Health Scores Near 32692, Suwannee, Florida
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The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 32692, Suwannee, Florida is 3 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
0.00 percent of residents in 32692 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 36.60 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Anesthesia Physician Solutions Of North Florida Llc with a distance of 33.94 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 32692, Suwannee, Florida
| Overall Health Score | 26 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 77 |
| Provider Score | 26 |
| Hospital Score | 51 |
| Travel Score | 3 |
| Housholds with Cars (%) | 32692 | Suwannee | Florida |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Cars | 0.00 | 0.00 | 2.68 |
| 1 Car | 0.00 | 0.00 | 22.58 |
| 2 Cars | 0.00 | 0.00 | 44.13 |
| 3 or More Cars | 0.00 | 0.00 | 30.62 |
Vehicular Access in 32692, Suwannee, Florida
## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 32692
The ZIP code 32692, encompassing the rural heart of Suwannee County, Florida, presents a unique landscape for assessing overall health. A critical component of well-being, healthcare access, is inextricably linked to transportation. This write-up provides an in-depth analysis of the commute to healthcare within this area, examining drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive ‘Overall Health Score’ for residents, particularly those considering **moving to Suwannee**.
The primary challenge for residents of 32692 is the geographical isolation. The nearest significant healthcare facilities are located in Live Oak, Lake City, and Gainesville, each presenting distinct transportation hurdles. The reliance on personal vehicles is paramount, making car ownership a necessity for accessing essential medical services. This dependence significantly impacts the ‘Overall Health Score’ due to potential financial burdens, particularly for those with limited incomes.
**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**
The most direct route to Live Oak, home to Suwannee Community Hospital, involves navigating US Highway 90. The drive, typically taking 20-30 minutes, is generally straightforward. However, traffic congestion can occur during peak hours, potentially delaying urgent medical appointments. Maintaining a vehicle in good repair and ensuring adequate insurance coverage are crucial for residents.
Traveling to Lake City, where Shands Lake Shore Hospital offers more specialized care, requires a journey of approximately 30-45 minutes, primarily via Interstate 75. The interstate offers a faster route but introduces the risk of traffic accidents and delays, which can be especially concerning during medical emergencies. Additionally, the toll roads in the area could add an extra expense.
Gainesville, a major healthcare hub with the University of Florida Health Shands Hospital, is the furthest destination, requiring a drive of approximately 60-90 minutes, predominantly via US 441. This longer commute presents a significant barrier to healthcare access, especially for individuals with chronic conditions requiring frequent appointments. The distance also increases the likelihood of fatigue for patients and caregivers.
The condition of the roads, while generally well-maintained, can be affected by seasonal weather events, such as heavy rainfall or hurricanes, potentially disrupting access to healthcare. The availability of emergency services, including ambulance response times, is also a critical factor impacting the ‘Overall Health Score.’
**Public Transit Options:**
Public transportation options in 32692 are extremely limited. The Suwannee County Transit (SCT) provides demand-response services, meaning riders must schedule rides in advance. These services are primarily aimed at seniors and individuals with disabilities, and they may not be readily available for all healthcare needs. The limited operating hours and potential for long wait times significantly reduce the accessibility of healthcare for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle.
The SCT does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can utilize the service. However, the need to pre-book rides and the limited service area restrict the effectiveness of public transit as a primary means of healthcare access. The lack of a robust public transportation system represents a significant negative factor in the ‘Overall Health Score’ for residents.
**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**
Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability and reliability are variable, particularly in rural areas like 32692. The cost of ride-sharing can be prohibitive for some residents, further exacerbating the challenges of healthcare access. The wait times for a ride-sharing service can also be unpredictable, potentially delaying medical appointments or emergency care.
Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are also available. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require specialized assistance. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and their availability may be limited, particularly for non-emergency appointments.
**Impact on the Overall Health Score:**
The ‘Overall Health Score’ for 32692 is negatively impacted by the challenges associated with **transportation** to healthcare facilities. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services create significant barriers to healthcare **access**. This situation can lead to delayed or missed medical appointments, potentially resulting in poorer health outcomes, especially for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring regular medical attention.
The financial burden of car ownership, including fuel, maintenance, and insurance, further exacerbates the problem, particularly for low-income residents. The lack of readily available and affordable **transportation** options can also contribute to social isolation and reduced quality of life.
The ‘Overall Health Score’ must also consider the availability of preventative care services within the ZIP code. The absence of readily accessible primary care physicians, specialists, and mental health providers within the immediate area necessitates travel to distant locations, further compounding the transportation challenges.
**Considerations for Moving to Suwannee:**
Individuals considering **moving to Suwannee** County, specifically within the 32692 ZIP code, should carefully evaluate the implications of the **transportation** landscape on their healthcare needs. Prospective residents should assess their ability to maintain a reliable vehicle, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation assistance, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing or medical transportation services.
Understanding the limitations of public transit and the potential for delayed or missed appointments is crucial. Individuals with chronic health conditions or those requiring frequent medical care should carefully consider the impact of long commute times on their well-being.
The ‘Overall Health Score’ for 32692 is significantly influenced by the limitations in healthcare **access** due to **transportation** constraints. While the rural setting offers certain advantages, the challenges of accessing healthcare facilities must be carefully considered by current and prospective residents. Addressing these **transportation** barriers, through improved public transit, increased ride-sharing availability, and potentially, the expansion of telehealth services, is crucial to improving the ‘Overall Health Score’ and ensuring the well-being of the community.
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