02053, Medway, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 02053, Medway, Massachusetts is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.23 percent of residents in 02053 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.48 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Westwood Pembroke Health Systems with a distance of 11.27 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Medway, MA (ZIP Code 02053)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Medway, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02053), requires a comprehensive examination of healthcare access. This includes evaluating the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities, considering factors like transportation options, travel times, and the availability of services. This analysis will focus on the practical realities of getting to and from healthcare appointments, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals seeking medical care in Medway.

The cornerstone of healthcare access is, of course, the ability to physically reach a medical provider. For Medway residents, this often translates to a reliance on personal vehicles. The town is strategically positioned, offering convenient access to major roadways, but also presenting potential hurdles depending on the location of healthcare facilities.

The primary artery for vehicular travel is Interstate 495, a major north-south highway that borders Medway. This provides a direct route to several healthcare hubs located in neighboring towns like Milford and Franklin. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours, can significantly impact drive times. Another important thoroughfare is Route 109, which bisects Medway and provides access to local businesses and services, including some medical practices. Route 109 also connects to Route 126, a more local road that provides access to surrounding communities and additional healthcare options.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary considerably depending on the destination and the time of day. For example, a trip to Milford Regional Medical Center, a major healthcare provider, via I-495, could take approximately 15-20 minutes under normal traffic conditions. However, during rush hour, this commute could easily extend to 30 minutes or more. Similarly, travel to facilities in Franklin, accessible via Route 109 and Route 140, might take a similar amount of time, again subject to traffic conditions. Local practices within Medway, accessible via Route 109 and local roads, naturally offer the shortest travel times, often just a few minutes.

Public transportation options in Medway are limited, presenting a significant challenge for individuals without access to a personal vehicle. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) does not directly serve Medway with commuter rail or subway lines. This necessitates reliance on other modes of transportation to reach MBTA stations in nearby towns.

The closest commuter rail station is in Franklin, accessible via personal vehicle or ride-share services. The Franklin Line provides access to Boston, but the commute involves a drive to the station, the train ride itself, and potentially further travel within Boston to reach medical facilities. This multi-leg journey can be time-consuming and potentially costly.

The MBTA does offer bus service in some neighboring towns, but these routes typically do not extend directly into Medway. This means that residents relying on public transportation would need to utilize a combination of bus routes and potentially ride-share services or taxis to reach their healthcare appointments. The lack of direct public transportation options poses a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

The MBTA does strive to provide accessible transportation options. All MBTA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the reliance on transferring between different modes of transportation and navigating potentially long travel times can still present challenges for individuals with mobility limitations.

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation solution for Medway residents. These services provide on-demand transportation to and from healthcare facilities, eliminating the need to rely on personal vehicles or public transportation. However, ride-share services can be expensive, particularly during peak hours or for longer distances. The availability of ride-share services can also vary, depending on the time of day and the demand in the area.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, are another option. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require specialized assistance. Several medical transportation providers operate in the Medway area, including companies that offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. However, these services may require advance booking and can be subject to availability and cost.

The availability of healthcare providers within Medway itself is a crucial factor in assessing healthcare access. The town has a mix of primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals. However, the specific types of services available and the capacity of these providers to accommodate new patients can vary. Residents may need to travel to neighboring towns to access certain specialized services or to see a particular specialist.

For individuals considering moving to Medway, the proximity to healthcare facilities is a key consideration. While the town offers a relatively convenient location for accessing healthcare, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options present challenges. Individuals with mobility limitations or those without access to a car may find it more difficult to reach their healthcare appointments.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Medway, MA (ZIP Code 02053) is therefore a mixed bag. The town's location, with its access to major highways, provides a relatively easy commute to healthcare hubs. However, the lack of robust public transportation options and the potential for traffic congestion can significantly impact travel times and create barriers to healthcare access for certain segments of the population. The availability of ride-share and medical transportation services offers alternative solutions, but these options come with their own set of considerations, including cost and availability.

The overall health score is further influenced by the availability of healthcare providers within Medway itself and the need for residents to travel to neighboring towns for specialized services. While Medway offers a reasonable level of healthcare access, improvements in public transportation and increased investment in local healthcare services could significantly enhance the overall health score for residents. This is particularly important for an aging population and for those who may be more vulnerable.