The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 02542, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
87.07 percent of residents in 02542 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Falmouth Hospital with a distance of 6.87 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 02542, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts
Overall Health Score | 78 |
---|---|
People Score | 34 |
Provider Score | 76 |
Hospital Score | 78 |
Travel Score | 47 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 02542 | Buzzards Bay | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 9.06 | 1.32 | 5.90 |
1 Car | 27.19 | 20.41 | 23.77 |
2 Cars | 61.33 | 39.70 | 41.47 |
3 or More Cars | 2.42 | 38.57 | 28.86 |
Vehicular Access in 02542, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts
## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 02542 (Buzzards Bay, MA)
Assessing the overall health score for residents of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02542), necessitates a deep dive into the crucial element of **transportation** and its direct impact on **healthcare access**. This analysis considers the time, cost, and ease of reaching medical facilities, painting a comprehensive picture for current and prospective residents, especially those considering **moving to Buzzards Bay**. This score will be a dynamic reflection of the community's ability to connect its population with essential health services.
The geographic location of Buzzards Bay, nestled on the western edge of Cape Cod, presents unique challenges and opportunities in the realm of healthcare access. Its proximity to both urban centers and the more rural Cape Cod peninsula shapes the transportation landscape. This write-up will explore the various modes available, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses in facilitating timely and reliable access to medical care.
**Driving the Healthcare Journey:**
For many residents, the primary mode of transportation to healthcare appointments is personal vehicles. The primary arteries for navigating the region are **Interstate 195** (I-195), which provides a direct east-west link, and **Route 28**, a major north-south thoroughfare. Local roads like **Main Street** and **Cranberry Highway** offer access to local facilities and residential areas.
Drive times to healthcare facilities vary significantly depending on the destination and the time of day. For routine appointments, such as primary care physician visits at the Tobey Hospital in Wareham, the drive can be relatively short, typically under 15 minutes. However, specialized care or emergency situations may necessitate travel to facilities further afield, such as hospitals in Fall River or New Bedford.
During peak traffic hours, especially on weekdays, congestion on I-195 and Route 28 can significantly extend travel times. This is particularly relevant for those requiring urgent care or facing chronic conditions that necessitate frequent medical visits. The reliability of personal vehicle transportation is thus subject to external factors, which can influence the overall health score.
**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**
The public transportation infrastructure in Buzzards Bay is less developed compared to more urban areas. The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides bus service, but routes within the immediate vicinity of Buzzards Bay are limited. Route 12 serves the area, but its frequency and coverage may not adequately cater to all residents' needs.
Accessibility is a crucial factor. SRTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating, to ensure inclusivity for individuals with mobility challenges. However, the limited route network and potential for longer travel times can pose a barrier to healthcare access for those reliant on public transportation.
The lack of comprehensive public transit options highlights a significant challenge in the overall health score. Residents without access to personal vehicles, or those unable to drive, face greater difficulties in reaching medical appointments, potentially leading to delayed care or compromised health outcomes.
**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap:**
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Buzzards Bay area, offering an alternative transportation option. However, the availability and cost of these services can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with lower population density. This variability can impact the reliability of ride-sharing for healthcare appointments.
Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies, provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often offer door-to-door assistance and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, the cost of medical transport can be substantial, potentially creating a financial barrier to healthcare access for some residents.
The presence of ride-sharing and medical transport options offers a degree of flexibility and support. However, their availability, cost, and reliability must be considered when evaluating the overall health score. These services can be valuable resources, but they may not fully address the transportation challenges faced by all residents.
**Specific Healthcare Facilities and Travel Times:**
To understand the practical implications of transportation options, it's essential to consider the specific healthcare facilities available and the associated travel times. Tobey Hospital in Wareham is a primary destination for many residents. Drive times to Tobey Hospital are generally favorable, typically under 15 minutes, assuming traffic conditions are favorable.
For specialized care, residents may need to travel to hospitals in Fall River (e.g., Saint Anne's Hospital) or New Bedford (e.g., St. Luke's Hospital). These trips can involve longer drive times, potentially exceeding 30 minutes or more, depending on traffic. These longer travel times can impact the overall health score, particularly for those requiring frequent specialist visits.
The availability of urgent care facilities and walk-in clinics within the Buzzards Bay area is another factor to consider. These facilities offer convenient access to immediate medical attention, reducing the need for longer trips to hospitals for non-emergency situations. The proximity of these facilities can positively influence the overall health score.
**Factors Impacting the Overall Health Score:**
Several factors collectively shape the overall health score for residents of Buzzards Bay. The availability and reliability of transportation options are paramount. The presence of public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options can mitigate some of the challenges associated with accessing healthcare.
The proximity of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, urgent care clinics, and primary care physicians, also plays a crucial role. Shorter travel times generally translate to better healthcare access. The cost of transportation, including fuel, public transit fares, and ride-sharing fees, can also impact the overall health score, particularly for low-income residents.
The demographics of the population, including age, disability status, and socioeconomic factors, should also be considered. Individuals with mobility limitations or those facing financial constraints may face greater barriers to healthcare access. The overall health score should reflect the unique needs and challenges of all residents.
**Improving Healthcare Access and the Health Score:**
Improving the overall health score for Buzzards Bay residents requires a multifaceted approach. Enhancing public transportation options, including expanding bus routes and increasing service frequency, would significantly improve healthcare access.
Promoting ride-sharing programs and subsidizing medical transport services for low-income residents could help reduce transportation costs. Encouraging the development of more healthcare facilities within the Buzzards Bay area, including urgent care clinics and specialist offices, would shorten travel times and improve convenience.
Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as traffic management systems and road maintenance, could help reduce congestion and improve the reliability of personal vehicle transportation. Educating residents about available transportation options and healthcare resources is also crucial.
**Conclusion: A Dynamic Score:**
The overall health score for residents of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02542) is a dynamic measure, reflecting the interplay of transportation, healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors. While the area offers some advantages, such as proximity to Tobey Hospital, challenges remain, particularly in the realm of public transportation and the potential for longer travel times to specialized care.
By addressing the transportation limitations, improving healthcare access, and supporting the unique needs of all residents, the community can strive to enhance its overall health score and ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. The ongoing commitment to these improvements will be crucial for those considering **moving to Buzzards Bay** and for the overall well-being of the community. The score will be a living document, reflecting the ongoing efforts to build a healthier future for all residents.
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