32112, Crescent City, Florida Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 32112, Crescent City, Florida is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

35.57 percent of residents in 32112 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.24 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hca Florida Putnam Hospital with a distance of 16.70 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in 32112 (Crescent City, Florida)

Understanding the health landscape in any community requires a deep dive, not just into the quality of care, but also into the ease with which residents can access it. In the quaint, yet geographically isolated, community of Crescent City, Florida (ZIP Code 32112), this access hinges heavily on the complex interplay of transportation and healthcare infrastructure. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for the area, considering the challenges and opportunities for residents seeking medical attention.

The score is not a single number but a multifaceted assessment, weighing factors like drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. It reflects the reality of navigating the transportation landscape to reach essential healthcare providers. This is particularly crucial for individuals considering moving to Crescent City, as it directly impacts their well-being.

**Drive Time Dynamics: Navigating the Roads**

The primary challenge for healthcare access in 32112 is the relative distance to comprehensive medical facilities. Crescent City is nestled within Putnam County, and the nearest hospitals offering a full spectrum of services are located in Palatka, approximately 20 miles away. This drive, while seemingly short on a map, can be significantly impacted by traffic, road conditions, and the availability of a personal vehicle.

The most direct route to Palatka typically involves traveling along **State Road 19** (SR-19). This two-lane highway, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, particularly near intersections. The drive itself usually takes between 25 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic flow and the specific location of the healthcare facility within Palatka.

Another alternative, albeit a slightly longer route, involves taking **County Road 308** (CR-308) to **US Highway 17** (US-17). This route offers a more scenic drive, but it can also be slower due to lower speed limits and the presence of more traffic lights. The drive time via this route is typically around 35 to 50 minutes.

For specialized care, residents may need to travel further afield. Jacksonville, with its extensive network of hospitals and specialists, is approximately 60 to 75 miles away. This journey typically involves taking SR-19 north to **Interstate 95** (I-95) or **US-17** to **I-95**, and can take upwards of an hour and a half, depending on traffic conditions. This increased travel time underscores the importance of readily available transportation options.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in Putnam County, and specifically in the Crescent City area, are limited. The Putnam County Transportation Services (PCTS) provides a demand-response service, meaning residents must schedule rides in advance. This service is crucial for those without personal vehicles, including seniors and individuals with disabilities.

PCTS operates on a fixed-route schedule, but the routes and frequency are limited. The service operates Monday through Friday, with reduced service on weekends and holidays. The routes do not directly serve major healthcare facilities in Palatka. Passengers must transfer to another route or utilize the demand-response service to reach their final destination.

PCTS vehicles are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including wheelchair lifts and ramps, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. However, the limited availability of the service and the need for advance scheduling can present significant challenges for those requiring urgent or unscheduled medical care. This is a crucial consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Crescent City.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Crescent City area, but their availability can be sporadic, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote locations. The reliability of these services for medical appointments is therefore questionable. The lack of consistent availability is a significant drawback.

Medical transport services, such as non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, play a vital role in bridging the transportation gap for individuals who cannot drive themselves or utilize public transit. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation to and from medical appointments, utilizing specialized vehicles equipped to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations.

Several NEMT providers operate in Putnam County, including companies like First Transit and LogistiCare. These providers typically contract with insurance companies and healthcare facilities to provide transportation services to eligible patients. The availability of these services can significantly improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations. However, eligibility requirements and prior authorization processes can sometimes create barriers to accessing these services.

**Healthcare Access: A Complex Equation**

The Overall Health Score for healthcare access in 32112 is moderate. While the community benefits from proximity to Palatka and the availability of some transportation options, significant challenges remain. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the sporadic availability of ride-sharing services create barriers to healthcare access, especially for those without personal transportation or those with mobility limitations.

The drive times to Palatka, while manageable, can be significantly impacted by traffic. The limited public transit options require advance planning and may not be suitable for urgent medical needs. The availability of ride-sharing services is inconsistent, and the reliance on medical transport services can be subject to eligibility requirements and prior authorization processes.

**Conclusion: Considering the Context**

For individuals considering moving to Crescent City, a careful assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is essential. The community offers a tranquil lifestyle, but the relative isolation and the challenges of healthcare access must be carefully considered.

The Overall Health Score reflects the need for residents to plan ahead, explore all available transportation options, and proactively address potential barriers to accessing medical care. The community benefits from the presence of medical transport services and the availability of ride-sharing, but the limitations of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to healthcare access.