02670, West Dennis, Massachusetts Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 02670, West Dennis, Massachusetts is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.32 percent of residents in 02670 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cape Cod Healthcare with a distance of 5.97 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in West Dennis (ZIP Code 02670)

Imagine you're considering a move to the charming coastal community of West Dennis, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02670). The salty air, the picturesque beaches, the promise of a slower pace of life – it's all incredibly alluring. But before you pack your bags, it's crucial to consider a less idyllic aspect of relocation: healthcare access. Specifically, if you or a loved one are concerned about lung cancer, understanding the transportation landscape to relevant medical facilities is paramount. This "Lung Cancer Score" aims to provide a comprehensive overview of your transportation options and the associated challenges, empowering you to make an informed decision.

The cornerstone of healthcare access, especially for a serious condition like lung cancer, is timely arrival at appointments. In West Dennis, this translates to understanding the realities of transportation. Driving, naturally, is the most prevalent mode. Primary care physicians, oncologists, and specialized diagnostic services are not readily available within the immediate vicinity. This necessitates travel to larger towns and cities, and the drive times can be significant, particularly during peak season.

The primary arteries for transportation in this area are the major roadways. Route 28, the main thoroughfare, winds its way through the heart of Cape Cod, offering access to various medical facilities. Traveling east on Route 28 will lead you to facilities in Yarmouth and Hyannis. Going west on Route 28 will take you to Dennis Port and Harwich. Route 134 intersects Route 28, offering an alternative route to some destinations. The drive times can vary drastically depending on traffic. A typical trip to Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, for instance, could take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the time of day and the season.

The summer months, with their influx of tourists, can transform these roads into parking lots. The drive to Boston, where specialized cancer centers are located, becomes a considerable undertaking. This journey, primarily via Route 6 (the Mid-Cape Highway), can easily exceed two hours, excluding potential delays. This long travel time can significantly impact the scheduling of appointments, treatment regimens, and overall patient well-being. The ability to navigate these roads efficiently is a vital aspect of healthcare access.

Public transportation options in this area are limited, presenting a significant hurdle for those who do not drive or are unable to drive. The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) provides bus service, but routes are infrequent and often lack direct connections to medical facilities. The Route 5 bus, for example, runs along Route 28, but its schedule may not align with appointment times. Furthermore, the frequency of buses is significantly reduced during the off-season.

ADA accessibility is a critical consideration for those with mobility limitations. The CCRTA strives to provide accessible buses, but the availability of these buses on every route and at every stop cannot be guaranteed. The lack of readily available, reliable public transportation poses a major challenge for individuals with physical limitations who require regular medical care. This is a crucial factor to weigh when assessing healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, offering a potential alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, the availability of these services can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also accumulate rapidly, especially for frequent appointments. While ride-sharing offers a degree of flexibility, it is not a guaranteed solution and should be viewed as a supplemental option.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are another option. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, often with trained personnel. Companies like CareRide and MedStar Transportation operate in the area. However, these services can be expensive, and advance booking is often required. The availability of these services can also be limited, especially during peak times.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for West Dennis, based on the current transportation infrastructure, is moderate. While driving offers the most direct access to healthcare facilities, the potential for traffic delays, particularly during the summer months, is a major concern. The limited public transportation options, coupled with the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, further complicate healthcare access.

Considering a move to West Dennis requires a realistic assessment of your individual needs and circumstances. If you or a loved one are facing a lung cancer diagnosis or are at high risk, carefully evaluating the transportation challenges is essential. The long drive times to specialized medical centers, the limitations of public transit, and the potential costs of ride-sharing or medical transportation all need to be considered.

Before making a final decision, it is highly recommended to research the specific healthcare providers you may need and to investigate the transportation options available to them. Contact the CCRTA to inquire about route schedules and ADA accessibility. Obtain quotes from ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers. Consider the impact of seasonal traffic on your travel times.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not intended to discourage a move to West Dennis. Instead, it is designed to provide a clear-eyed view of the transportation landscape, enabling you to make an informed decision that prioritizes your health and well-being. The beauty of West Dennis is undeniable, but a successful relocation hinges on a thorough understanding of the practical realities of healthcare access. This information is crucial for those seeking to move to West Dennis.