36460, Monroeville, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36460, Monroeville, Alabama is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

78.74 percent of residents in 36460 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.83 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Monroe County Hospital with a distance of 0.68 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Monroeville, AL (ZIP Code 36460)

Considering a move to Monroeville, Alabama, and concerned about healthcare access? This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for commuting to medical facilities within and around ZIP code 36460, factoring in transportation options, drive times, and accessibility. This score helps prospective residents assess their potential healthcare access, a crucial element in overall well-being.

The score considers various factors, including the availability and efficiency of transportation options, the proximity of healthcare providers, and the accessibility of these providers for individuals with disabilities. We'll delve into the specifics of driving routes, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape in and around Monroeville.

Monroeville, a charming town in Monroe County, offers a slower pace of life. However, its rural setting presents unique challenges when it comes to healthcare access. While the town boasts a strong sense of community, the geographical distances and limited transportation options can significantly impact an individual's ability to reach medical appointments and services. Understanding these challenges is key to making an informed decision about relocating.

**Driving Times and Road Networks:**

The primary mode of transportation in Monroeville is, unsurprisingly, the automobile. Driving times to healthcare facilities are a critical component of the "Overall Health Score." The main thoroughfare through Monroeville is **U.S. Highway 84**, which provides access to several medical facilities. The **Monroe County Hospital** is located within the town, offering primary care and some specialized services. Driving time to the hospital from most residential areas within 36460 is typically under 10 minutes, making it a convenient option for urgent care and routine appointments.

For more specialized care, residents often need to travel to larger cities like Mobile or Montgomery. Accessing these cities necessitates navigating **U.S. Highway 84** and connecting to **Interstate 65 (I-65)**. The drive to Mobile, approximately 100 miles south, can take roughly two hours, depending on traffic. The drive to Montgomery, about 120 miles north, is also around two hours. These longer drive times significantly impact the "Overall Health Score," especially for individuals requiring frequent specialist visits or emergency care. The condition of the roads, including potential delays due to construction or accidents, further influences the accessibility of healthcare.

The condition of the roads, including potential delays due to construction or accidents, further influences the accessibility of healthcare. Rural roads, while scenic, can be poorly maintained, especially during inclement weather, adding to travel time and potential safety concerns. This factor is weighed in our final score, reflecting the potential for disruptions in healthcare access.

**Public Transportation Limitations:**

Public transportation options in Monroeville are extremely limited, which severely impacts the "Overall Health Score." There is no established public bus system within the town or county. This lack of public transit presents a significant barrier for individuals who do not own a car, cannot drive, or prefer not to drive.

The absence of public transit disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with low incomes. Without reliable public transportation, these individuals face substantial challenges in accessing healthcare, potentially leading to delayed treatment or missed appointments. This factor significantly lowers the "Overall Health Score" for those reliant on public transportation.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are *not* readily available in Monroeville. This further compounds the transportation challenges, leaving residents with limited options for non-emergency medical transportation. This lack of ride-sharing services significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score," particularly for those without personal vehicles.

Medical transport services are available, but their availability and cost can vary. Companies like **First Response Medical Transport** and **MedStar Ambulance Service** offer non-emergency and emergency medical transportation. However, these services often require prior scheduling and can be expensive, especially for frequent appointments. The cost and availability of medical transport services are factored into the "Overall Health Score," reflecting the financial and logistical burdens associated with accessing healthcare.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The accessibility of healthcare facilities for individuals with disabilities is a critical component of the "Overall Health Score." The **Monroe County Hospital** is generally ADA-compliant, providing accessible entrances, ramps, and restrooms. However, accessibility can vary at smaller clinics and specialist offices.

When considering healthcare facilities outside of Monroeville, it is crucial to inquire about their ADA compliance. Long travel times can be especially challenging for individuals with disabilities, and the lack of accessible transportation options further exacerbates these challenges. The "Overall Health Score" considers the availability of accessible healthcare facilities and transportation options.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for accessing healthcare in ZIP code 36460 is *moderate*. While the **Monroe County Hospital** provides convenient access to primary care, the limited transportation options, long drive times to specialized care, and lack of ride-sharing services significantly impact the score.

For individuals considering moving to Monroeville, it is essential to carefully assess their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities. Those who rely on public transportation or have mobility limitations should be particularly mindful of the challenges in accessing healthcare.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents:**

* **Assess Healthcare Needs:** Evaluate your current and anticipated healthcare needs. Consider the frequency of specialist appointments, the need for emergency care, and the availability of specific services.
* **Transportation Planning:** Plan for transportation needs. Owning a reliable vehicle is highly recommended. Explore the availability and cost of medical transport services.
* **Research Healthcare Providers:** Research the availability and accessibility of healthcare providers in Monroeville and surrounding areas. Inquire about ADA compliance and transportation assistance.
* **Community Resources:** Investigate community resources, such as volunteer transportation programs or senior centers that may offer assistance with transportation to medical appointments.
* **Consider Proximity:** If frequent specialized care is necessary, consider the proximity of healthcare facilities to your residence. The longer the drive, the greater the impact on the "Overall Health Score."

In conclusion, while Monroeville offers a peaceful lifestyle, the limited transportation options and geographical distances to specialized care present challenges to healthcare access. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities to ensure they can adequately access the care they require. The "Overall Health Score" reflects the complexities of healthcare access in this rural community, underscoring the importance of thorough planning and consideration before making a move. The goal is to ensure that moving to Monroeville aligns with your healthcare needs and promotes overall well-being.