36321, Cowarts, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36321, Cowarts, Alabama is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.08 percent of residents in 36321 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.57 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southeast Health Medical Center with a distance of 3.68 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36321 (Cowarts, Alabama)

The health and well-being of residents in Cowarts, Alabama (ZIP Code 36321), are significantly intertwined with their ability to access healthcare. Evaluating this access necessitates a comprehensive "Overall Health Score," considering various factors, including transportation infrastructure, available healthcare facilities, and the practical realities of reaching them. This assessment will delve into drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport availability, painting a clear picture for those considering moving to Cowarts and for current residents seeking to understand their healthcare landscape.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Cowarts is the availability of transportation. The area, characterized by its rural setting, presents unique challenges. The primary mode of transportation is the personal vehicle. The road network, while generally well-maintained, dictates the time and distance required to reach medical facilities.

The most direct route out of Cowarts, heading north, is Alabama State Route 103. This road provides a link to Dothan, the nearest city with a concentration of healthcare providers. Reaching Dothan typically involves a drive of approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination within the city. The primary route into Dothan is US Highway 84, a major thoroughfare that connects to various hospitals, clinics, and specialist offices.

Alternatively, traveling south from Cowarts on Alabama State Route 103 leads to Ashford. While Ashford offers some local medical services, including primary care and urgent care, the range of specialized care is limited. The drive to Ashford is generally shorter, around 5 to 10 minutes.

For those requiring specialized medical care, the journey to larger medical centers, such as those in Montgomery or Birmingham, becomes considerably longer. These trips necessitate travel on US Highway 84 and Interstate 65, potentially adding several hours of travel time. This extended travel time can be a significant barrier, especially for individuals with chronic conditions or mobility limitations.

Public transportation options within Cowarts and the surrounding areas are extremely limited. There is no established public bus system operating within the ZIP code. This lack of public transit significantly impacts the ability of individuals without personal vehicles to access healthcare. This is a critical factor in the overall health score, as it disproportionately affects the elderly, low-income individuals, and those with disabilities.

While the absence of public transit presents a challenge, ride-sharing services offer a potential alternative. However, the availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, can be inconsistent in rural areas like Cowarts. The frequency of service and the associated costs can vary significantly. The reliance on ride-sharing, especially for regular medical appointments, can be financially burdensome and unreliable.

Medical transportation services are available, but they often cater to specific needs, such as ambulance services for emergencies or non-emergency medical transport for individuals with mobility limitations. These services, including local ambulance companies and private medical transport providers, are essential for certain populations. However, they are often subject to insurance coverage limitations and can be costly.

The availability of healthcare facilities within a reasonable distance is another crucial element of the Overall Health Score. Dothan, the primary healthcare hub for Cowarts residents, offers a range of medical services, including hospitals, specialist clinics, and primary care physicians. Southeast Health Medical Center and Flowers Hospital are the two major hospitals in Dothan, providing comprehensive medical care.

However, even with the presence of healthcare facilities in Dothan, the distance and transportation challenges can still hinder access. The travel time to these facilities, coupled with the potential for traffic congestion, can create significant barriers.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of healthcare facilities and transportation options is another important consideration. While healthcare facilities are generally required to comply with ADA standards, ensuring physical accessibility, the transportation options available may not always be fully accessible. The lack of accessible public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services can pose challenges for individuals with disabilities.

The Overall Health Score for healthcare access in Cowarts, Alabama (ZIP Code 36321) is significantly impacted by the transportation infrastructure. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential inconsistencies of ride-sharing services create challenges for accessing healthcare. The drive times to Dothan, while relatively short, can be a barrier for those without personal transportation. The lack of ADA-compliant public transit further exacerbates these challenges.

The Overall Health Score is further influenced by the availability of medical transportation services. These services are essential for certain populations, but they can be costly and subject to insurance limitations.

The healthcare landscape in Cowarts, Alabama, presents a mixed picture. While Dothan offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, the transportation challenges and the lack of readily available public transit limit access for some residents. The Overall Health Score reflects these realities, highlighting the need for improved transportation options and increased accessibility to healthcare services for all residents.

For individuals considering moving to Cowarts, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is crucial. Understanding the drive times, the limitations of public transit, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services is essential for making an informed decision. The ability to access healthcare is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, and the transportation infrastructure in Cowarts significantly impacts this access.