34652, New Port Richey, Florida Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 34652, New Port Richey, Florida is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.96 percent of residents in 34652 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.54 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Morton Plant North Bay Hospital with a distance of 1.52 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 34652

This report assesses the overall health score for healthcare access within ZIP Code 34652, New Port Richey, Florida. It considers the ease and efficiency of transportation options available to residents seeking medical care. The analysis evaluates drive times, public transit routes, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, providing a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities for individuals navigating the healthcare landscape. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering moving to New Port Richey, ensuring they can readily access necessary medical services.

The health score is not a simple numerical value, but a qualitative assessment, highlighting the nuances of transportation and its impact on healthcare access. It considers the convenience, cost, and accessibility of various modes of transportation, acknowledging that the experience varies based on individual needs and circumstances.

**Driving to Healthcare: A Road-Based Assessment**

The primary mode of transportation in New Port Richey is personal vehicles. Navigating the roadways is often the most direct route to medical facilities. The major thoroughfare, US Highway 19, serves as the spine of the city, providing access to numerous medical offices and hospitals. Drive times, however, can fluctuate significantly depending on traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. The speed limit on US 19 varies, and heavy traffic is common, especially near major intersections.

Residents can also utilize the Suncoast Parkway (State Road 589) for north-south travel, offering a faster, toll-based alternative to US 19. The parkway provides quicker access to healthcare facilities in neighboring communities, such as Trinity and Odessa, but requires toll payments. Other important roads include Little Road, Ridge Road, and Trouble Creek Road, which provide east-west connectivity and access to various medical practices and urgent care centers.

Drive times to healthcare facilities within ZIP Code 34652 itself are generally manageable, often under 15 minutes, especially for those living in the central areas. However, traveling to larger hospitals, such as Bayonet Point Hospital, located just south of the zip code, or Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, further south, can take upwards of 20-30 minutes during peak traffic. This highlights the importance of planning ahead and accounting for potential delays when scheduling appointments.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Bus System**

Pasco County Public TransportationPublic Transportation (PCPT) offers public transit services within the county, including routes that serve ZIP Code 34652. These routes, however, are limited in their frequency and coverage, potentially posing challenges for those without personal vehicles. Route 19, for example, runs along US 19, providing access to numerous medical offices and pharmacies. Other routes, such as Route 18, connect to areas further inland, potentially requiring transfers.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a key consideration for public transit. PCPT buses are equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. However, the availability of accessible stops and the overall travel time can still be a concern. The reliance on fixed routes and schedules may not always align with the immediate needs of healthcare appointments, potentially leading to longer travel times and increased inconvenience.

The accessibility of public transit can significantly impact the health score for those who rely on it. Limited service frequency, longer travel times, and potential transfer requirements can create barriers to healthcare access, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in areas with limited route coverage.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Alternative Options**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to driving or relying on public transit. These services provide on-demand transportation, allowing residents to request rides directly to healthcare facilities. The availability and cost of ride-sharing services, however, can vary depending on demand and time of day. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can increase the cost of transportation, potentially impacting healthcare access for those with limited financial resources.

Medical transport services, such as AMR (American Medical Response) and other private companies, cater specifically to individuals with medical needs. These services provide transportation for non-emergency medical appointments, offering a more specialized and often more accessible option for those who require assistance. However, medical transport services can be costly, and may require pre-booking, limiting spontaneity.

The availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services contribute significantly to the overall health score. These options offer flexibility and convenience, but their cost and availability can create barriers to healthcare access for some residents.

**Conclusion: Assessing the Health Score and Considerations for Moving**

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 34652 is moderate. While driving remains the most convenient option, traffic congestion and the reliance on personal vehicles present challenges. Public transit offers a limited alternative, with accessibility and frequency limitations. Ride-sharing and medical transport services provide additional options, but their cost and availability can be a concern.

For individuals considering moving to New Port Richey, understanding these transportation factors is crucial. Assessing your personal transportation needs, including your ability to drive, your reliance on public transit, and your financial resources for ride-sharing or medical transport, is essential.

The proximity of healthcare facilities, the availability of various transportation options, and the consideration of individual needs are all crucial when assessing the health score. The overall health score in ZIP Code 34652 suggests that while healthcare access is generally available, residents should carefully consider their transportation options and potential challenges when planning their healthcare journeys.