02047, Humarock, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 02047, Humarock, Massachusetts is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.00 percent of residents in 02047 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.39 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Plymouth with a distance of 13.38 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 02047 (Humarock, MA)

The overall health score for residents of Humarock, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02047), considering access to healthcare, is significantly influenced by the challenges inherent in its location. Nestled on a barrier beach, Humarock presents a unique set of transportation obstacles that directly impact residents' ability to reach essential medical services. This analysis delves into the specifics of healthcare access, factoring in drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, ultimately providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for residents seeking healthcare.

The primary mode of transportation for most Humarock residents is the personal vehicle. The drive to healthcare facilities is often the most practical, but it is also subject to traffic, particularly during peak hours and seasonal influxes. The journey to the nearest hospitals and specialist offices typically involves navigating the narrow, winding roads that characterize the area. From Humarock, accessing healthcare often necessitates traversing Route 139, a crucial artery connecting the peninsula to the mainland. This road, while scenic, can become congested during rush hour, adding significant time to the commute.

Further travel often requires merging onto Route 3A, a major thoroughfare that provides access to larger towns and cities offering a wider array of medical services. Route 3A can also experience heavy traffic, especially near commercial centers. For those seeking specialized care or emergency services, the journey often extends onto Route 3, a limited-access highway that offers faster travel times to Boston and its surrounding suburbs. However, even with Route 3, traffic can be a factor, particularly during peak commuting periods and on weekends. The distance to hospitals like South Shore Hospital in Weymouth or Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth can range from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Public transportation options in Humarock are limited, posing a significant hurdle for those without personal vehicles. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) does not directly serve Humarock with its commuter rail or subway lines. The nearest MBTA commuter rail station is located in Greenbush (Scituate), which is a considerable distance away and requires a car or a ride-sharing service to reach. The MBTA bus routes are also limited in the area, offering infrequent service and often requiring multiple transfers to reach major healthcare facilities.

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a critical consideration. While the MBTA strives to provide accessible services, the limited public transit options in Humarock present challenges for those with mobility impairments. The lack of readily available accessible transportation options, combined with the distance to medical facilities, can significantly impact the healthcare access of vulnerable populations. The absence of frequent, reliable public transit necessitates reliance on other modes of transportation, which may be more costly or less convenient.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation solution, but their availability and cost can vary. While ride-sharing services are generally available in the area, the cost of a ride to a hospital or specialist office can be substantial, particularly for frequent appointments. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can further exacerbate the financial burden of accessing healthcare. The reliability of ride-sharing services can also be a concern, especially during inclement weather or at off-peak hours.

Medical transport services are available for individuals who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation providers, are designed to cater to individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs. However, these services can be expensive and may require advance booking, which can be a barrier to accessing timely care. The availability of medical transport services may also be limited, particularly during periods of high demand.

The challenges in accessing healthcare in Humarock extend beyond the physical commute. The limited availability of healthcare providers in the immediate vicinity necessitates travel to larger towns and cities. This can lead to increased travel times, higher transportation costs, and potential delays in receiving care. The lack of local primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care facilities forces residents to rely on healthcare providers located further away, adding to the complexity of healthcare access.

The considerations for moving to Humarock must include the implications of the transportation challenges on healthcare access. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and the availability of transportation options to ensure they can readily access necessary medical services. The remote location of Humarock, while offering a unique coastal lifestyle, presents inherent challenges that must be weighed against the benefits of living in this picturesque community.

The overall health score for Humarock residents, therefore, reflects the complex interplay of transportation limitations, distance to healthcare facilities, and the availability of alternative transportation options. While the personal vehicle remains the primary mode of transport, the reliance on it and the potential for traffic delays can impact the timeliness and convenience of healthcare access. The limited public transit options, the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the expense of medical transport services further complicate the picture. The score is also affected by the limited number of local healthcare providers, which necessitates travel to more distant locations. Addressing these challenges through improved public transit, increased ride-sharing subsidies, or the development of local healthcare facilities would significantly improve the overall health score for Humarock residents, ensuring they can readily access the medical care they need. The ongoing evolution of transportation options and healthcare services will continue to shape the healthcare access landscape in this unique coastal community.