46104, Arlington, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 46104, Arlington, Indiana is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

27.95 percent of residents in 46104 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.25 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Rush Memorial Hospital with a distance of 8.19 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 46104

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. For residents of Arlington, Indiana, specifically within ZIP Code 46104, the journey to receive medical attention is a critical aspect of overall well-being. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for healthcare accessibility, considering various transportation options and their associated challenges. This assessment aims to inform individuals contemplating moving to Arlington, providing a realistic view of healthcare access.

Arlington, a small town in Rush County, presents a unique set of circumstances. Its rural setting influences the availability and efficiency of transportation options. The "Overall Health Score" considers the distance to healthcare facilities, the modes of transport available, and the specific challenges faced by residents, particularly those with mobility limitations.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary mode of transportation for most residents in 46104 is personal vehicles. The most direct route to significant healthcare providers involves navigating the local road network. Access to major hospitals and specialized clinics often necessitates travel to nearby cities like Indianapolis or Greenfield.

Traveling east on **US-52** is a common route, connecting Arlington to Rushville, a town with some local medical facilities. However, for more comprehensive care, residents often embark on longer journeys. The journey to Indianapolis, the nearest major city, involves traveling west on **US-52** and then merging onto **I-74 West**. This interstate highway provides a relatively smooth and direct route, but traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact travel times.

The drive time to Indianapolis hospitals, such as Community Hospital East or IU Health Methodist Hospital, can range from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic conditions. Greenfield, a closer option, offers quicker access to facilities like Hancock Regional Hospital, with drive times averaging 20-30 minutes via **US-40**. These drive times highlight the importance of considering transportation reliability when assessing healthcare access.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options within 46104 are extremely limited. Rush County does not have a comprehensive public transit system. This dearth of options significantly impacts those without personal vehicles, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The lack of public transit creates a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for routine appointments and preventative care.

The nearest public transportation options would likely require travel to Indianapolis, which offers a more extensive network. The **IndyGo** bus system provides a network of routes, including some that reach major hospitals. However, the commute from Arlington to Indianapolis and then utilizing IndyGo would be time-consuming and potentially impractical for many residents. Furthermore, the reliability of public transit can be affected by delays, especially during inclement weather, further complicating healthcare access.

While IndyGo strives to provide ADA-accessible services, including accessible buses and paratransit options, the initial journey from Arlington to Indianapolis remains a significant hurdle. This underscores the need for alternative solutions to bridge the transportation gap for residents of 46104.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation Services:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential alternative to personal vehicles, although their availability in rural areas can be inconsistent. The presence of these services in Arlington is not guaranteed, and even if available, surge pricing during peak hours or times of high demand can make them expensive.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to medical appointments, are another option. Companies like **CareRide** and **LogistiCare** offer non-emergency medical transportation. These services can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive. However, these services often require advance booking and may have limitations on the distance they cover.

The cost of these services can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments. The availability of medical transportation services may also be limited, potentially leading to delays or difficulties in securing transportation when needed.

**ADA Accessibility and Considerations for Individuals with Disabilities:**

Accessibility is a critical aspect of healthcare access, especially for individuals with disabilities. The lack of robust public transportation options and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services pose significant challenges.

For individuals with mobility limitations, the availability of accessible vehicles and routes is essential. While IndyGo strives to provide ADA-compliant services, the initial journey to Indianapolis remains a barrier. Medical transportation services often offer accessible vehicles, but their availability and cost can be a concern.

The design of healthcare facilities, including accessible parking, ramps, elevators, and examination rooms, is also crucial. When considering moving to Arlington, individuals with disabilities should carefully assess the accessibility of local healthcare providers and transportation options.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the analysis of transportation options and their impact on healthcare access, the "Overall Health Score" for 46104 is moderate. While residents with personal vehicles have reasonable access to healthcare facilities, the limitations of public transportation, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transportation services create significant challenges for many residents.

The "Overall Health Score" is influenced by the following factors:
* **Drive times:** Moderate, with longer commutes to access specialized care.
* **Public transportation:** Limited, creating a significant barrier for those without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-sharing:** Potential limitations in availability and cost.
* **Medical transportation:** Available but may be expensive and require advance booking.
* **ADA accessibility:** Requires careful assessment of both transportation and healthcare facility accessibility.

**Recommendations:**

* **Enhance public transportation:** Advocate for the expansion of public transit options, potentially through partnerships with neighboring counties or the implementation of a demand-response system.
* **Promote ride-sharing and medical transportation:** Explore partnerships with ride-sharing services to improve availability and affordability.
* **Improve information dissemination:** Provide clear and accessible information about available transportation options, including contact details and eligibility requirements.
* **Support community health initiatives:** Promote local health programs and initiatives to improve health outcomes and reduce the need for frequent travel to healthcare facilities.
* **Advocate for accessible healthcare facilities:** Ensure that all healthcare facilities in the area are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities.

For those considering moving to Arlington, 46104, a thorough assessment of transportation needs is essential. While the area offers a tranquil lifestyle, healthcare access requires careful planning. Understanding the limitations of transportation options and the potential costs associated with accessing healthcare is crucial for making an informed decision. The "Overall Health Score" highlights the need for continued efforts to improve healthcare access for all residents, ensuring a healthier and more vibrant community.