46165, North Salem, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 46165, North Salem, Indiana is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.75 percent of residents in 46165 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hendricks County Radiology Inc with a distance of 10.00 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 46165 (North Salem, Indiana)

The health of a community hinges on many factors, but few are as critical as the ease with which residents can access healthcare. This report provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP code 46165, focusing specifically on the challenges and opportunities presented by **transportation** options available for reaching medical facilities. This analysis is particularly relevant for those considering **moving to North Salem**, Indiana, and seeking to understand the local landscape of **healthcare access**.

ZIP code 46165, encompassing the town of North Salem, is a predominantly rural area. Its location, approximately 40 miles west of Indianapolis, dictates a reliance on personal vehicles for most travel, including trips to doctors' appointments, pharmacies, and hospitals. This geographical isolation impacts the Overall Health Score, demanding a careful examination of the **transportation** infrastructure and available alternatives.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary artery connecting North Salem to larger healthcare providers is US-36, also known as Rockville Road. This highway provides a relatively direct route east towards Indianapolis, where a greater concentration of hospitals and specialist clinics can be found. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly extend travel times.

Heading west, US-36 leads to Danville and Avon, offering access to smaller medical facilities and urgent care centers. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) maintains the road surfaces, but seasonal weather conditions, especially snow and ice during winter, can pose significant hazards and further complicate **transportation** to medical appointments.

For residents in the northern part of the ZIP code, State Road 75 offers a north-south connection, but it is a two-lane road and can be slower than US-36. Local roads, such as County Road 1000 North and County Road 600 East, provide access to various points within the ZIP code, but they are generally not designed for high-speed travel and may have limited visibility.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary considerably. Reaching Hendricks Regional Health in Danville, the closest hospital, can take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Travel to major hospitals in Indianapolis, such as IU Health Methodist Hospital or Community Hospital North, can easily exceed an hour, especially during rush hour. This extended travel time can be a significant barrier to **healthcare access**, particularly for those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public **transportation** options in North Salem are extremely limited. The Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo) does not extend its bus routes into this rural area. This absence of public transit significantly reduces the **healthcare access** options for residents who do not own a vehicle, cannot drive, or prefer not to drive.

The lack of public **transportation** is a major factor in the Overall Health Score. Individuals who are elderly, disabled, or low-income face considerable difficulties in reaching medical appointments. The absence of accessible public transit, including routes with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, further exacerbates the challenges faced by those with mobility impairments.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in North Salem, but their reliability and affordability can vary. Availability is often dependent on driver proximity, and surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can make these services expensive. This can impact **healthcare access** for residents on fixed incomes or those with limited financial resources.

Medical **transportation** services offer a specialized solution for those needing assistance. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and TransCare provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services require pre-booking and can be costly, adding to the financial burden of **healthcare access**.

The availability of medical **transportation** services is a positive aspect of the overall picture, but their cost and the need for pre-planning can still present challenges. The Overall Health Score is impacted by the limited availability of affordable and readily accessible **transportation** options.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the analysis of **transportation** options, the Overall Health Score for residents of ZIP code 46165 is moderately low. While drive times to some medical facilities are relatively short, the lack of public **transportation**, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential for traffic congestion significantly impact **healthcare access**.

The absence of readily available and affordable **transportation** options creates barriers for many residents. The elderly, those with disabilities, and individuals with limited financial resources are particularly vulnerable. The need to rely on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or expensive medical **transportation** can lead to missed appointments, delayed treatment, and poorer health outcomes.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the Overall Health Score, several measures could be considered. Exploring the feasibility of establishing a demand-response public **transportation** system, perhaps in partnership with neighboring communities, would be a significant step. This could involve a dial-a-ride service or a shuttle system connecting North Salem to larger towns with healthcare facilities.

Encouraging the expansion of telehealth services, enabling patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, could also improve **healthcare access**. This would be particularly beneficial for routine check-ups and follow-up appointments, reducing the need for physical travel.

Promoting partnerships between healthcare providers and local organizations to offer subsidized or discounted **transportation** options for patients in need would also be valuable. This could involve collaborations with ride-sharing services or medical **transportation** companies.

For those considering **moving to North Salem**, it is crucial to factor in the challenges of **transportation** when assessing the community's suitability. While the town offers a rural lifestyle, the limited access to healthcare facilities due to **transportation** constraints must be carefully considered. Prospective residents should research the availability of medical services and assess their ability to navigate the existing **transportation** landscape.