01545, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 01545, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.61 percent of residents in 01545 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.18 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Umass Memorial Medical Center/University Campus with a distance of 1.82 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Shrewsbury, MA (ZIP Code 01545)

The pursuit of optimal health is a multifaceted endeavor, and a critical component of this journey is access to quality healthcare. For residents of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 01545), the ease and efficiency with which one can reach medical facilities significantly impacts their overall well-being. This report provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of healthcare accessibility, focusing on the diverse **transportation** options available, from personal vehicles to public transit, and how they influence the ability to obtain necessary medical care. This is particularly relevant for individuals **moving to Shrewsbury**, who will need to understand how easily they can access healthcare.

Shrewsbury, a vibrant town nestled in Worcester County, enjoys a relatively central location, offering a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. However, assessing the true accessibility of healthcare requires a granular examination of the **transportation** infrastructure and available services. This analysis considers factors such as drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport, ultimately painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access for residents.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Shrewsbury is, undoubtedly, the automobile. The town is well-served by a network of highways and local roads, facilitating relatively straightforward commutes to various medical facilities. The primary arteries for **transportation** are Interstate 290 (I-290), which traverses the northern edge of Shrewsbury, and Route 9, a major east-west thoroughfare that bisects the town. Other important roads include Route 140, Route 140A, and South Street.

Drive times to healthcare providers vary depending on the location within Shrewsbury and the destination. UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus, a major regional hospital in Worcester, is typically accessible within a 15-20 minute drive via I-290 East. St. Vincent Hospital, also in Worcester, is similarly accessible within a similar timeframe, often utilizing Route 9 East. Local urgent care facilities and primary care physician offices within Shrewsbury are generally reachable within 5-10 minutes, offering immediate access for urgent medical needs. However, peak traffic hours, particularly during morning and evening commutes, can significantly extend these drive times, potentially impacting **healthcare access**.

Beyond personal vehicles, the availability of public transit plays a crucial role in the overall health score. The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) provides bus service to Shrewsbury, offering a viable alternative for those without personal vehicles or who prefer to avoid driving. Several WRTA routes serve Shrewsbury, including routes 7, 9, and 14. Route 7 provides service along Route 9, connecting Shrewsbury to Worcester and other surrounding communities. Route 9 offers service along Main Street, and Route 14 provides service to the northern part of Shrewsbury.

The WRTA's services are generally accessible, with many buses equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating. However, the frequency of service, particularly during evenings and weekends, can be limited. This may pose a challenge for individuals requiring medical appointments outside of typical business hours. The WRTA is a crucial element of **healthcare access** in Shrewsbury, especially for those with mobility limitations or those who cannot afford a car.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are readily available in Shrewsbury, offering another layer of **transportation** options. These services provide on-demand rides to medical appointments, eliminating the need to rely on public transit schedules or the availability of family or friends. The convenience of ride-sharing is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues or those who require assistance getting to and from appointments. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments, and availability may be impacted during peak hours or in areas with lower demand.

Specialized medical **transportation** services cater specifically to individuals with unique needs. These services, often provided by private companies or healthcare providers, offer non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. These services are particularly important for individuals with disabilities, those recovering from surgery, or those who require assistance with mobility. While these services provide critical **healthcare access**, they often come with a higher price tag than other forms of **transportation**.

The availability of medical transport brands in Shrewsbury is variable. While specific brands may not always be explicitly advertised, local hospitals and healthcare providers often contract with transportation companies to provide these services. Researching local healthcare providers and contacting insurance companies can help residents identify and access these specialized services.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Shrewsbury, MA (01545) is moderately positive. The town benefits from a strong road network, facilitating relatively quick commutes to medical facilities, especially for those with personal vehicles. The presence of WRTA bus routes provides a valuable alternative, particularly for those without access to a car. Ride-sharing services further enhance accessibility, offering on-demand **transportation** options. Specialized medical transport services are available, though their availability and cost may vary.

However, there are areas for improvement. The reliance on personal vehicles can lead to traffic congestion during peak hours, potentially delaying access to care. The limited frequency of WRTA bus service, especially during evenings and weekends, can restrict **healthcare access** for some residents. The cost of ride-sharing and specialized medical transport can be a barrier for individuals with limited financial resources.

For those **moving to Shrewsbury**, it is crucial to consider these factors when evaluating healthcare access. Researching the location of medical facilities relative to their potential residence, understanding the WRTA bus routes and schedules, and exploring the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services are essential steps.

In conclusion, Shrewsbury offers a reasonable level of **healthcare access** due to its well-developed **transportation** infrastructure. While the town provides a variety of options, including personal vehicles, public transit, and ride-sharing, residents must be aware of potential limitations and plan accordingly to ensure timely and convenient access to medical care. The overall health score is good, but not perfect, and the ability to navigate these **transportation** options will directly impact the well-being of residents, especially those seeking to make Shrewsbury their home.