32628, Cross City, Florida Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 32628, Cross City, Florida is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.89 percent of residents in 32628 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 44.18 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Anesthesia Physician Solutions Of North Florida Llc with a distance of 43.16 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 32628 (Cross City, Florida)

The health and well-being of a community are inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This comprehensive analysis assesses the ease with which residents of ZIP Code 32628, encompassing the town of Cross City, Florida, can reach medical facilities. We'll examine various transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit, to determine an overall health score, providing valuable insights for current residents and those considering moving to Cross City.

This evaluation considers drive times, the availability and accessibility of public transportation, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone prioritizing healthcare access, especially in a rural setting like Cross City. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare transportation, ultimately influencing the overall health score.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Cross City is the reliance on personal vehicles. The town's geographic isolation necessitates driving to reach most medical providers. The main arteries for transportation are US Highway 19, the primary north-south route, and US Highway 27, which runs east-west. These highways, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic, particularly during peak hours or due to accidents.

The nearest hospital, **Shands at Live Oak**, is approximately 40 miles east of Cross City. The drive typically takes around 50 minutes to an hour, primarily via US-19 South. Other healthcare providers, including specialists and urgent care facilities, are often located in Gainesville, approximately 60 miles southeast. This journey, primarily via US-19 South and occasionally US-27, can take upwards of an hour and a half, depending on traffic and the specific destination.

The condition of the roads is generally good, but rural roads can be subject to hazards like wildlife and inclement weather, impacting travel times and safety. Residents must factor in these potential delays when planning healthcare appointments. This reliance on personal vehicles significantly impacts the overall health score, particularly for individuals without access to a car or those unable to drive.

Public transportation options in Cross City are extremely limited. There is no established local bus system within the town itself. The **Suwannee Valley TransitSuwannee Valley Transit Authority (SVTA)** offers a demand-response service, which means riders must schedule rides in advance. This service primarily caters to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with low incomes.

The SVTA operates on a limited schedule, and availability can be constrained, especially for appointments outside of typical business hours. While the SVTA aims to provide ADA-accessible vehicles, availability may be limited. The lack of a robust public transportation system significantly restricts healthcare access, especially for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. This deficiency severely impacts the overall health score.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Gainesville area, but their presence in Cross City is sporadic. Availability is often limited, and wait times can be lengthy, making them unreliable for urgent medical needs. The cost of ride-sharing can also be prohibitive for some residents, further limiting healthcare access. The inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services contributes negatively to the overall health score.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available in Cross City. Ambulance services are primarily for emergency situations and are dispatched through 911. NEMT services, often provided by private companies, offer transportation for appointments and other non-emergency medical needs.

However, NEMT services can be costly and may require advance booking. The availability of NEMT services may also be limited, especially for specialized medical appointments. While these services provide a crucial lifeline for some, their limitations and potential costs impact the overall health score.

Considering all factors, the overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 32628 is moderate. While the primary reliance on personal vehicles allows for a degree of flexibility, the long distances to medical facilities, the limited public transportation options, and the sporadic availability of ride-sharing services create significant challenges.

The absence of a robust public transportation system and the limited availability of ride-sharing services particularly impact the overall health score. Individuals without personal vehicles or those facing mobility challenges face significant barriers to accessing healthcare. The cost and availability of medical transport services also influence the score.

For individuals considering moving to Cross City, understanding these transportation limitations is crucial. Those who prioritize healthcare access should carefully assess their transportation needs and consider the potential challenges of reaching medical facilities.

Improvements in public transportation, such as expanding the SVTA's service area and frequency, would significantly improve healthcare access and boost the overall health score. Encouraging the presence of ride-sharing services and promoting the availability of affordable NEMT options could also enhance healthcare access.

Furthermore, the development of telehealth services could mitigate some of the transportation challenges by providing access to medical consultations and follow-up care remotely. Investing in community-based healthcare initiatives, such as mobile clinics, could also improve healthcare access for residents of Cross City.

In conclusion, while Cross City offers a rural charm, its healthcare access is significantly impacted by transportation limitations. The overall health score reflects the challenges faced by residents in reaching medical facilities. Addressing these transportation challenges through improved public transportation, expanded ride-sharing options, and increased telehealth services would be essential to improve healthcare access and the overall health and well-being of the community.