33706, Saint Petersburg, Florida Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 33706, Saint Petersburg, Florida is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.61 percent of residents in 33706 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.02 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hca Florida Pasadena Hospital with a distance of 1.28 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in 33706

This analysis provides an overall health score for healthcare access within the 33706 ZIP code in Saint Petersburg, Florida. It considers the multifaceted nature of transportation, the cornerstone of healthcare access, evaluating drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering moving to Saint Petersburg or for current residents seeking to optimize their healthcare access. This score aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in navigating the healthcare landscape within this specific geographic area.

The 33706 ZIP code, encompassing portions of downtown Saint Petersburg and surrounding neighborhoods, presents a unique transportation profile. Its urban core is relatively walkable and bikeable, but healthcare facilities are often dispersed, necessitating reliance on various transportation methods. The overall health score will reflect the ease or difficulty in reaching essential medical services.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

Driving remains a primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in 33706. The network of highways and roads significantly impacts travel times. Interstate 275 (I-275) serves as the major artery, providing access to hospitals like Bayfront Health St. Petersburg and Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. However, rush hour congestion on I-275 can dramatically increase commute times.

Local roads, including 4th Street North, 9th Street North, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street North, offer alternative routes, albeit often slower due to traffic lights and local traffic. These roads are crucial for accessing smaller clinics, pharmacies, and specialized medical offices that may not be directly accessible via the interstate.

Drive times vary considerably depending on the destination and time of day. Reaching Bayfront Health from the northern reaches of 33706 during peak hours could take upwards of 20-30 minutes, while a similar trip off-peak might take 10-15 minutes. Accessing clinics in the southern part of the ZIP code might involve navigating through downtown traffic, further extending travel times. The overall drive time score will reflect the variability and potential delays inherent in this system.

**Public Transit Options:**

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) provides public transportation within 33706. Several bus routes offer access to healthcare facilities. Route 9, running along 4th Street North, is a key route, connecting to various medical offices and hospitals. Route 18, traveling along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street North, also serves healthcare destinations.

PSTA buses are generally equipped with ADA-compliant features, including ramps and priority seating, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the frequency of bus service, particularly during evenings and weekends, can be a limiting factor. Long wait times and multiple transfers might be necessary, especially for those traveling to facilities located outside the immediate vicinity of major bus routes. The public transit score will consider route coverage, frequency, and accessibility features.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are readily available in 33706, offering a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. These services provide on-demand transportation to healthcare appointments, eliminating the need for parking or navigating complex bus routes. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some individuals, particularly those with frequent medical appointments.

Specialized medical transport services cater to individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs. Companies like CareRide and Medical Transport of America offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services often require advance booking and may have specific eligibility criteria. The availability and affordability of these specialized services are crucial for ensuring healthcare access for vulnerable populations. The ride-sharing and medical transport score will reflect the availability, cost, and accessibility of these options.

**Healthcare Access and Considerations:**

The overall health score for 33706 is influenced by several factors. The concentration of healthcare facilities within the ZIP code is a significant advantage, offering residents a diverse range of medical services. However, the location of these facilities relative to residential areas and the efficiency of the transportation network are critical.

Individuals considering moving to Saint Petersburg should carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Those relying on public transit should research bus routes and schedules to ensure convenient access to their preferred healthcare providers. Individuals with mobility limitations should investigate the availability of specialized medical transport services.

The cost of transportation, including gas, parking, ride-sharing fees, and medical transport services, can impact healthcare affordability. Residents should factor these costs into their healthcare budgets.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in 33706 is moderate. While the area benefits from a relatively dense concentration of healthcare facilities and readily available ride-sharing services, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit, especially during off-peak hours, pose challenges. Traffic congestion, particularly on I-275, can significantly impact drive times. The availability and affordability of specialized medical transport services are crucial for vulnerable populations.

**Recommendations:**

* **Improve Public Transit:** Enhance the frequency and coverage of PSTA bus routes, particularly during evenings and weekends. Consider implementing dedicated bus lanes to reduce travel times.
* **Promote Walkability and Bikeability:** Invest in infrastructure improvements to encourage walking and cycling, such as protected bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks.
* **Expand Ride-Sharing Subsidies:** Explore options for subsidizing ride-sharing services for low-income residents or those with chronic health conditions.
* **Increase Awareness of Medical Transport Services:** Promote awareness of available medical transport services and ensure they are accessible and affordable.
* **Strategic Healthcare Facility Placement:** Consider the strategic placement of healthcare facilities to improve accessibility for all residents.

This overall health score provides a valuable framework for understanding healthcare access in 33706. By addressing the identified challenges and implementing the recommended improvements, the community can strive to create a more equitable and accessible healthcare environment for all its residents. The considerations of transportation are paramount for anyone moving to Saint Petersburg.