36470, Perdue Hill, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36470, Perdue Hill, Alabama is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 36470 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Monroe County Hospital with a distance of 9.76 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36470 (Perdue Hill, Alabama)

Understanding the healthcare landscape is paramount when considering a move, especially to a rural area like Perdue Hill, Alabama, nestled within ZIP code 36470. This assessment delves into the accessibility of healthcare services, focusing on the various transportation options available to residents, ultimately providing an "Overall Health Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing medical care. This score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities within this community.

The "Overall Health Score" for 36470, considering transportation and healthcare access, is **Moderate**. While the area offers some options, the reliance on personal vehicles, limited public transportation, and the vast distances to comprehensive medical facilities present significant hurdles for many residents.

The primary mode of transportation in Perdue Hill, as in most rural areas, is the personal vehicle. Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical factor. The closest primary care physicians are likely located in Monroeville, approximately a 15-20 minute drive via **Alabama Highway 21** and **Alabama Highway 41**. These are the main thoroughfares, and while generally well-maintained, traffic can be affected by weather conditions, especially during the rainy season. Specialty care, such as cardiology or dermatology, necessitates longer drives, often to larger cities like Mobile (approximately a 1 hour 45 minute drive via **US Highway 84** and **Interstate 65**) or Montgomery (approximately a 2-hour drive via **US Highway 84** and **US Highway 31**), adding significant travel time and expense.

Public transportation options are extremely limited. Monroe County, where Perdue Hill is located, does not have a comprehensive public transit system. There is no regular bus service connecting Perdue Hill to Monroeville or other surrounding towns. This lack of public transit presents a significant barrier for individuals without personal vehicles, especially the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents. The absence of public transportation significantly lowers the "Overall Health Score," as it restricts healthcare access for a substantial portion of the population.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability are questionable. The rural nature of Perdue Hill means that ride-sharing drivers may be scarce, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability makes ride-sharing an uncertain option for scheduled medical appointments or emergency situations. The cost of ride-sharing, especially for longer distances to specialty care facilities, can also be prohibitive for many residents.

Medical transportation services are another crucial element of healthcare access. Several companies offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in the region. These services typically transport patients to and from medical appointments. However, the availability of NEMT services can vary, and advance booking is often required. The cost of these services can also be a barrier, especially for frequent appointments. Emergency medical services (EMS) are provided by Monroe County. Response times in rural areas can be longer than in urban settings, potentially impacting patient outcomes in critical situations.

The availability of healthcare facilities within the immediate vicinity of Perdue Hill is also a factor. The town itself may not have a hospital or a wide range of medical specialists. This necessitates travel to Monroeville or even further afield for specialized care. The lack of local healthcare infrastructure increases the reliance on transportation and adds to the overall challenge of accessing healthcare.

The "Overall Health Score" reflects these factors, acknowledging the challenges associated with accessing healthcare in Perdue Hill. The reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of public transit, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services create barriers for many residents. While medical transportation services offer some assistance, they are not a universal solution.

The importance of healthcare access is amplified for those considering moving to Perdue Hill. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and the availability of healthcare services that meet their specific requirements. Individuals with chronic health conditions or limited mobility should give particular consideration to the distance and travel time to medical facilities.

Healthcare access is not just about the availability of medical professionals; it's about the ability to reach them. The lack of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles in 36470 create significant challenges for those without access to a car or who are unable to drive. This impacts the "Overall Health Score" and should be a key consideration for anyone contemplating a move to this area.

The "Overall Health Score" is a dynamic measure. Efforts to improve healthcare access, such as the expansion of telehealth services, the establishment of community health centers, or the implementation of a limited public transit system, could significantly improve the score. These initiatives would directly address the transportation and healthcare access challenges facing the residents of Perdue Hill.

In conclusion, the "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in 36470 is "Moderate." While some options exist, the limitations in transportation, particularly public transit, and the distances to healthcare facilities present significant obstacles. Understanding these challenges is essential for residents and prospective residents alike, ensuring informed decisions about healthcare access and overall well-being.