02738, Marion, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 02738, Marion, Massachusetts is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.63 percent of residents in 02738 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.26 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southcoast Hospitals Group with a distance of 19.93 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Marion, MA (ZIP Code 02738)

The quaint coastal town of Marion, Massachusetts, nestled within the 02738 ZIP code, offers a unique blend of maritime charm and New England tranquility. However, when considering a move to Marion, prospective residents must thoroughly evaluate their access to essential healthcare services. This assessment, focusing on transportation options, provides an “Overall Health Score” that considers the ease and efficiency of reaching medical facilities, a crucial factor in maintaining well-being.

Marion’s location, while beautiful, presents transportation challenges. The town is relatively isolated, with limited public transit and reliance on personal vehicles. The primary thoroughfare is **Route 6**, a vital east-west artery connecting Marion to neighboring towns and cities. **Interstate 195** offers a faster, albeit less direct, route for accessing healthcare facilities further afield. **Route 105** serves as a key north-south connector, facilitating travel to nearby communities. These roads are critical for healthcare access.

The drive times to healthcare facilities are a primary determinant of the Overall Health Score. For routine appointments, the **Southcoast Health Urgent Care - Fairhaven**, located approximately 10 miles east, is a common destination. The drive, primarily via Route 6, typically takes 15-20 minutes, contingent on traffic. The **Tobey Hospital** in Wareham, about 12 miles west, is another critical facility. Driving via Route 6 and then onto Cranberry Highway can take 20-30 minutes, traffic permitting. Emergency situations necessitate quicker access.

Specialized healthcare, such as cardiology or oncology, often requires travel to larger hospitals in New Bedford or Fall River. **St. Luke's Hospital** in New Bedford is approximately 18 miles away, a 30-40 minute drive via Route 6 and Route 18. **Charlton Memorial Hospital** in Fall River, about 25 miles distant, can take 40-50 minutes, primarily via I-195. These longer drive times significantly impact the Overall Health Score, especially for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent specialized care.

Public transportation options in Marion are limited, impacting healthcare access. The **Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA)** provides bus service, but routes serving Marion are infrequent and primarily focused on connecting to larger towns. The **Route 10 bus** connects Marion to New Bedford, but the schedule is limited, and travel times can be lengthy. The SRTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the infrequency of service and the circuitous routes can make relying on public transit for healthcare appointments challenging.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in Marion, offering an alternative to personal vehicles. However, the availability of these services can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also accumulate, potentially becoming a significant expense for frequent healthcare visits. While ride-sharing provides flexibility, it is not a guaranteed solution for consistent healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, designed specifically for transporting patients to and from medical appointments, offer another option. **CareRide** and **Medicaid Transportation** providers often serve the Marion area. These services typically require advance booking and can be more expensive than public transit but offer door-to-door service and specialized assistance for individuals with mobility limitations. These services are a valuable resource, especially for those unable to drive or utilize other transportation options.

The Overall Health Score for Marion (02738) reflects a mixed bag. The town's location presents challenges for healthcare access. While drive times to urgent care and the local hospital are reasonable, access to specialized care requires longer travel times. The limited public transit options and the variability of ride-sharing services further complicate the picture.

For individuals considering moving to Marion, careful consideration of their healthcare needs is paramount. Those with chronic conditions or requiring frequent specialized care should factor in the travel times and transportation costs when evaluating the suitability of the town. A proactive approach to healthcare, including establishing relationships with local providers and exploring available transportation options, is crucial.

The Overall Health Score is also affected by the availability of preventative care. Marion has several primary care physicians and dental practices, promoting proactive health management. The presence of these local providers contributes positively to the score. However, access to specialized services and the availability of transportation options are critical factors.

The Overall Health Score for Marion, therefore, is moderate. While the town offers a desirable quality of life, prospective residents must acknowledge the transportation challenges associated with accessing healthcare. The score can be improved by expanding public transit options, increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, and promoting awareness of medical transportation resources.

The availability of telehealth services also plays a role in healthcare access. Many providers now offer virtual appointments, reducing the need for in-person visits. This is particularly beneficial for routine check-ups and follow-up appointments. The Overall Health Score benefits from the increasing adoption of telehealth.

Ultimately, the Overall Health Score reflects a complex interplay of factors. While Marion offers a pleasant living environment, the transportation challenges and the limited public transit options affect healthcare access. Prospective residents must assess their healthcare needs and carefully evaluate the available transportation options before making a decision. The town's charm and quality of life must be balanced against the realities of healthcare access, a key consideration when moving to Marion.