Cape Cod Healthcare Guide 2025: Hospitals & Urgent Care

Cape Cod has evolved into a sophisticated healthcare destination with nationally recognized hospitals, comprehensive community health centers, and innovative care delivery models that serve both year-round residents and the influx of seasonal visitors. This guide provides a complete overview of healthcare services available on the peninsula, from emergency care to specialized treatments and community health resources.

Major Healthcare Systems: Award-Winning Care

Cape Cod Healthcare: The Regional Leader

Cape Cod Healthcare serves as the primary healthcare provider for the region, comprising a comprehensive network that includes two acute care hospitals, over 600 physicians, 5,000 employees, and 250 volunteers.

Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis stands as the region's flagship facility, a 283-bed acute care hospital founded in 1920. It has achieved Level III trauma center designation by the American College of Surgeons.

The hospital's emergency department handles over 84,000 visits annually, one of the busiest in Massachusetts year-round, especially during summer months.

Falmouth Hospital has partnered with Cape Cod Hospital since 1996, ensuring residents across the Cape have seamless access to comprehensive services.

Quality Recognition and Safety Ratings

Both hospitals have earned top-tier quality and safety rankings from CMS, Leapfrog, and U.S. News & World Report.

Specialty Services and Centers of Excellence

Cardiovascular Care

• Interventional cardiology suites
• Electrophysiology for arrhythmia
• Cardiac rehab and diagnostics
• 24/7 emergency cardiac services

Cancer Care

• Medical and radiation oncology
• Support services and clinical trials
• Accredited by Commission on Cancer

Surgical Services

• General, orthopedic, and cardiac surgery
• Outpatient and 24/7 emergency surgeries

Behavioral Health

• Adult and adolescent psychiatry
• 24/7 crisis line: 800-513-4728
• Substance use and outpatient services

Community Health Centers

Community Health Center of Cape Cod

• Primary, dental, and behavioral health
• Sliding scale, MassHealth accepted

Outer Cape Health Services

• Serving Provincetown, Wellfleet, Harwich
• Telehealth, pharmacy, specialty care

Urgent Care Network

• 7 CCHC locations (Hyannis, Falmouth, Sandwich, etc.)
• Seasonal care in Orleans, Osterville
• Open daily, 95% of patients seen in under 1 hour
• Also available: CareWell (South Dennis), ConvenientMD (Falmouth)

Emergency Medical Services

Cape and Islands EMS System (CIEMSS)

• 24/7 ambulance & ALS/BLS transport
• EMT training and air transport coordination
• Cape Cod Hospital is a Level III Trauma Center

Pharmaceutical Services

• Hospital-based and independent pharmacies
• Flu, shingles, COVID-19 immunizations
• "Meds to Go" program for discharged patients

Rehabilitation Services

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Cape Cod in Sandwich offers the Cape's only hospital-level rehab. Includes inpatient care, stroke recovery, and outpatient therapy.

Telemedicine and Virtual Care

• Virtual urgent care (CareWell, Cape Cod Telemedicine)
• Behavioral health and chronic care management
• Specialist consultations without leaving home

Medical Transportation

• CCRTA bus to Boston hospitals – $15 each way
• Non-emergency options: Prime Medical Transport, Coastal Medical Transportation

Primary Care Access

• MACC, CHC Cape Cod, Outer Cape Health, private practices
• Waitlists common – establish care early

Healthcare Workforce Challenges

Ongoing recruitment efforts are addressing provider shortages, high costs of living, and the need for behavioral health expansion.

Quality Metrics and Recognition

• CMS 5-star and 4-star ratings (Falmouth, Cape Cod Hospital)
• U.S. News cardiac care excellence
• Leapfrog Hospital Safety “A” grades

Planning Your Healthcare on Cape Cod

For New Residents

• Research provider networks
• Secure a primary care physician early
• Check proximity to urgent/emergency services

For Seasonal Residents

• Locate urgent care centers
• Use telemedicine to stay connected to your home doctors

For Families

• Pediatric services through Cape Cod Healthcare
• School immunization programs
• Child behavioral health access

The Future of Cape Cod Healthcare

• Telemedicine expansion
• New urgent care sites
• Improved regional medical transportation
• Provider recruitment and system upgrades

Conclusion: Comprehensive Care in a Beautiful Setting

From top-tier hospitals to accessible community health and telemedicine, Cape Cod's healthcare system is robust, responsive, and ready for year-round and seasonal residents alike. Its natural surroundings only enhance recovery and peace of mind.