36025, Elmore, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36025, Elmore, Alabama is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.63 percent of residents in 36025 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.74 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Prattville Baptist Hospital with a distance of 8.25 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36025

Understanding the health landscape of a community requires more than just assessing the quality of medical facilities. It involves a holistic evaluation of how residents can *access* those facilities, a crucial element often overlooked. This analysis delves into the *transportation* infrastructure and options available to residents of ZIP Code 36025, providing an "Overall Health Score" that considers the ease and efficiency of commuting to healthcare. For those *moving to Elmore*, this information is vital.

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in this area is the reliance on personal vehicles. ZIP Code 36025, encompassing the town of Elmore, Alabama, is characterized by a relatively dispersed population and a limited public *transportation* network. The primary arteries for travel are US Highway 231 and State Route 14, providing direct routes to Montgomery and Prattville, where the majority of healthcare providers are located. These highways, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, potentially impacting emergency response times and adding to the stress of medical appointments.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the specific location within the ZIP code and the destination. For residents in the northern part of Elmore, a trip to Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery, a major regional hospital, could take approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions on US-231. Driving to Prattville Baptist Hospital, a closer option, would typically require a 15-20 minute drive via State Route 14. These estimates assume normal traffic flow and do not account for potential delays caused by accidents or inclement weather. Residents *moving to Elmore* should factor these travel times into their healthcare planning.

Public *transportation* options are less robust. The Montgomery Area Transit System (MATS) provides limited bus service to areas near ZIP Code 36025. However, direct routes to major healthcare facilities are scarce. The existing routes primarily serve the Montgomery area, and connecting to a healthcare provider would likely involve multiple transfers and significantly extended travel times. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a positive aspect, but the overall network's limitations pose a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles. The reliance on multiple transfers and the potential for long wait times make public *transportation* a less viable option for many, particularly those with mobility limitations or urgent medical needs.

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, offering a more flexible *transportation* alternative. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant barrier for some residents, especially for frequent medical appointments. The availability of drivers can also be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas further from the main population centers. While ride-sharing provides a valuable service, it is not a universally accessible solution for healthcare *transportation*.

Medical *transportation* services, specifically designed to cater to patients' needs, are also present. Companies like First Medical Transportation and MedTrans offer specialized *transportation* options, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher services. These services often require prior booking and can be expensive, but they are crucial for individuals who are unable to drive themselves or utilize public *transportation*. The availability and cost of these specialized services are essential considerations for residents with specific healthcare needs.

The geographical layout of Elmore and its proximity to larger cities like Montgomery and Prattville present both advantages and disadvantages regarding healthcare access. While the presence of major hospitals and a range of medical specialists within a reasonable driving distance is a positive factor, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public *transportation* create challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services offers alternative options, but cost and accessibility remain significant concerns.

The "Overall Health Score" for *transportation* to healthcare in ZIP Code 36025 is moderately positive, but with significant caveats. The score reflects the availability of various *transportation* options, but the limitations of each option must be carefully considered. The primary reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public *transportation*, and the cost of ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services all contribute to a complex picture.

For individuals *moving to Elmore*, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and *transportation* capabilities is essential. Those who rely on public *transportation* or have mobility limitations should carefully evaluate the feasibility of accessing healthcare facilities. The cost of ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services should also be factored into their budget.

Furthermore, the development of enhanced public *transportation* options, including expanded bus routes and improved accessibility, would significantly improve healthcare access for all residents. Initiatives to subsidize ride-sharing or medical *transportation* for low-income individuals and those with disabilities could also play a vital role in improving health outcomes.

In conclusion, while ZIP Code 36025 offers access to a range of healthcare providers, the *transportation* infrastructure presents challenges. The "Overall Health Score" is influenced by the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public *transportation*, and the cost of alternative options. For those *moving to Elmore*, understanding these factors is crucial for ensuring timely and affordable access to essential medical care. Addressing these *transportation* barriers through strategic improvements in public *transportation*, ride-sharing programs, and medical *transportation* services is essential for improving the overall health and well-being of the community. The success of healthcare access is directly linked to the ease with which residents can navigate the *transportation* landscape.