06002, Bloomfield, Connecticut Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 06002, Bloomfield, Connecticut is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.53 percent of residents in 06002 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is John Dempsey Hospital with a distance of 7.65 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Bloomfield, CT (ZIP Code 06002)

Bloomfield, Connecticut, a vibrant town in Hartford County, presents a unique tapestry of healthcare access challenges and opportunities. Understanding the nuances of commuting to healthcare facilities within and around ZIP code 06002 is crucial for residents and those considering moving to Bloomfield. This analysis provides an overall health score based on transportation options, drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of ride-share and medical transport services.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Bloomfield, CT, is moderate. While the town benefits from proximity to Hartford and its associated medical resources, transportation limitations, particularly for those without personal vehicles, significantly impact access. The score reflects a balance between available options and the practical difficulties of navigating them.

**Driving and Drive Times:**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Bloomfield is personal vehicles. The town’s road network, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion, particularly during peak hours. Residents typically rely on several key routes.

The primary artery for north-south travel is **I-91**. Traveling south on I-91 provides direct access to Hartford hospitals like Hartford Hospital and Connecticut Children's Medical Center. Drive times vary considerably depending on traffic. During off-peak hours, a trip to Hartford Hospital might take 10-15 minutes. However, during rush hour, this can easily double or even triple.

East-west travel relies heavily on **US-20 (Albany Avenue)** and **CT-187 (Tunxis Avenue)**. These roads connect Bloomfield to surrounding towns and healthcare facilities. Accessing hospitals in West Hartford, like Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, via US-20, is typically a 15-20 minute drive, again subject to traffic conditions. CT-187 offers a more direct route to some facilities, but it can also be congested during peak times.

**Local roads** within Bloomfield, such as Park Avenue and Mountain Avenue, are essential for reaching local medical offices and clinics. These roads are generally less congested than the major highways, but they can still be affected by traffic, especially near schools and commercial areas.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in Bloomfield are available but limited. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) operates bus routes that serve the town. These routes, while providing a vital service, have limitations that affect healthcare access.

**CTtransit Route 42** is a key route that connects Bloomfield to Hartford and the surrounding areas. This route provides access to several hospitals and medical facilities in Hartford. However, the frequency of the buses, especially during evenings and weekends, can be a significant barrier to healthcare access.

**CTtransit Route 50** also serves Bloomfield, connecting it to the northern suburbs. This route can be useful for accessing healthcare facilities in those areas.

**ADA Accessibility** is a critical consideration for public transit users. All CTtransit buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the availability of accessible stops and the overall ease of navigating the system can still present challenges for some individuals.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Bloomfield and offer an alternative to driving or public transit. They provide on-demand transportation to healthcare appointments. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, particularly for frequent appointments or those with limited incomes.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, are also available. These services are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. While these services offer specialized assistance, they can be expensive and may require pre-booking.

**Specific Medical Transport Brands:**

Several medical transport brands operate in the area. **American Medical Response (AMR)** is a prominent ambulance service. **Careline Transportation** and **Medicaid Transportation Services** are examples of NEMT providers. The availability and coverage of these services can vary depending on the patient's insurance and medical needs.

**Healthcare Access Considerations:**

The overall health score reflects the multifaceted nature of healthcare access in Bloomfield. Residents with personal vehicles generally have the easiest access, with drive times to major hospitals in Hartford ranging from 10 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Public transit provides a valuable service but is limited by frequency and route coverage. Ride-sharing offers a convenient alternative, but cost remains a barrier. Medical transport services cater to specific needs but come with associated costs.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in Bloomfield, CT (06002) is moderate. The town benefits from its proximity to Hartford and its healthcare resources. However, transportation challenges, particularly for those relying on public transit or lacking personal vehicles, significantly impact access. Considering moving to Bloomfield? Prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Understanding the available options, from driving and public transit to ride-sharing and medical transport, is crucial for ensuring adequate healthcare access. The town is working on improving its transportation infrastructure, which would improve the overall health score.