35040, Calera, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35040, Calera, Alabama is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.55 percent of residents in 35040 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.79 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Shelby Baptist Medical Center with a distance of 9.72 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 35040 (Calera, Alabama)

Understanding the overall health score for a location involves a complex interplay of factors, and the ease of accessing healthcare is paramount. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 35040, encompassing Calera, Alabama, and assesses the accessibility of medical services considering available transportation options. This is crucial information for anyone considering moving to Calera, ensuring they can easily reach the care they need.

The health score, in this context, reflects the relative ease with which residents can reach various healthcare providers. This includes primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, urgent care facilities, and pharmacies. Factors considered include drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services. This assessment aims to paint a comprehensive picture of healthcare access, providing a valuable perspective for residents and prospective newcomers.

**Drive Time and Road Network: The Backbone of Healthcare Access**

For most residents of Calera, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation. The efficient road network directly influences healthcare access. Interstate 65 (I-65) forms the western border of Calera, providing a vital artery for travel north to Birmingham and south to Montgomery. The primary route for accessing healthcare facilities in the Birmingham area is typically I-65 North.

The drive time to major hospitals in Birmingham, such as UAB Hospital or St. Vincent’s Hospital, can range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. During peak hours, especially morning and evening commutes, travel times can significantly increase.

US Highway 31, running north-south through Calera, serves as a critical local thoroughfare. It provides access to various businesses and medical offices within the city and connects to neighboring towns. Alabama Highway 25, another key road, offers an alternative route east towards Sylacauga and other communities.

Local roads like Shelby County Road 22 and Shelby County Road 42 provide access to smaller clinics and medical facilities within Calera and the surrounding areas. The condition of these roads and the presence of traffic lights and stop signs can also impact travel times, especially during peak hours.

**Public Transportation: A Limited but Existing Option**

Public transportation options in Calera are limited, impacting healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The Birmingham-Jefferson County TransitBirmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), also known as MAX, does not currently operate fixed-route bus services directly within Calera.

Residents needing public transportation must typically travel to Birmingham to access MAX routes. This necessitates a drive to a park-and-ride location or a connection with a local taxi or ride-sharing service. This adds significant travel time and complexity, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those who require frequent medical appointments.

The BJCTA does provide ADA-accessible buses on all its routes. However, the lack of direct routes to Calera significantly limits its utility for healthcare access within the ZIP code. The feasibility of using public transit for medical appointments is, therefore, severely restricted.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Calera, offering an alternative transportation option. However, availability can vary depending on the time of day and demand. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand, like medical emergencies, can also increase costs.

Ride-sharing services can be a valuable option for those unable to drive or who do not have access to a personal vehicle. However, the cost can be a barrier for some, particularly those with limited incomes.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for transporting individuals to and from medical appointments, offer a specialized solution. Companies such as MedRide and First Medical Transportation provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services in the Birmingham area, including Calera. These services typically cater to individuals with mobility limitations, those requiring wheelchair assistance, or those who cannot drive.

The availability of these services and the cost can vary. It is crucial for residents to research and compare different medical transport providers to find the best fit for their needs and budget.

**Healthcare Facilities and Proximity**

The proximity of healthcare facilities to residents is a critical factor in the overall health score. Calera has a limited number of healthcare providers within the city limits. Residents often need to travel to neighboring towns or Birmingham for specialized care.

The Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster, located approximately 10 to 15 minutes north of Calera via I-65, is a major hospital providing a wide range of services. This proximity significantly improves healthcare access for Calera residents.

Numerous clinics, urgent care centers, and specialist offices are located in Alabaster, Pelham, and Birmingham. The availability of these facilities contributes to a higher health score, even though travel is often required.

Pharmacies are readily available within Calera, ensuring convenient access to medications.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP code 35040 is moderate. While the road network provides relatively easy access to healthcare facilities, the limitations in public transportation and the reliance on personal vehicles impact the score.

The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport options helps bridge the gap, but costs and availability can be barriers. The proximity to Shelby Baptist Medical Center and the presence of various clinics and specialist offices in neighboring towns contribute positively to the score.

For individuals moving to Calera, understanding these transportation and healthcare access factors is crucial. Planning for transportation needs, considering the availability of ride-sharing or medical transport, and researching healthcare providers in advance will ensure a smoother transition and facilitate timely access to medical care.

The overall health score is positively impacted by the accessibility of major hospitals and the availability of specialized medical services within a reasonable driving distance. However, the limited public transportation options and the reliance on personal vehicles necessitate careful planning and consideration for those without access to a car.