36474, Red Level, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36474, Red Level, Alabama is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.92 percent of residents in 36474 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.16 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mizell Memorial Hospital with a distance of 21.81 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36474 (Red Level, Alabama)

This report assesses the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 36474, focusing on their access to healthcare, specifically considering the crucial factor of transportation. The ability to reach medical facilities efficiently and reliably is a cornerstone of preventative care, timely treatment, and overall well-being. The analysis will delve into the realities of navigating the local transportation landscape, evaluating drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. This detailed examination aims to paint a clear picture of healthcare accessibility for those living in and potentially considering moving to Red Level, Alabama.

The geographical context of ZIP Code 36474, encompassing the town of Red Level, places it in Covington County, Alabama. This is a rural area, and the implications for healthcare access are significant. The nearest significant medical facilities are likely located in larger towns such as Andalusia, the county seat. This distance, coupled with the limited public transportation infrastructure typical of rural settings, immediately presents a challenge. The overall health score will reflect this inherent difficulty in accessing care.

Drive times are a primary concern. Residents of Red Level will primarily rely on personal vehicles to reach healthcare providers. The most direct route to Andalusia, approximately 15 miles away, typically involves navigating **Highway 84** and then **Highway 29**. Traffic conditions, while generally light in this area, can still impact travel times. Expect a drive of around 20-30 minutes under normal circumstances. This time frame can extend significantly during inclement weather or peak travel hours.

Other healthcare options may require longer drives. For specialized care, residents may need to travel to larger cities like Dothan or Montgomery. These journeys involve longer distances and the use of major highways such as **Interstate 65** or **Highway 29**. These trips can easily exceed an hour, placing a considerable burden on individuals needing regular appointments or facing urgent medical situations. The overall health score reflects the impact of these extended travel times on healthcare access.

Public transportation options are severely limited in this area. The absence of a comprehensive public transit system is a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. There are no established bus routes or train lines servicing Red Level or the surrounding areas. This lack of public transit disproportionately affects the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The overall health score is negatively impacted by this significant deficiency in transportation infrastructure.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are often cited as potential solutions for transportation gaps. However, their availability in rural areas like Red Level is often inconsistent and unreliable. The presence of ride-sharing services is not guaranteed, and even if available, wait times can be substantial. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing can be prohibitive for regular medical appointments. The overall health score recognizes the limitations of ride-sharing as a primary transportation solution in this context.

Medical transport services are available, but their utilization typically involves specific circumstances. Ambulance services are reserved for emergency situations. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers offer transportation for appointments, but these services may require pre-booking and can be subject to availability and cost. The overall health score takes into account the limited scope and potential costs associated with medical transport services.

The availability of healthcare providers within the ZIP code itself is also a critical factor. The presence of primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals directly impacts the ease of access. The overall health score will reflect the density and variety of healthcare providers available within Red Level and the surrounding communities. The fewer providers available locally, the greater the reliance on transportation to access care.

The overall health score for access to healthcare in ZIP Code 36474 is negatively impacted by several factors. The rural location, the limited public transportation, and the potential for long drive times to reach medical facilities all contribute to a lower score. The lack of readily available ride-sharing services and the reliance on potentially costly medical transport services further exacerbate the challenges.

For individuals considering moving to Red Level, Alabama, the transportation factor must be carefully considered. The ability to maintain regular medical appointments, access specialized care, and respond to urgent medical needs will be significantly influenced by their access to transportation. Understanding the realities of drive times, the limitations of public transit, and the potential costs of ride-sharing and medical transport is crucial for making informed decisions about healthcare access.

The overall health score, therefore, reflects a situation where healthcare access is significantly dependent on personal transportation. Residents of Red Level must be prepared for potentially lengthy travel times, limited public transit options, and the potential need for alternative transportation arrangements. This impacts the ability to receive timely and consistent medical care, which is a crucial factor in determining the overall health and well-being of the community. The overall health score reflects this reality, providing a clear picture of the transportation challenges faced by residents of ZIP Code 36474.