36769, Pine Hill, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36769, Pine Hill, Alabama is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.22 percent of residents in 36769 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.81 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Thomasville Regional Medical Center with a distance of 10.61 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36769 (Pine Hill, Alabama)

Navigating the landscape of healthcare access in Pine Hill, Alabama (ZIP Code 36769) requires a multifaceted assessment, encompassing transportation options, travel times, and the availability of medical facilities. This "Overall Health Score" aims to paint a vivid picture for individuals considering moving to this rural community, focusing on the realities of getting to and from vital healthcare services. The score considers the limitations and opportunities presented by the existing transportation infrastructure, offering a pragmatic view of the challenges and potential solutions.

The primary consideration for healthcare access in Pine Hill is the reliance on personal vehicles. The absence of robust public transit significantly impacts residents' ability to reach medical appointments, particularly for those without personal transportation or who face mobility limitations. This dependence on private vehicles underscores the critical role of highway infrastructure and road conditions in determining healthcare access.

The most direct route to larger medical centers often involves traveling along **Highway 5 (US-80)**, a major east-west thoroughfare. This highway connects Pine Hill to Selma, approximately 45 miles east, where more specialized medical care is available. The drive time to Selma can vary, typically taking around an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions. **Highway 5** is generally well-maintained, but the rural nature of the route can mean limited shoulders and potential delays due to agricultural traffic.

Another important route is **Highway 21**, which provides north-south access. Traveling south on **Highway 21** leads to Monroeville, roughly 30 miles away, where some healthcare services are available. The drive to Monroeville usually takes about 45 minutes. This route is generally less congested than **Highway 5**, but it also traverses rural areas, potentially impacting travel times due to unexpected delays.

The local roads within Pine Hill, such as **County Road 1** and **County Road 11**, are essential for accessing local clinics and pharmacies. These roads, while generally paved, may experience wear and tear, especially after inclement weather. This can affect the safety and comfort of travel, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions or mobility challenges.

Public transportation options are severely limited in Pine Hill. There are no fixed-route bus services operating within the ZIP code or connecting it to nearby towns. The absence of a public transit system significantly disadvantages individuals who cannot drive, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents. This lack of public transit exacerbates the challenges of healthcare access, potentially leading to missed appointments and delayed treatment.

While traditional public transit is absent, alternative transportation solutions exist, albeit with limitations. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is often sporadic and dependent on driver availability. This makes them an unreliable option for scheduled medical appointments, especially during off-peak hours or in emergencies. The cost of ride-sharing can also be prohibitive for some residents, adding another barrier to healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services typically involve scheduling a ride in advance and often cater to individuals with mobility limitations. However, the availability of these services can be limited, and they may require significant advance notice.

The availability of ADA-accessible transportation is a crucial consideration for individuals with disabilities. The absence of ADA-compliant public transit significantly restricts healthcare access for those with mobility impairments. While medical transport services may offer ADA-compliant vehicles, their availability and cost can be significant barriers. This underscores the need for increased investment in accessible transportation options to ensure equitable healthcare access for all residents.

The healthcare landscape within Pine Hill itself includes a limited number of local clinics and pharmacies. These facilities provide essential primary care services and medication dispensing. However, specialized medical care, such as cardiology, oncology, and specialized surgery, is generally unavailable within the ZIP code. This necessitates travel to larger medical centers in Selma, Monroeville, or even further afield, increasing the reliance on transportation and extending travel times.

The distance to emergency medical services (EMS) is another crucial factor. The nearest hospitals with emergency departments are located in Selma and Monroeville, requiring ambulance transport in emergency situations. The response time of EMS can be significantly affected by the distance and road conditions, potentially impacting patient outcomes. This underscores the importance of maintaining well-maintained roads and ensuring the availability of timely and efficient EMS services.

The cost of transportation is a significant factor in healthcare access. The expense of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and ride-sharing services can place a financial burden on residents, particularly those with limited incomes. This can lead to individuals delaying or forgoing necessary medical care due to transportation costs. The availability of financial assistance programs and transportation subsidies can help mitigate these costs and improve healthcare access.

For individuals considering moving to Pine Hill, a thorough understanding of the transportation challenges and healthcare access limitations is essential. The reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of robust public transit, and the limited availability of specialized medical care necessitate careful planning and consideration. Prospective residents should assess their transportation needs, explore available transportation options, and factor in the potential travel times and costs associated with accessing healthcare services.

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Pine Hill is therefore significantly impacted by the limitations of the transportation infrastructure. While the availability of local clinics and pharmacies provides some level of healthcare access, the reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of reliable public transit, and the distance to specialized medical facilities pose significant challenges. The development of strategies to improve transportation options, such as expanding ride-sharing services, increasing the availability of medical transport, and exploring potential public transit solutions, is essential to improving healthcare access and promoting the overall health and well-being of the residents of Pine Hill. This is especially crucial for those moving to Pine Hill.