02645, Harwich, Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 02645, Harwich, Massachusetts is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

79.46 percent of residents in 02645 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cape Cod Healthcare with a distance of 11.00 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Harwich (02645)

The decision to move to a new location, particularly when facing a health concern like prostate cancer, necessitates a thorough examination of healthcare access. This analysis focuses on transportation options and their impact on accessing prostate cancer care within the ZIP code 02645, encompassing Harwich, Massachusetts. We will assess the ease of commute, considering various modes of transportation, and ultimately provide a "Prostate Cancer Score" reflecting the accessibility of necessary medical services. This is vital information for anyone considering moving to Harwich, seeking optimal healthcare access.

The primary concern for prostate cancer patients is timely and consistent access to specialists, diagnostic tools, and treatment facilities. This includes urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and the availability of services like prostate biopsies, MRI scans, and radiation therapy. The effectiveness of treatment often hinges on the speed and reliability of transportation to these crucial appointments.

Driving is likely the most common mode of transportation within this area. From Harwich, accessing healthcare facilities typically involves navigating the local road network. The primary thoroughfare is Route 28, a major artery that runs through the town. Depending on the specific location within Harwich, drive times to medical centers can vary. For instance, reaching Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, a major regional medical center, could take between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Route 6, the Mid-Cape Highway, provides a faster route, but can experience congestion during peak seasons.

Smaller, local roads, such as Route 39 and Route 124, provide alternative routes, but may involve more turns and potentially slower travel times. The condition of these roads, particularly during winter months, can also impact commute times. The availability of parking at medical facilities is another factor to consider, especially at larger hospitals like Cape Cod Hospital, where parking lots can fill quickly.

Public transportation options are limited in this area. The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) provides bus services, but routes and schedules may not be ideal for medical appointments. The CCRTA offers several routes, including the #7, which may serve some areas of Harwich. However, these routes typically operate on a limited schedule, with less frequent service on weekends and evenings. This can pose challenges for patients needing early morning appointments or those requiring multiple trips for treatment.

The CCRTA does provide ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the public transit system. However, the extended travel times and potential for transfers may still present difficulties for patients undergoing treatment or experiencing mobility limitations. The CCRTA website and customer service are valuable resources for detailed route information and schedule updates.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area. While these services offer a convenient alternative to driving, their availability and cost can vary. Surge pricing, especially during peak hours or periods of high demand, can significantly increase the cost of transportation. Patients relying on ride-sharing should factor in these potential expenses when budgeting for their healthcare needs.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are also available. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility needs. Several medical transport companies operate in the Cape Cod area, including some that specialize in transporting patients with mobility issues. These services can be more expensive than ride-sharing, but offer a higher level of support and reliability.

The accessibility of healthcare is a critical factor for those considering moving to Harwich. The drive times to medical facilities, the limitations of public transportation, and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transport all contribute to the overall "Prostate Cancer Score."

**Prostate Cancer Score Calculation:**

To calculate the score, we will assess the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** Average drive time to major medical centers (Cape Cod Hospital).
* **Public Transportation:** Availability, frequency, and ADA accessibility of bus routes.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** Reliability and cost of Uber/Lyft services.
* **Medical Transport:** Availability and cost of specialized medical transport services.
* **Proximity to Specialists:** Distance to urologists, oncologists, and radiation therapy centers.

Each factor will be assigned a score, and the overall "Prostate Cancer Score" will be calculated based on a weighted average. This score will provide a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access in Harwich for prostate cancer patients.

**Preliminary Assessment:**

Based on the initial analysis, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for ZIP code 02645 is moderately impacted by transportation limitations. While driving offers the most direct access, the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for traffic congestion during peak seasons are factors to consider. The limited public transportation options and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transport further influence the score.

**Recommendations:**

For individuals considering a move to Harwich and facing prostate cancer, it is crucial to:

* **Assess your individual transportation needs:** Determine your ability to drive, your reliance on public transportation, and your budget for ride-sharing or medical transport.
* **Research the location of healthcare providers:** Identify the proximity of urologists, oncologists, and treatment facilities to your potential residence.
* **Explore medical transport options:** Obtain quotes and assess the availability of medical transport services.
* **Consider the impact of seasonal traffic:** Factor in the potential for increased traffic during peak tourist seasons.
* **Consult with your healthcare provider:** Discuss your transportation needs and receive recommendations for accessing care in Harwich.

**Final "Prostate Cancer Score" and Further Research:**

The final "Prostate Cancer Score" will be determined after a detailed weighting of the factors outlined above. Further research is necessary to gather specific data on drive times, public transportation schedules, ride-sharing costs, and medical transport availability. This information will enable a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of healthcare access in Harwich for prostate cancer patients. This information is vital for anyone considering moving to Harwich, seeking optimal healthcare access.