30145, Kingston, Georgia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 30145, Kingston, Georgia is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.80 percent of residents in 30145 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.56 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center with a distance of 8.64 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 30145

The allure of a fresh start in Kingston, Georgia (ZIP Code 30145), often overshadows the crucial considerations of healthcare access. Before making the leap, prospective residents must understand the complexities of **transportation** options and their impact on overall health. This assessment provides an "Overall Health Score" for the area, considering the ease and efficiency of accessing medical facilities.

The score reflects the accessibility of various healthcare providers, from primary care physicians to specialists and emergency services. It incorporates travel times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport services. A high score indicates easy and convenient access, while a low score suggests potential challenges that could impact health outcomes.

**Driving the Healthcare Landscape:**

The primary arteries of **transportation** in and out of Kingston are US-411 and GA-293. Residents heading south towards Cartersville encounter the bustling US-411, a road prone to congestion during peak hours. This can significantly impact travel times to facilities like Cartersville Medical Center, a major healthcare provider. GA-293 offers a more direct route to the northwest, connecting to Rome, but it too can experience delays, particularly near intersections.

Drive times are a critical factor. During off-peak hours, a trip to Cartersville Medical Center might take 20-30 minutes. However, during rush hour, this can easily balloon to 45 minutes or more. Similarly, travel to Rome, approximately 25 miles away, could take 30-45 minutes under ideal conditions but potentially an hour or longer during peak traffic. These time variations are crucial, especially in emergency situations.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transit options in 30145 are limited, posing a significant challenge to **healthcare access**. The availability of public buses is minimal, making it nearly impossible to rely on public transit for routine medical appointments or emergencies. This lack of a robust public transit system disproportionately affects those without personal vehicles, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

The absence of a well-developed public transit network means that individuals must depend heavily on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or specialized medical transport. The lack of ADA-compliant features on any available buses further restricts access for individuals with mobility challenges. This deficiency directly impacts the "Overall Health Score," reflecting a significant barrier to healthcare for a segment of the population.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer an alternative to personal vehicles, providing on-demand **transportation** to medical appointments. However, the availability of these services can vary depending on the time of day and demand. Residents in more rural areas might experience longer wait times or higher fares, especially during off-peak hours or in emergencies.

Medical transport services, such as American Medical Response (AMR) and private ambulance companies, are crucial for individuals requiring specialized assistance. These services provide non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) for appointments and other medical needs. However, these services can be costly, and their availability might be limited depending on insurance coverage and the nature of the medical condition.

**Healthcare Access and the "Overall Health Score":**

The "Overall Health Score" for 30145 is moderately impacted by the **transportation** landscape. The area benefits from the presence of Cartersville Medical Center and other medical facilities within a reasonable driving distance. However, the limited public transit options and potential for traffic congestion on US-411 and GA-293 negatively impact the score.

The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport provides some mitigation, but these options are not always readily accessible or affordable. The score also considers the distance to specialized medical facilities, such as hospitals with trauma centers or specialized clinics. Residents needing specialized care might face longer travel times, further influencing the "Overall Health Score."

**Specific Considerations for Moving to Kingston:**

For individuals considering **moving to Kingston**, understanding these **healthcare access** challenges is paramount. The "Overall Health Score" highlights the importance of owning a reliable vehicle or having access to alternative **transportation** options. Prospective residents should factor in the potential costs of ride-sharing services or medical transport when budgeting.

Individuals with chronic health conditions or limited mobility should carefully assess the **transportation** limitations and their impact on their ability to attend medical appointments. Researching the availability of healthcare providers, including specialists and emergency services, is crucial.

**Recommendations for Improving the Score:**

Improving the "Overall Health Score" in 30145 requires addressing the **transportation** limitations. Investing in a more robust public transit system, including routes with ADA-compliant features, would significantly enhance **healthcare access** for all residents.

Promoting ride-sharing services and ensuring their availability, particularly during off-peak hours, could also improve access. Exploring partnerships with medical transport providers to offer more affordable options for NEMT would further enhance the score.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in 30145 is moderate, reflecting the challenges posed by limited public transit and potential traffic congestion. While the area offers access to medical facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the constraints of ride-sharing services create barriers for some residents. Prospective residents considering **moving to Kingston** must carefully evaluate these factors and plan accordingly. By addressing the **transportation** limitations and improving **healthcare access**, the community can significantly enhance the "Overall Health Score" and improve the well-being of its residents.