation* to and from medical appointments. These services typically involve a wheelchair-accessible vehicle and trained personnel to assist patients. However, these services can be costly and may require advance booking. Potential providers include MedStar, CareRide, and Cape Cod Medical Transport.

The Lung Cancer Score for Brewster, MA (02631) reflects a mixed picture. While the town offers a tranquil and desirable lifestyle, *healthcare access* presents challenges. The primary reliance on personal vehicles necessitates careful planning, especially considering potential traffic delays. Public *transportation* options are limited, and ride-sharing availability is not guaranteed. Medical transport services provide a viable, albeit expensive, alternative.

For individuals *moving to Brewster* with a history of lung cancer or at high risk, careful consideration of these *transportation* factors is crucial. Proximity to family or friends who can provide *transportation* assistance is a significant advantage. Exploring the availability and cost of medical transport services is also recommended.

The score isn't meant to discourage a move to Brewster, but to provide a realistic assessment of the *transportation* landscape and its implications for *healthcare access*. It underscores the importance of proactive planning and understanding the available resources to ensure timely and convenient access to vital medical care.

The journey to Cape Cod Hospital or Massachusetts General Hospital for lung cancer treatment requires careful consideration. The Mid-Cape Highway (Route 6) offers the most direct route, but traffic can significantly impact travel times. Route 6A provides a scenic alternative, but is often slower.

The journey to Boston involves navigating the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges, which can be major bottlenecks. Public *transportation* options, while available, are limited and may involve significant travel times and transfers. Ride-sharing services are available, but their reliability can be inconsistent. Medical transport services offer a specialized solution, but are costly.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for Brewster, MA (02631) highlights the importance of *transportation* planning for *healthcare access*. Individuals *moving to Brewster* or already residing there should carefully assess their *transportation* needs and explore all available options to ensure timely and convenient access to lung cancer-related medical care. This includes considering driving times, public transit limitations, ride-sharing reliability, and the availability and cost of medical *transportation* services.