31078, Roberta, Georgia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 31078, Roberta, Georgia is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.64 percent of residents in 31078 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.96 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Atrium Health Navicent Peach with a distance of 16.42 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Roberta, GA (ZIP Code 31078)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. In the rural landscape of Roberta, Georgia, ZIP code 31078, this access is largely defined by transportation infrastructure and available services. This write-up provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering commute times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. This analysis aims to provide a clear picture for anyone considering moving to Roberta, focusing on the realities of healthcare access within the community.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Roberta, GA, is moderately challenging. While the community offers a close-knit environment and a slower pace of life, its remoteness presents significant obstacles to accessing timely and comprehensive medical care. The primary concern revolves around the limited availability of transportation options, particularly for those without personal vehicles or facing mobility limitations. The score reflects a need for improved infrastructure and expanded service offerings to adequately support the healthcare needs of the residents.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Roberta is the personal automobile. The primary roadways serving the area are State Route 247 (SR-247) and US Highway 341 (US-341). SR-247 runs north-south, providing a direct route to Warner Robins, the nearest city with a significant concentration of medical facilities. US-341, also running north-south, offers access to Perry and other surrounding towns.

Commute times to healthcare facilities are variable, significantly impacting the overall health score. A trip to Houston Healthcare in Warner Robins, a major regional hospital, can take between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This drive involves navigating SR-247, which can experience congestion during peak hours. Similarly, a drive to the Medical Center, Navicent Health in Macon, a larger tertiary care facility, can take between 45 minutes to an hour, involving travel on both SR-247 and Interstate 75 (I-75).

For routine appointments or specialist visits, these drive times can be manageable for many residents. However, in the event of an emergency, the delay can be critical. The distance to the nearest emergency room, combined with potential traffic, significantly impacts the health score, emphasizing the importance of readily available emergency medical services.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options within ZIP code 31078 are severely limited. The absence of a dedicated public bus system or fixed-route transit service presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. This lack of public transportation dramatically lowers the overall health score.

While the Middle Georgia Regional Airport (MCN) in Macon is within reasonable driving distance, it primarily serves commercial airlines and does not offer transportation options for healthcare purposes. The absence of a reliable public transit system means that residents must rely on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transport to reach healthcare facilities. This reliance can be costly and time-consuming, particularly for those with limited financial resources.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

The presence of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, in Roberta is inconsistent. Availability is often limited, especially during off-peak hours or in the evenings. This unreliability further diminishes the overall health score. Residents cannot depend on ride-sharing as a primary mode of transportation to medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), play a crucial role in bridging the healthcare access gap. Ambulance services are available for emergency situations, providing rapid transport to the nearest hospital. However, the cost of ambulance services can be substantial, and insurance coverage varies.

NEMT services, such as those provided by companies like LogistiCare or ModivCare, are available for non-emergency medical appointments. These services typically require pre-booking and may have limitations regarding the types of appointments covered. While NEMT services can be beneficial, their availability and scheduling constraints can still present challenges for residents needing regular medical care.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility in public transportation and healthcare facilities. However, the lack of public transit in Roberta means that ADA compliance is primarily relevant to healthcare facilities. Healthcare providers in the area are generally compliant with ADA standards, ensuring that their facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. However, the lack of accessible transportation options to reach these facilities remains a significant concern.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in Roberta, GA (31078) is negatively impacted by the following factors: long drive times to major medical facilities, the absence of a reliable public transportation system, the limited availability of ride-sharing services, and the reliance on personal vehicles for healthcare access. These factors create significant barriers to accessing timely and comprehensive medical care, particularly for those without personal vehicles, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

The score is somewhat mitigated by the availability of ambulance services for emergencies and NEMT services for non-emergency appointments. However, the limitations of these services and the potential costs associated with them continue to pose challenges. The overall health score for healthcare access in Roberta, GA, reflects a need for improved transportation infrastructure and expanded service offerings to adequately support the healthcare needs of the community.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the overall health score for healthcare access in Roberta, GA, several recommendations are offered. First, advocating for the implementation of a demand-response public transportation system could significantly enhance healthcare access for residents without personal vehicles. This could involve a dial-a-ride service or a flexible route system that caters to the specific needs of the community.

Second, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to ensure a more reliable and affordable service within the area is crucial. This could involve offering incentives for drivers to operate in Roberta or establishing subsidized ride programs for low-income residents.

Third, increasing awareness of and access to NEMT services is essential. This could involve providing information about available services and assisting residents in navigating the enrollment and scheduling processes.

Finally, promoting telehealth services and home healthcare options can help reduce the need for travel to medical appointments. This could involve expanding access to telehealth consultations, providing in-home nursing care, and offering remote monitoring services.

By addressing these recommendations, the community of Roberta, GA, can improve its overall health score and ensure that all residents have access to the healthcare they need. This would make moving to Roberta a more attractive prospect for individuals and families.