34602, Brooksville, Florida Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 34602, Brooksville, Florida is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.00 percent of residents in 34602 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.73 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bravera Health Brooksville with a distance of 10.21 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 34602

Understanding the accessibility of healthcare is paramount when evaluating overall health and well-being, especially when considering a move to a new area like Brooksville, Florida, within the 34602 ZIP code. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" based on the ease of access to medical facilities, considering various transportation methods. The score reflects the reality of navigating to essential healthcare services, factoring in drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport services.

The 34602 ZIP code encompasses a significant portion of Brooksville, a town that offers a slower pace of life, but also presents unique challenges regarding healthcare access. The area's rural character, while appealing, can translate into longer travel times for medical appointments. Therefore, the transportation infrastructure becomes a crucial factor in determining the overall health score.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of transportation for most residents in 34602 is personal vehicles. Accessing healthcare facilities often necessitates navigating a network of roads, including major thoroughfares like US-41, US-98, and SR-50. The drive times to the nearest hospitals, specialist clinics, and urgent care centers significantly impact the overall health score.

For instance, accessing Bayfront Health Brooksville, located on Cortez Boulevard (SR-50), from various points within 34602 can range from a short 5-minute drive to a 20-minute journey, depending on the specific location and traffic conditions. Similarly, reaching Oak Hill Hospital, situated on County Line Road, may require a drive of up to 30 minutes, particularly from the northern reaches of the ZIP code. These drive times are crucial as they can influence decisions about moving to Brooksville.

The availability of multiple routes is a positive factor. The presence of SR-50, a major east-west artery, and US-41, a north-south corridor, provides alternative paths to medical facilities, mitigating potential delays caused by traffic congestion or road closures. However, the reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of car ownership and its associated costs.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation plays a limited role in healthcare access within 34602. The county's public transit system, known as The Bus, operates within Hernando County, offering routes that may provide some connectivity to medical facilities. However, the frequency of these routes and their coverage within the ZIP code are limited.

The primary routes that may serve residents of 34602 include Route 1 and Route 2, which connect to key areas in Brooksville, including the downtown area, where some medical offices are located. These routes, however, may not directly serve all healthcare facilities. Therefore, residents may still need to rely on a combination of bus travel and walking or ride-sharing to reach their destinations.

The limited availability of public transit, especially outside of peak hours, presents a significant challenge for individuals without access to personal vehicles. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, such as wheelchair accessibility, are present on The Bus vehicles, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. However, the overall impact on the health score is diminished by the limited route coverage and frequency.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option for residents of 34602. The availability of these services can vary depending on demand and driver availability, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas.

The use of ride-sharing can be a convenient option for those who do not own a vehicle or prefer not to drive. However, the cost of ride-sharing can add up, particularly for frequent medical appointments. The reliability of these services is also a factor. Delays in pick-up times or cancellations can be problematic for individuals with medical needs.

Specialized medical transport services, such as those provided by companies like MedTrans or First Medical Transport, offer a crucial service for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring medical assistance during transport. These services typically provide transportation to and from medical appointments, often with trained personnel and specialized equipment.

The availability of these services is a positive aspect, particularly for individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions. However, the cost of medical transport can be substantial, potentially creating a barrier to healthcare access for some residents.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations:**

Based on the analysis of drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, the "Overall Health Score" for access to healthcare in ZIP code 34602 is moderate. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options contribute to this score.

The drive times to healthcare facilities are generally manageable, with multiple routes available. However, the dependence on car ownership and the potential for longer travel times from certain areas of the ZIP code are factors to consider. The limited public transit options, while offering some connectivity, do not adequately serve the needs of all residents.

Ride-sharing services provide an alternative but are subject to cost and availability constraints. The availability of specialized medical transport services is a positive factor, particularly for individuals with specific needs.

When contemplating moving to Brooksville, specifically within the 34602 ZIP code, it's vital to carefully assess your transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Consider the proximity of medical facilities to your potential residence, the availability of public transit options, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing or medical transport.

The overall health score can be improved by advocating for enhanced public transit services, promoting ride-sharing initiatives, and supporting the expansion of healthcare facilities within the community. By addressing these factors, the quality of life for residents of 34602 can be significantly enhanced. The ability to easily and affordably access healthcare is a cornerstone of a healthy and thriving community.