46819, Fort Wayne, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 46819, Fort Wayne, Indiana is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

80.82 percent of residents in 46819 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.43 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Joseph Health System, Llc with a distance of 5.21 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 46819

Assessing the health of a community involves more than just examining medical facilities. It necessitates understanding the ease with which residents can access those facilities, a factor deeply intertwined with transportation options. This report delves into the healthcare access landscape within Fort Wayne's 46819 ZIP code, providing an “Overall Health Score” based on commute times, public transit availability, and alternative transportation methods. This information is crucial for anyone considering moving to Fort Wayne, particularly those prioritizing healthcare access.

The 46819 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of southwest Fort Wayne, presents a mixed bag of transportation challenges and opportunities. Predominantly suburban, it relies heavily on personal vehicles, impacting the overall health score. The availability of efficient and reliable transportation is paramount for timely medical appointments, especially for those with chronic conditions or limited mobility.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary arteries serving 46819 are **Interstate 69 (I-69)**, **U.S. Route 24 (US-24)**, and **Illinois Road**. These roadways are generally well-maintained, but traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly extend commute times. For example, traveling from the southwestern edge of 46819 to Parkview Regional Medical Center, a major healthcare provider located northeast of the ZIP code, can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes depending on traffic flow on I-69.

Smaller roads, such as **W. Jefferson Boulevard** and **Scott Road**, provide alternative routes, but they are often slower and can become congested during rush hour. The presence of numerous traffic lights and intersections further contributes to travel time variability. This dependence on personal vehicles presents a potential barrier to healthcare access for individuals without cars or those unable to drive.

**Public Transit: A Limited Resource:**

The **Fort Wayne Citilink** bus system offers a limited public transit presence within 46819. Several routes, including **Route 1 (Maplecrest)** and **Route 2 (Southwest)**, traverse the area, providing access to key destinations like shopping centers and some medical offices. However, the frequency of these routes, particularly during evenings and weekends, is limited.

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a critical factor in evaluating public transit. Citilink buses are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including ramps and designated seating. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent service may still pose challenges for those requiring accessible transportation. The lack of extensive public transit infrastructure impacts the overall health score, particularly for those unable to drive.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Options:**

Ride-sharing services like **Uber** and **Lyft** are available throughout Fort Wayne, offering a convenient alternative to personal vehicles. However, the cost of these services can be a significant barrier for some individuals, especially for frequent medical appointments. The availability of ride-sharing can also be affected by demand, particularly during peak hours or in areas with limited driver availability.

Medical transportation services, such as **CareRide** and **First Transit**, cater specifically to individuals with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. While these services offer a valuable resource, they often require advance booking and may not be readily available for urgent medical needs.

**Healthcare Provider Proximity and Distribution:**

The geographical distribution of healthcare providers within and around 46819 plays a crucial role in determining healthcare access. While the ZIP code itself may not house a large concentration of hospitals, numerous medical offices, clinics, and urgent care facilities are located within a reasonable driving distance.

**Parkview Regional Medical Center**, located northeast of 46819, serves as a major regional hospital, offering a comprehensive range of medical services. **Lutheran Hospital**, located closer to the city center, is another major provider. Access to these facilities, however, relies heavily on the transportation options discussed above.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the factors discussed, the Overall Health Score for healthcare access in 46819 is moderate. While the presence of major healthcare providers in the surrounding area is positive, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing services create potential barriers to access. The limited public transit options negatively impact the overall score.

To improve the Overall Health Score, several recommendations can be considered. Expanding the Citilink bus network, increasing route frequency, and improving accessibility would significantly enhance healthcare access for residents without personal vehicles. Promoting ride-sharing programs and subsidizing transportation costs for low-income individuals could also alleviate financial barriers.

Furthermore, exploring partnerships between healthcare providers and transportation services to offer discounted or subsidized transportation options could be beneficial. Encouraging the development of medical offices and clinics within the 46819 ZIP code would also reduce travel times and improve healthcare access.

For individuals considering moving to Fort Wayne and prioritizing healthcare access, careful consideration of transportation options within 46819 is essential. While the area offers access to quality healthcare, the ease with which residents can reach those facilities is dependent on their ability to navigate the existing transportation infrastructure. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities, empowering potential residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.