47018, Dillsboro, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 47018, Dillsboro, Indiana is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.15 percent of residents in 47018 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.54 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Elizabeth Dearborn Hospital with a distance of 10.86 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 47018 (Dillsboro, Indiana)

This analysis provides an “Overall Health Score” for residents of Dillsboro, Indiana (ZIP Code 47018), focusing on transportation and healthcare access. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering moving to Dillsboro, as they significantly impact overall well-being. The score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility.

The health score is not a single number but a holistic assessment. It weighs various elements, acknowledging that access to healthcare is a multifaceted issue. Factors like age, mobility, and financial resources influence how individuals navigate the healthcare landscape. This evaluation aims to provide a realistic perspective for residents and prospective movers, highlighting both strengths and challenges.

**Drive Times: The Road to Care**

For many Dillsboro residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities. The proximity to major roadways is a significant advantage. Accessing larger medical centers often necessitates travel on the **US-50** and **I-74**. These highways provide relatively efficient routes to hospitals and specialists in nearby cities.

Traveling east on **US-50** leads to Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and eventually to Cincinnati, Ohio, offering access to a wide array of healthcare providers. Westward, **US-50** connects to Versailles and beyond, providing options for regional medical care. The drive times vary depending on traffic and destination.

**I-74** is another critical artery. Heading north on **I-74** allows for travel to Indianapolis, approximately a 1.5-hour drive, opening up access to world-class hospitals and specialized care. Southward on **I-74**, one can reach Cincinnati. The drive times on these highways can vary significantly depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

Smaller towns like Aurora and Batesville, accessible via local roads such as **IN-1**, offer closer options for primary care and urgent care. These shorter drives are particularly beneficial for those with limited mobility or urgent medical needs. However, the availability of specialized services in these locations might be limited.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Dillsboro are extremely limited. Southeastern Indiana is not known for robust public transit infrastructure. This presents a significant challenge for individuals without access to a personal vehicle, especially those who are elderly, disabled, or low-income.

There is no established fixed-route bus service within Dillsboro or between Dillsboro and surrounding towns. This lack of public transit severely restricts healthcare access for those who cannot drive or afford alternative transportation methods.

The absence of public transit highlights a critical area for improvement. Investing in public transportation, including routes with ADA-compliant features, could dramatically enhance healthcare access for a vulnerable segment of the population. This would require significant investment and collaboration between local and regional authorities.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Dillsboro area, but their reliability and cost can be unpredictable. Availability is often dependent on driver presence, which may be limited in a rural setting. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some individuals, especially for longer distances to larger medical centers.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution for individuals with mobility limitations or specific medical needs. Companies like Med-Ride and local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services require pre-booking and can be costly, but they provide a crucial link to healthcare for those who cannot drive or use public transit.

The availability of these services is an important component of the overall healthcare access picture. However, the reliance on these services underscores the lack of alternative transportation options.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Challenge**

Healthcare access in Dillsboro is a complex issue. While the proximity to major roadways provides access to larger medical centers, the lack of public transit and the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport create significant challenges for some residents.

The availability of primary care physicians and specialists within Dillsboro itself is limited. Residents often need to travel to surrounding towns or cities for specialized care. This reliance on external resources emphasizes the importance of efficient transportation options.

**Moving to Dillsboro: Considering Healthcare Access**

For those considering moving to Dillsboro, understanding the transportation and healthcare access landscape is crucial. Individuals who are reliant on public transit or have mobility limitations should carefully evaluate their transportation options. The availability of personal vehicles or access to reliable ride-sharing or medical transport services is paramount.

Prospective movers should research the availability of healthcare providers in the area, including primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care facilities. Assessing the drive times to these facilities and understanding the costs associated with transportation are essential steps in making an informed decision.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary**

The overall health score for Dillsboro (ZIP Code 47018) reflects a mixed picture. The proximity to major highways offers reasonable access to healthcare facilities in larger cities. However, the lack of public transit and the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport create significant challenges for some residents.

The score is influenced by the individual's circumstances. Those with personal vehicles and financial resources generally have better healthcare access. Individuals with mobility limitations or limited financial resources face greater obstacles.

Improvements in public transportation, increased availability of affordable ride-sharing options, and greater investment in medical transport services would significantly enhance healthcare access and improve the overall health score for Dillsboro residents. This would make the town a more attractive location for those seeking a safe and healthy environment.