02536, East Falmouth, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 02536, East Falmouth, Massachusetts is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.54 percent of residents in 02536 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.42 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Falmouth Hospital with a distance of 2.84 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 02536 (East Falmouth, MA)

This analysis assesses the ease with which residents of East Falmouth, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02536) can access healthcare services. It considers multiple modes of transportation, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing, and specialized medical transport, to determine an overall health score. This score reflects the accessibility of healthcare, a critical factor for anyone considering moving to East Falmouth. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access.

East Falmouth, a charming coastal community, presents unique transportation challenges due to its location on Cape Cod. The primary mode of transportation is the personal vehicle. Road infrastructure, while generally well-maintained, can experience significant congestion, particularly during peak tourist seasons and weekends. This impacts drive times to essential healthcare facilities.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary roadways serving East Falmouth are Route 28 and Route 151. Route 28, a major north-south artery, offers access to Falmouth Hospital, a crucial healthcare provider. Driving to Falmouth Hospital from central East Falmouth typically takes around 10-15 minutes under normal traffic conditions. However, during the summer months, this commute can easily double or even triple due to heavy traffic. Route 151 provides access to other medical offices and specialists, with similar traffic considerations.

For specialized care or hospitals located further afield, residents often utilize the Bourne Bridge, connecting Cape Cod to the mainland. Accessing hospitals in the greater Boston area, such as Massachusetts General Hospital or Brigham and Women's Hospital, necessitates a drive of at least 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. This extended travel time can be a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly in emergencies. The reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of reliable transportation for residents.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in East Falmouth are limited but available. The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) provides bus service, including routes that serve East Falmouth. Route 2, for instance, connects Falmouth with other towns on the Cape, including Hyannis, and offers connections to medical facilities along the way. The CCRTA also operates the "Sea Line" route, which provides seasonal service, mainly during the summer months.

The CCRTA endeavors to provide accessible services. All CCRTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts and priority seating. However, the frequency of service, especially on routes serving East Falmouth, is relatively low compared to urban areas. This can lead to longer wait times and potentially hinder access to timely medical appointments. The reliance on schedules and fixed routes may not always align with the needs of individuals requiring frequent or urgent medical care.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in East Falmouth, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability of these services can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in less populated areas. Surge pricing, a common occurrence during periods of high demand, can make ride-sharing an expensive option for healthcare access.

Specialized medical transport services are available for individuals who require assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. These services, often provided by private companies or healthcare providers, offer door-to-door transportation and may include assistance with mobility and medical equipment. While medical transport services address a critical need, they can be costly and may require advance booking.

**Healthcare Access and the Moving Decision:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in East Falmouth is moderate. While the community benefits from the presence of Falmouth Hospital and local medical offices, the reliance on personal vehicles, potential traffic congestion, and limited public transit options present challenges. Residents considering moving to East Falmouth should carefully assess their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities.

The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport offers some flexibility, but these options may not always be readily available or affordable. Individuals with chronic health conditions or those requiring frequent medical appointments should carefully consider the potential impact of transportation limitations on their healthcare access.

**Overall Health Score Breakdown:**

* **Drive Time Reliability:** Moderate. Traffic congestion, particularly during peak seasons, can significantly impact drive times.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** Limited. The CCRTA provides service, but frequency and route coverage are limited. ADA accessibility is a positive factor.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** Moderate. Uber and Lyft are available, but availability and cost can fluctuate.
* **Medical Transport Options:** Available. Specialized services cater to individuals with mobility needs, but costs can be a factor.
* **Overall Score:** Moderate. The score reflects a balance of positive and negative factors, with transportation being a key consideration for healthcare access.

**Conclusion:**

For those considering moving to East Falmouth, a thorough understanding of the transportation landscape is essential. While the community offers a desirable lifestyle, potential residents must evaluate how the available transportation options align with their individual healthcare needs. The moderate overall health score emphasizes the importance of proactive planning and considering all available resources to ensure seamless healthcare access.