02723, Fall River, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 02723, Fall River, Massachusetts is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.72 percent of residents in 02723 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.52 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southcoast Hospitals Group with a distance of 1.24 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 02723

ZIP Code 02723, encompassing the heart of Fall River, Massachusetts, presents a complex tapestry of healthcare access woven with the threads of transportation realities. Assessing the overall health score necessitates a deep dive into the available pathways to medical care, considering both their efficiency and the potential barriers they present. For those contemplating **moving to Fall River**, this understanding is crucial for informed decision-making. This analysis focuses on the critical elements of **transportation** and **healthcare access** within the specified geographic area.

The central challenge within 02723 is the city's historical layout. The dense urban environment, while rich in character, can complicate navigation. Coupled with this is the relative scarcity of public transit options compared to larger metropolitan areas. This necessitates a careful examination of the available modes of travel and their impact on healthcare accessibility.

**Driving the Healthcare Landscape**

For many residents, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation. The dominant roadways shaping healthcare access in 02723 are Interstate 195 (I-195) and Route 24. These major arteries connect Fall River to surrounding communities and healthcare facilities. Driving times, however, are highly variable. Rush hour congestion, particularly on I-195 heading east towards Providence, Rhode Island, can significantly extend travel times. Conversely, off-peak travel allows for relatively swift commutes.

Accessing Saint Anne's Hospital, a significant healthcare provider within Fall River, typically involves a shorter drive, often under 10 minutes from many residential areas. However, reaching larger hospitals in nearby cities like Providence, such as Rhode Island Hospital or Women & Infants Hospital, can necessitate a 30- to 45-minute drive during peak traffic. The precise time depends heavily on the origin point within 02723 and the prevailing traffic conditions. Route 24 offers an alternative route to the north, providing access to hospitals in Taunton, but also experiences congestion during peak hours.

Parking availability at healthcare facilities is another factor to consider. While most hospitals have designated parking areas, these can fill up quickly, particularly during peak visiting hours. The cost of parking can also add to the overall expense of accessing healthcare.

**Public Transit: A Mixed Bag**

The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides public transportation within Fall River and surrounding areas. While a valuable resource, the SRTA's coverage and frequency are limited compared to larger urban transit systems. Several bus routes serve 02723, including routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300.

The SRTA offers ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. However, the frequency of service on some routes may be limited, particularly during evenings and weekends. This can pose challenges for those needing to access healthcare at off-peak hours. Transfer times between routes can also add to the overall travel time.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, provide another layer of **transportation** options within 02723. These services offer on-demand access to **transportation**, providing a convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, the availability and cost of ride-sharing can fluctuate, especially during peak demand periods. The cost can be a significant barrier for some individuals, particularly those with limited incomes.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are also available. Companies like Med-Ride and other specialized providers offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services often cater to individuals who cannot drive themselves or utilize public transit due to medical conditions. They provide door-to-door service and can be a crucial resource for those with mobility limitations. The cost of these services can vary, and it is essential to investigate insurance coverage options.

**The Impact on Overall Health**

The ease with which residents of 02723 can access healthcare directly impacts their overall health. Factors such as travel time, cost, and the availability of **transportation** options influence the likelihood of individuals seeking timely medical attention. The longer the commute, the greater the potential for delays in seeking care, particularly in emergency situations. Limited access to **transportation** can also contribute to missed appointments and a decline in preventative care.

For those considering **moving to Fall River**, it is essential to assess their individual healthcare needs and the **transportation** options available to meet those needs. Proximity to healthcare facilities, the availability of public transit or ride-sharing services, and the potential need for medical transportation should all be carefully considered.

**Assessing the Score**

The overall health score for commute to healthcare in 02723 is a complex calculation. While the presence of local healthcare facilities like Saint Anne's Hospital offers convenience, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transportation introduce challenges.

The score is further impacted by socioeconomic factors. Residents with limited incomes may face significant barriers to accessing healthcare due to the cost of **transportation**. The availability of accessible **transportation** options for individuals with disabilities is also a critical factor.

In conclusion, while 02723 offers a range of healthcare options, the **transportation** landscape presents both opportunities and challenges. The overall health score is influenced by the efficiency and affordability of **transportation** options, the proximity of healthcare facilities, and the specific needs of individual residents. For those **moving to Fall River**, a thorough understanding of these factors is essential for ensuring access to timely and appropriate medical care. The city’s future