30730, Lyerly, Georgia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 30730, Lyerly, Georgia is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.32 percent of residents in 30730 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.84 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hamilton Medical Center with a distance of 36.83 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 30730 (Lyerly, Georgia)

The overall health score for residents of Lyerly, Georgia (ZIP Code 30730), reflects a complex interplay of factors, with transportation access to healthcare being a significant determinant. This write-up analyzes the commute options available, evaluates their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately provides a nuanced perspective on the healthcare accessibility landscape for those living in or considering **moving to Lyerly**. The ability to reach necessary medical services quickly and reliably is paramount to individual and community well-being.

Lyerly, a rural community nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, presents unique challenges to healthcare access. While the area offers a tranquil lifestyle, its distance from major medical centers and limited transportation options can create barriers to timely and consistent care. The following analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the current situation.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Dominant Mode**

For most residents, the automobile remains the primary mode of **transportation** to healthcare facilities. The nearest hospital, Redmond Regional Medical Center in Rome, Georgia, is approximately 20 miles away, requiring a drive of roughly 30-40 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This journey typically involves navigating a combination of local roads and state highways.

The primary route to Rome involves traveling on Georgia State Route 100 (GA-100), a two-lane highway that winds through the scenic countryside. Traffic flow on GA-100 is generally moderate, but it can become congested during peak commuting hours, especially near the intersection with U.S. Highway 27 (US-27). From GA-100, travelers often merge onto US-27, a major north-south thoroughfare, to reach Redmond Regional Medical Center.

Other healthcare facilities, such as urgent care clinics or specialist offices, may be located in nearby towns like Summerville or Cedartown. These destinations typically involve shorter drive times, ranging from 10-20 minutes, utilizing a network of local roads like GA-100 and GA-278. These shorter trips can be crucial for managing acute illnesses or injuries.

The condition of the roadways is generally good, but some sections of GA-100 and local roads may experience potholes or other minor maintenance issues, particularly after heavy rainfall. This is another aspect to consider when evaluating the **healthcare access** challenges.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public **transportation** options in Lyerly are severely limited, posing a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The lack of a robust public transit system is a major impediment to **healthcare access** for residents who are elderly, disabled, or unable to drive.

The primary public transit provider for the region is the Chattooga County Transit System. This system offers demand-response services, meaning riders must schedule their trips in advance. While the system provides transportation to medical appointments, its limited operating hours, and potential for long wait times can be a significant drawback.

The availability of accessible vehicles equipped with features for individuals with disabilities (ADA compliance) is essential. While Chattooga County Transit System does offer some ADA-compliant vehicles, the demand can be high, and scheduling appointments well in advance is crucial. The reliability and availability of these services are critical factors in assessing the overall health score.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is often sporadic, and availability can be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in remote locations. The cost of ride-sharing services can also be a barrier for some residents, particularly those with limited incomes.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, offer specialized transportation for individuals requiring assistance. Ambulance services are readily available for emergencies, but the cost can be substantial. NEMT providers offer transportation for non-emergency medical appointments, but their availability and coverage area may be limited.

The reliance on these services highlights the vulnerability of the community. These services are often more expensive than other options, and the availability can be inconsistent.

**Healthcare Access: Beyond Transportation**

While **transportation** is a critical component of **healthcare access**, other factors also influence the overall health score. The availability of healthcare providers in the immediate vicinity, including primary care physicians, specialists, and dentists, is crucial. The proximity of pharmacies, diagnostic facilities, and other healthcare-related services also plays a significant role.

Lyerly has limited local healthcare resources, requiring residents to travel to nearby towns or cities for specialized care. This further underscores the importance of reliable **transportation** options.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

The overall health score for residents of Lyerly, Georgia (ZIP Code 30730), reflects a mixed picture. While the area offers a peaceful and affordable lifestyle, the limited **transportation** options and the distance to healthcare facilities pose significant challenges.

The primary mode of **transportation** is the automobile, requiring residents to drive to access most healthcare services. Public transit options are limited, and ride-sharing services may not always be readily available. Medical transport services provide essential support, but their cost and availability can be barriers.

The lack of readily accessible healthcare facilities within the community further exacerbates the challenges. Residents must travel to nearby towns and cities for specialized care, increasing the reliance on **transportation**.

For individuals considering **moving to Lyerly**, it is crucial to carefully evaluate their **healthcare access** needs and assess the available **transportation** options. Those who are unable to drive or who have limited access to a personal vehicle may face significant difficulties in accessing timely and consistent medical care.

The overall health score for Lyerly, therefore, is impacted by the challenges of **transportation**. While the community offers a desirable quality of life, the limitations in healthcare access require careful consideration. This score is not a definitive statement but a complex evaluation of the factors that impact the health of the community.