36370, Pansey, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36370, Pansey, Alabama is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.16 percent of residents in 36370 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.52 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southeast Health Medical Center with a distance of 12.77 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36370 (Pansey, Alabama)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 36370, encompassing the rural community of Pansey, Alabama, requires a deep dive into the crucial intersection of transportation and healthcare access. This analysis considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by those seeking medical care in this locale. Ultimately, this score will influence the decision of anyone moving to Pansey, weighing the benefits of rural living against potential hurdles in accessing essential healthcare services.

The primary factor influencing the health score in Pansey is the reliance on personal vehicles for transportation. The geographic isolation of the area dictates that residents are largely dependent on driving to access healthcare facilities. This dependence immediately introduces potential barriers, including the cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and the inherent risks associated with driving, particularly for those with mobility limitations or chronic health conditions.

The major arteries connecting Pansey to healthcare providers are primarily state and county roads. The most direct route to Dothan, the nearest city with a significant concentration of medical services, involves traveling on AL-53 (Columbia Highway) and then AL-105 (Ross Clark Circle). Drive times to Dothan's hospitals, such as Southeast Health Medical Center and Flowers Hospital, can range from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Pansey. Accessing specialty clinics and physician offices within Dothan necessitates navigating the city's roadways, potentially extending travel times and increasing the complexity of the commute.

Further afield, the journey to larger medical centers in cities like Montgomery or Birmingham becomes a significantly more time-consuming undertaking. These trips would involve utilizing major highways such as US-84 and I-65, with travel times easily exceeding two to three hours. Such lengthy commutes can be particularly challenging for individuals requiring frequent medical appointments, emergency care, or specialized treatments unavailable locally.

Public transportation options within and around Pansey are extremely limited. The absence of a robust public transit system is a significant detriment to the overall health score. There are no established bus routes or fixed-route services operating within the community or connecting it directly to Dothan or other healthcare hubs. This lack of public transit disproportionately affects those without access to a personal vehicle, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents, effectively creating a significant barrier to healthcare access. The absence of ADA-compliant public transit further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with mobility impairments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Dothan, but their presence in Pansey is sporadic and unreliable. The availability of these services is heavily dependent on driver density and demand, meaning that residents of Pansey may experience longer wait times or difficulty securing a ride, particularly during off-peak hours or in emergencies. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, including ambulances and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), play a crucial role in bridging the gap in healthcare access for residents of Pansey. Emergency medical services are provided by the Houston County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), ensuring rapid response in critical situations. However, non-emergency medical transportation options are more limited. Companies like MedTrans and other local providers offer NEMT services, primarily for individuals requiring transportation to and from medical appointments, dialysis treatments, and other healthcare-related needs. The availability and cost of these services can vary, and the need for advance booking can pose a challenge for those requiring urgent or unplanned medical care.

The overall health score for ZIP Code 36370 is significantly impacted by the limitations in transportation options. The dependence on personal vehicles, the lack of public transit, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the reliance on NEMT services all contribute to a lower score. The time-consuming commutes to healthcare facilities, the potential financial burdens associated with transportation costs, and the challenges faced by those with mobility limitations or without access to a vehicle all negatively affect the ability of residents to access timely and appropriate medical care.

For individuals considering moving to Pansey, the health score should be a critical factor in their decision-making process. While the benefits of rural living, such as a slower pace of life and a close-knit community, may be attractive, the challenges associated with healthcare access must be carefully weighed. Prospective residents should assess their individual healthcare needs, consider their ability to drive or secure transportation, and research the availability of local healthcare providers. Understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access is crucial for making an informed decision about moving to Pansey and ensuring their overall well-being.