31548, Kingsland, Georgia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 31548, Kingsland, Georgia is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.10 percent of residents in 31548 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.83 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southeast Georgia Health System -- Camden Campus with a distance of 4.43 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Kingsland, Georgia (ZIP Code 31548)

Kingsland, Georgia, nestled in Camden County, presents a unique tapestry of coastal charm and burgeoning development. As you consider moving to Kingsland, understanding the overall health score, specifically concerning healthcare access, is paramount. This assessment delves into the transportation landscape, evaluating commute times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, all crucial elements influencing your ability to reach essential medical services.

The health score, in this context, reflects the ease and efficiency with which residents can access healthcare facilities. Factors like drive times, public transportation reliability, and the availability of alternative transport options significantly impact this score. A higher score suggests greater accessibility, leading to better health outcomes.

**Driving the Healthcare Journey:**

For those accustomed to the convenience of personal vehicles, the transportation infrastructure in and around Kingsland plays a vital role. Primary access to healthcare often involves navigating the roads. The primary artery is Interstate 95 (I-95), a major north-south thoroughfare. Traveling south on I-95 provides relatively quick access to healthcare facilities in Jacksonville, Florida, approximately a 45-minute to an hour drive, depending on traffic.

Closer to home, Highway 17 (also known as the Golden Isles Parkway) serves as a crucial east-west route. It connects Kingsland to Brunswick, where additional healthcare options are available. Drive times to Brunswick typically range from 30 to 45 minutes, again, contingent on traffic. Local roads like Kings Bay Road and Charlie Smith Sr. Highway provide access to local clinics and medical offices.

Traffic patterns, especially during peak hours, can influence drive times. Weekday mornings and evenings often experience congestion around the I-95 interchanges and along Highway 17. Therefore, factoring in potential delays is essential when planning medical appointments. The overall drive-time score is moderately impacted by these factors.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation in Kingsland and Camden County is limited. The primary provider is the Coastal Regional Coaches (CRC), which operates a fixed-route bus service. However, the service is not extensive, and routes may not directly serve all healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the frequency of buses can be infrequent, potentially leading to extended wait times.

While CRC strives to provide accessible transportation, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, such as wheelchair lifts and designated seating, are available on their buses. Nonetheless, the limited route coverage and infrequent schedules can pose challenges for individuals relying on public transit for healthcare access. The public transit score is currently low due to the limited service and potential travel time.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Kingsland, offering an alternative transportation option. However, availability may fluctuate depending on the time of day and demand. Surge pricing, especially during peak hours or when demand is high, can also impact the affordability of these services.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are another option. Companies like LogistiCare and ModivCare (formerly MTM) often contract with insurance providers to offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). These services typically provide door-to-door transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, eligibility requirements and prior authorization may apply.

The presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services improves the overall health score by providing alternative options. However, the reliability and cost of these services should be carefully considered.

**Healthcare Access and Moving to Kingsland:**

When contemplating moving to Kingsland, healthcare access is a critical consideration. The availability of healthcare facilities within a reasonable distance, coupled with efficient transportation options, directly impacts your overall health and well-being.

Kingsland boasts several local clinics and medical offices. These facilities provide primary care, urgent care, and specialized services. However, for more specialized treatments or hospitalizations, residents often need to travel to Brunswick or Jacksonville.

Therefore, the overall health score for Kingsland, concerning healthcare access, is influenced by several factors. While the presence of local clinics is a positive, the limited public transportation options and the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services for accessing larger medical facilities impact the score.

**Enhancing the Health Score:**

Improving the health score for Kingsland requires a multifaceted approach. Expanding public transportation routes and increasing the frequency of service would significantly improve healthcare access for residents. Promoting the availability of affordable ride-sharing options and ensuring the efficiency of medical transport services are also crucial.

Additionally, attracting more specialized medical providers to the area could reduce the need for residents to travel long distances for care. Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as road widening and traffic management systems, would help reduce commute times.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in Kingsland, Georgia (ZIP Code 31548) is moderate. While local clinics and the availability of ride-sharing services provide some accessibility, the limited public transportation options and the need to travel to Brunswick or Jacksonville for more specialized care impact the score.

For individuals considering moving to Kingsland, carefully evaluating their healthcare needs and transportation preferences is essential. Understanding the drive times, the limitations of public transit, and the availability of alternative transport options will allow for informed decisions and help ensure access to the healthcare services required. The future health score can be enhanced through strategic investments in transportation infrastructure and the expansion of healthcare services within the community.