35640, Hartselle, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35640, Hartselle, Alabama is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.98 percent of residents in 35640 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.57 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Decatur Morgan Hospital - Decatur Campus with a distance of 10.15 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 35640 (Hartselle, Alabama)**

Considering a move to Hartselle, Alabama (ZIP Code 35640), and prioritizing healthcare access? Understanding the transportation landscape is crucial for evaluating your overall health score. This assessment delves into the realities of commuting to healthcare facilities, examining drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the accessibility challenges and opportunities within this community.

The foundation of healthcare access in Hartselle rests upon its road network. The primary artery is Interstate 65 (I-65), providing relatively swift north-south travel. However, depending on your location within the ZIP code, reaching healthcare providers can involve navigating local roads. US Highway 31, a significant north-south route, offers alternative access, but traffic congestion during peak hours can impact travel times. Smaller roads like AL-36 and AL-31 offer connectivity within Hartselle and to surrounding areas, but their winding nature and potential for stop-and-go traffic may extend your commute.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary. Hartselle Medical Center, a key provider, is conveniently located within the city. Travel times to this facility are generally short for residents. However, if specialized care is required, you might need to travel to Decatur or Huntsville. Decatur, approximately 15-20 minutes south on I-65, offers a broader range of medical specialists and hospitals. Huntsville, roughly 45-60 minutes north on I-65, provides access to advanced medical centers and specialized treatments. These drive times, though manageable, must be factored into your overall health score, especially if you have chronic conditions or require frequent appointments.

Public transportation options within Hartselle are limited. The city does not have a comprehensive public transit system. Therefore, relying on buses or trains for healthcare access is not a viable option. The absence of public transit presents a significant challenge for individuals who cannot drive, including seniors, those with disabilities, and low-income residents. This transportation gap directly impacts healthcare access, potentially limiting access to appointments, medication refills, and preventative care.

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Hartselle. However, their reliability and availability can fluctuate. Ride-share services are more readily available in larger cities like Huntsville and Decatur. In Hartselle, you may experience longer wait times or higher fares, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with lower population density. Relying solely on ride-share for healthcare appointments requires careful planning and budgeting.

Medical transport services are available in Hartselle, catering to individuals who require specialized assistance. Ambulance services are readily available for emergencies. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers offer transportation for appointments, dialysis, and other medical needs. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and local ambulance services provide NEMT services. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary.

The absence of robust public transit and the potential for ride-share limitations are significant factors affecting healthcare access. These factors are particularly relevant for those with limited mobility, disabilities, or financial constraints. The reliance on personal vehicles or medical transport services can create barriers to care, potentially leading to delayed treatment or missed appointments.

The overall health score for commuting to healthcare in ZIP Code 35640 is moderately impacted by transportation challenges. While Hartselle Medical Center provides convenient access for local residents, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options raise concerns. Residents needing specialized care in Decatur or Huntsville face longer commute times, increasing the potential for inconvenience and stress.

The lack of accessible public transportation and the fluctuating availability of ride-share services present challenges for vulnerable populations. Individuals who cannot drive, or who lack access to a vehicle, face significant barriers to healthcare access. This highlights the importance of considering alternative transportation options, such as medical transport services, when assessing your overall health score.

When moving to Hartselle, consider the following: assess your healthcare needs and the frequency of appointments. Evaluate your ability to drive or your access to a reliable vehicle. Factor in the potential costs and availability of ride-share or medical transport services. Explore the proximity of healthcare facilities to your potential residence.

If you require specialized care or rely on public transportation, consider the commute times to Decatur or Huntsville. Carefully evaluate the healthcare access landscape when making your moving decision. The overall health score for ZIP Code 35640 is influenced by the accessibility of healthcare facilities and the availability of transportation options.

In conclusion, while Hartselle offers access to healthcare, the transportation infrastructure presents challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options require careful consideration. The availability of ride-share and medical transport services provides alternative solutions, but their reliability and cost must be factored into your overall health score. Prioritizing healthcare access is essential when considering a move to Hartselle. The transportation landscape significantly influences your ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care.