35235, Birmingham, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35235, Birmingham, Alabama is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.49 percent of residents in 35235 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.52 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St. Vincent's East with a distance of 6.59 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 35235

Considering a move to Birmingham, Alabama, and specifically to the 35235 ZIP code? Understanding the accessibility of healthcare is paramount to overall well-being. This comprehensive analysis provides an “Overall Health Score” for healthcare access within this area, factoring in transportation options, drive times, and available services.

The 35235 ZIP code, encompassing parts of Birmingham, faces unique transportation challenges. While the city boasts a growing healthcare infrastructure, navigating to appointments can be complex. This assessment considers the primary factors influencing healthcare access: drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation. Each element contributes to the overall health score, reflecting the ease or difficulty residents experience in reaching vital medical care.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary arteries for vehicular travel in and out of 35235 are Interstate 65 (I-65), and U.S. Highway 31 (US-31). These highways, while providing crucial links, are often congested, particularly during peak hours. Drive times to healthcare facilities vary significantly depending on the destination and the time of day.

For instance, accessing the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital, a major healthcare hub, typically requires navigating I-65 or US-31. During rush hour, this commute, normally a 15-20 minute drive, can easily extend to 30-45 minutes, impacting appointment adherence and potentially exacerbating health conditions.

Similarly, reaching St. Vincent’s Birmingham, another prominent hospital, often involves navigating US-31 or local roads like Montclair Road. These routes, while shorter, can be equally susceptible to traffic delays. Considering these factors, drive times are a significant determinant of the overall health score.

**Public Transportation Options:**

The Birmingham-Jefferson County TransitBirmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), also known as MAX, provides public transportation options within the city. Several bus routes serve the 35235 area, offering a potential alternative to driving.

Route 40, for example, runs along Montclair Road, offering access to some medical facilities. Route 14 provides access to downtown Birmingham, where many specialty clinics and hospitals are located. However, reliance on public transit introduces its own set of challenges.

Bus schedules may not always align with medical appointment times. Transfers between routes can add significant travel time. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant buses is crucial for individuals with disabilities. While the BJCTA strives to provide accessible services, the frequency and coverage of these services can impact healthcare access. The overall health score considers these limitations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Birmingham, offering a convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit. These services can be particularly beneficial for individuals without access to a personal vehicle or those unable to drive.

However, ride-sharing costs can accumulate, making them a less affordable option for frequent medical appointments. Furthermore, the availability of drivers, especially during peak hours or in less populated areas, can be unpredictable.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by medical transport companies, provide specialized transportation for patients with specific needs. These services often offer door-to-door assistance and can accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. While providing a valuable service, these options can be expensive and require advance booking.

**Medical Transportation Brands:**

Several medical transportation brands operate in the Birmingham area, including but not limited to:

* **Care Ride:** Offers non-emergency medical transportation.
* **First Choice Medical Transportation:** Provides transportation for various medical needs.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Offers ambulance services and non-emergency transport.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The “Overall Health Score” for 35235 reflects the interplay of these factors. A high score indicates easy access to healthcare, with short drive times, reliable public transit, and affordable ride-sharing options. A lower score suggests challenges, such as long drive times, limited public transit, and high transportation costs.

To calculate the score, we weigh the following factors:

* **Drive Time Reliability:** The consistency of drive times to major healthcare facilities, considering traffic congestion.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** The frequency, coverage, and ADA-compliance of bus routes serving the area.
* **Ride-Sharing Affordability:** The cost of ride-sharing services relative to income levels.
* **Medical Transportation Availability:** The availability and cost of specialized medical transport services.

The overall health score for 35235 is moderate. While the area benefits from its proximity to major healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the challenges of public transit impact accessibility. Ride-sharing offers a viable alternative, but cost can be a barrier. Medical transportation is available, but its expense limits its use.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the overall health score, several initiatives could be implemented:

* **Enhance Public Transit:** Increase the frequency and coverage of bus routes, particularly those serving medical facilities. Improve ADA accessibility.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing Subsidies:** Explore programs that subsidize ride-sharing costs for low-income residents.
* **Expand Medical Transportation Options:** Encourage the growth of medical transportation services, ensuring affordability and availability.
* **Improve Traffic Management:** Implement traffic management strategies to reduce congestion on major roadways.
* **Healthcare Access Awareness:** Promote awareness of available transportation options and healthcare resources for residents.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Birmingham, and specifically to the 35235 ZIP code, offers access to quality healthcare. However, transportation considerations are crucial. The “Overall Health Score” provides a valuable framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access. By addressing transportation limitations and promoting accessible and affordable options, the overall health score can be improved, ensuring that all residents can readily access the medical care they need.