32148, Interlachen, Florida Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 32148, Interlachen, Florida is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

36.85 percent of residents in 32148 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hca Florida Putnam Hospital with a distance of 11.05 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 32148 (Interlachen, Florida)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 32148, encompassing the charming town of Interlachen, Florida, requires a nuanced examination of **transportation** options and their impact on **healthcare access**. This analysis considers the critical factors influencing residents' ability to reach medical facilities, ranging from drive times and public transit availability to the presence of ride-share services and specialized medical transport. For those **moving to Interlachen**, understanding these complexities is crucial for maintaining and improving their well-being.

The geographical reality of Interlachen presents unique challenges. Nestled in Putnam County, the area is characterized by a rural landscape, impacting the ease with which residents can access essential healthcare services. The overall health score, therefore, reflects the degree to which these challenges are mitigated or exacerbated by available transportation solutions.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary mode of transport for residents of 32148 is personal vehicles. The road network, while functional, presents certain limitations. The main arteries connecting Interlachen to larger population centers and medical facilities are US-20 and FL-19. These routes, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, potentially delaying access to critical medical care.

Drive times to the nearest hospitals and specialty clinics are a critical component of the health score. Palatka, approximately 20 miles east, houses Putnam Community Medical Center. Travel time to this facility, under normal conditions, averages around 30-40 minutes via US-20 and FL-19. Gainesville, a larger city with a more extensive range of medical specialists and the University of Florida Health Shands Hospital, is roughly 50-60 miles west. The journey to Gainesville, primarily via FL-20 and US-441, can take upwards of an hour, depending on traffic. Jacksonville, with its major hospitals and medical centers, is a considerable distance, approximately 70-80 miles northeast, entailing a drive time of over an hour, often longer, utilizing US-20 and I-95.

The condition of local roads, including County Road 315 and County Road 21, also impacts access. These roads are vital for reaching smaller clinics and primary care physicians within the region. Their maintenance and safety directly influence the overall health score.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Interlachen are extremely limited, posing a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles. The Putnam County Transit system provides some bus services, but routes and schedules are infrequent, primarily focusing on connecting key towns within the county.

These routes may not directly serve medical facilities or offer convenient schedules for medical appointments. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant features on buses is crucial for individuals with disabilities or mobility limitations. Information regarding the specific routes, schedules, and ADA compliance of the Putnam County Transit system is essential for a comprehensive health score assessment. The lack of readily available and reliable public transit significantly lowers the overall health score for residents of 32148, especially for those who are elderly, low-income, or unable to drive.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

The presence of ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, can provide an alternative transportation option, particularly for short-distance trips to local clinics or pharmacies. However, the availability of these services in rural areas like Interlachen is often limited, with potential for longer wait times and higher fares. This variability impacts the reliability of ride-share as a viable solution for **healthcare access**.

Specialized medical transport services are available for individuals requiring assistance with non-emergency medical appointments. Companies like CareRide and Firstat Medical Transportation offer services to transport patients to and from medical facilities. These services often cater to individuals with disabilities or those who cannot drive themselves. The cost and availability of these services are crucial considerations in evaluating the overall health score. Insurance coverage for medical transport can significantly impact affordability and accessibility.

**Impact on Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for commuting to healthcare in 32148 is moderately low. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit and the potential scarcity of ride-share options, creates significant challenges. The longer drive times to major medical centers, especially in the event of an emergency, further contribute to a lower score.

The lack of readily available transportation options can lead to delayed or missed medical appointments, potentially impacting preventative care and the management of chronic conditions. This can result in poorer health outcomes for residents. The health score is also affected by the financial burden of transportation costs, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and the expense of ride-share or medical transport services.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the overall health score, several interventions are recommended. Expanding the Putnam County Transit system to include more frequent routes and schedules, particularly those serving medical facilities, would be beneficial. This could involve partnerships with healthcare providers to coordinate transportation for patients.

Promoting the availability of ride-share services and exploring options for subsidized transportation for low-income residents could also improve access. Providing information and resources about medical transport services, including insurance coverage options, is also crucial.

Investing in road infrastructure improvements, including maintaining and enhancing local roads, would improve travel times and safety. Encouraging the establishment of more primary care clinics and specialist offices within Interlachen itself would reduce the need for residents to travel long distances for healthcare.

**Conclusion:**

For those **moving to Interlachen**, understanding the transportation landscape is vital. While the town offers a peaceful and charming environment, the challenges associated with **healthcare access** must be carefully considered. The overall health score for commuting to healthcare in 32148 reflects the existing limitations in transportation options. Addressing these limitations through strategic investments in public transit, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, along with infrastructure improvements, can significantly improve the health and well-being of Interlachen residents. The commitment to improving **healthcare access** through enhanced **transportation** options is essential for fostering a healthy and thriving community.