02534, Cataumet, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 02534, Cataumet, Massachusetts is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.08 percent of residents in 02534 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.49 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Falmouth Hospital with a distance of 7.71 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Cataumet (ZIP Code 02534)

Cataumet, Massachusetts, a charming village nestled in the town of Bourne, offers a quintessential New England experience. But beneath the idyllic surface lies a critical consideration for anyone contemplating a move: access to healthcare. This write-up provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment for residents of ZIP Code 02534, focusing on the complexities of transportation and its impact on accessing medical services. The score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access for prospective and current residents.

The "Overall Health Score" is not a numerical value but a qualitative assessment, reflecting the relative ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare within and beyond Cataumet. This analysis aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, especially considering the challenges of transportation in a geographically dispersed area. The score considers the availability, reliability, and affordability of various transportation modes, recognizing that these factors significantly influence healthcare access.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries**

For many Cataumet residents, the automobile is the primary mode of transportation. Evaluating drive times to healthcare facilities is therefore paramount. The primary roadways serving Cataumet are the Bourne Bridge, connecting the mainland to Cape Cod, and Route 28, a major north-south thoroughfare. Route 6, the Mid-Cape Highway, is also a significant artery, offering access to hospitals and specialist offices further east.

Drive times are highly variable, influenced by traffic, time of day, and season. During peak summer months, traffic congestion can dramatically increase travel times. The nearest major hospital, Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, is approximately a 30-45 minute drive via Route 28, depending on traffic. Falmouth Hospital, a smaller facility, is roughly a 20-30 minute drive, also via Route 28. Specialty clinics and urgent care facilities are scattered throughout the region, with drive times ranging from 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on the location and the specific medical need.

Navigating these roads requires careful planning. Real-time traffic updates from sources like Google Maps or Waze are essential for optimizing travel times. Residents should factor in potential delays when scheduling appointments, especially during peak travel periods. The reliability of personal vehicle transportation is also a factor, considering maintenance costs and the potential for breakdowns, which can significantly impact healthcare access.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Varying Accessibility**

Public transportation options in Cataumet are limited, presenting a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) provides bus services, but routes and schedules are often infrequent, especially during off-season. This impacts healthcare access.

The CCRTA’s Route 8 operates through Bourne, including stops near Cataumet. However, the frequency of service is limited, and the route may not directly serve all healthcare facilities. Route 8 does not currently have any ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible vehicles, making it very difficult for those with mobility challenges to access healthcare. The CCRTA also offers a demand-response service, "Dial-A-Ride," which provides door-to-door transportation for individuals with disabilities or those unable to use fixed-route services. However, this service requires advance booking and may have limited availability, potentially hindering timely access to medical care.

Reliance on public transit for healthcare access requires careful planning, including checking schedules, considering travel times, and potentially coordinating with family or friends for the "last mile" of the journey. The limited accessibility of certain routes further compounds the challenges for individuals with disabilities or mobility impairments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option, although availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in remote areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, especially for frequent medical appointments. While ride-sharing can provide a convenient solution for some, its reliability and affordability must be carefully considered.

Medical transport services, such as MedStar and Cape Cod Medical Transport, provide specialized transportation for individuals requiring assistance with mobility or medical needs. These services often offer stretcher transport, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and trained medical personnel. While medical transport services can provide a vital link to healthcare, they are typically more expensive than other transportation options and may require pre-authorization or insurance coverage.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services can vary depending on the time of day, the day of the week, and the specific location within Cataumet. Residents should research the availability of these services and understand their associated costs and limitations.

**Overall Health Score: A Multifaceted Assessment**

The "Overall Health Score" for Cataumet residents reflects a mixed bag. While the proximity to major roadways offers relatively straightforward access to healthcare facilities for those with personal vehicles, the reliance on automobiles presents challenges related to traffic congestion, maintenance costs, and the potential for breakdowns.

Public transit options are limited and may not adequately serve all healthcare needs, particularly for individuals with mobility impairments or those living in more remote areas. Ride-sharing services offer a potential alternative, but their availability and affordability are subject to variability. Medical transport services provide specialized support but come with higher costs and potential logistical hurdles.

Therefore, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Cataumet (ZIP Code 02534) is best described as **moderate**. While healthcare facilities are within reasonable driving distance for many residents, the limitations of public transit, the variability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport services create barriers for some individuals. Moving to Cataumet requires a careful assessment of individual transportation needs and the ability to navigate the available options effectively. Planning ahead, considering all available resources, and proactively addressing potential transportation challenges are crucial for ensuring adequate healthcare access in this charming but geographically dispersed community.