46774, New Haven, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 46774, New Haven, Indiana is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

79.24 percent of residents in 46774 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.49 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Va N. Indiana Healthcare System - Ft. Wayne with a distance of 5.32 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 46774 (New Haven, Indiana)

This comprehensive analysis assesses the accessibility of healthcare services for residents of ZIP Code 46774, encompassing New Haven, Indiana. We evaluate the ease with which individuals can reach various medical facilities, considering factors such as transportation options, travel times, and the availability of services. This 'Overall Health Score' aims to provide a clear picture of healthcare access, crucial information for current residents and those considering **moving to New Haven**.

The primary mode of transportation within this area is personal vehicles. The region's layout necessitates reliance on roadways for accessing healthcare. Interstate 69 (I-69) serves as a major artery, offering efficient connections to Fort Wayne, the primary hub for specialized medical care. Traveling south on I-69 provides direct access to Parkview Regional Medical Center and Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, both comprehensive facilities offering a wide range of medical specialties.

The average drive time to these major hospitals from the heart of New Haven, using I-69, ranges from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Other essential roadways include US-24, which provides east-west access, and State Road 37, which connects to local communities and smaller healthcare providers. These routes, while offering alternative paths, may experience higher traffic volumes during peak hours, potentially increasing travel times.

Public transportation options are limited in New Haven. The City of Fort Wayne's public transit system, Citilink, does offer some service to the area, but routes are infrequent and primarily geared towards serving employment centers. The primary route serving New Haven is Route 1, which operates along US-24. However, this route is not designed to provide direct access to major hospitals.

Furthermore, Citilink's service frequency is limited, with buses running on a schedule that may not align with medical appointment times. While Citilink endeavors to provide ADA-accessible buses, ensuring ease of use for individuals with disabilities, the limited route coverage and frequency remain significant challenges for those relying on public transit for **healthcare access**.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, offering a more flexible transportation alternative. These services provide on-demand transportation, potentially reducing travel times compared to public transit. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant barrier for some individuals, especially those with frequent medical appointments. The availability of drivers can also fluctuate, particularly during peak hours or in less densely populated areas.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance, are also present. Several companies, including CareRide and MedTrans, operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation. These services typically offer door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel.

However, these services often require advance booking, and availability can be limited. The cost of medical transportation can also be substantial, potentially posing a financial burden for patients. These factors must be considered when assessing overall **healthcare access**.

The concentration of healthcare providers within ZIP Code 46774 itself is moderate. Several family practices, dental clinics, and pharmacies are located within the community, offering convenient access to primary care and essential medications. However, specialized medical services, such as cardiology, oncology, and specialized surgery, are primarily located in Fort Wayne.

The distance to these specialized services necessitates travel, highlighting the importance of reliable transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles for accessing these services underscores the need for residents to maintain their vehicles and be prepared for potential maintenance costs.

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 46774 is influenced by several interconnected factors. The relatively short drive times to major hospitals in Fort Wayne, primarily via I-69, are a positive aspect. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services also contributes to accessibility, though cost and availability remain considerations.

However, the limited public transportation options pose a significant challenge, particularly for individuals who do not own vehicles or cannot drive. The concentration of specialized medical services in Fort Wayne necessitates travel, adding to the complexity of healthcare access.

The future development of transportation infrastructure could significantly impact the overall health score. Investing in improved public transit options, including expanded route coverage and increased frequency, would enhance healthcare access for a wider range of residents. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also improve accessibility.

Furthermore, promoting the development of telehealth services could reduce the need for in-person visits for certain types of care, particularly for follow-up appointments or consultations. This approach could be particularly beneficial for residents with limited transportation options or those living in rural areas.

The availability of healthcare providers within New Haven itself is a positive factor. The presence of primary care physicians, dentists, and pharmacies contributes to convenient access to essential medical services. However, the need for specialized care in Fort Wayne highlights the importance of reliable transportation options.

The overall health score for ZIP Code 46774 reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to major hospitals in Fort Wayne offers reasonable access to specialized care, the limited public transportation options and the reliance on personal vehicles pose challenges for some residents. The cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services can also be a barrier.

For individuals considering **moving to New Haven**, understanding these transportation and healthcare access factors is crucial. Assessing one's transportation needs, considering the availability of public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transportation options, and evaluating the proximity to healthcare providers are all essential steps in making an informed decision.

The overall health score for ZIP Code 46774 can be improved by addressing the challenges associated with transportation and healthcare access. Investing in public transit, promoting telehealth services, and exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services are all potential strategies for enhancing healthcare access for all residents.

This analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding the complexities of healthcare access in ZIP Code 46774. It highlights the importance of considering transportation options, travel times, and the availability of services when assessing the overall health score. By addressing the challenges and leveraging the opportunities, the community can strive to improve healthcare access for all its residents.