48027, Goodells, Michigan Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 48027, Goodells, Michigan is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.89 percent of residents in 48027 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.24 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lake Huron Medical Center with a distance of 12.38 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 48027 (Goodells, MI)

This analysis provides an “Overall Health Score” for residents of ZIP Code 48027, focusing on the critical element of *healthcare access*. It evaluates the ease and efficiency of *transportation* options available to individuals seeking medical care, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. This assessment is particularly relevant for those *moving to Goodells*, Michigan, and seeking to understand the practicalities of accessing healthcare within the area.

The geographical context of 48027, encompassing the rural community of Goodells, presents unique challenges. While offering a tranquil lifestyle, it necessitates careful consideration of *transportation* limitations when evaluating *healthcare access*. The nearest major medical facilities are located in larger towns and cities, demanding a reliance on personal vehicles or alternative *transportation* methods.

The primary mode of *transportation* for most residents is likely the personal automobile. Drive times to healthcare providers are heavily influenced by the road network. Traveling to St. Clair County hospitals, like McLaren Port Huron, requires navigating a combination of local roads and major highways. The primary route involves using M-136, also known as Lapeer Road, which connects directly to I-69. Accessing healthcare in Port Huron necessitates traveling east on I-69. The drive time to McLaren Port Huron, a significant regional healthcare hub, can range from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific location within 48027.

Alternatively, residents may need to travel further afield to access specialized care. For instance, accessing hospitals in the Detroit metropolitan area, such as Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, necessitates using I-69 to I-94 and then to I-75. This journey can easily exceed an hour, placing a significant burden on individuals requiring regular medical appointments or facing urgent health needs.

Public *transportation* options in 48027 are limited. The St. Clair County Transit (SC4) provides bus services within the county, but its routes and frequency are restricted, particularly in rural areas. While SC4 does offer some routes that might serve areas near 48027, direct routes to major healthcare facilities are often unavailable or require multiple transfers. This can significantly increase travel time and inconvenience, making public *transportation* a less viable option for many residents.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible features on SC4 buses is crucial for individuals with disabilities. SC4 strives to provide accessible services, but the limited route coverage and potential for lengthy travel times can still pose challenges for those with mobility impairments. The lack of robust public *transportation* underscores the dependence on personal vehicles for *healthcare access* in this area.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their reliability and cost-effectiveness in 48027 can be unpredictable. The availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, may be limited. The cost of ride-sharing can also accumulate, especially for frequent medical appointments, adding to the financial burden of *healthcare access*. While ride-sharing provides a potential solution, it is not a consistently dependable or affordable option for all residents.

Medical *transportation* services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a specialized solution. Companies like MedStar Ambulance and other private ambulance services operate in the area. These services provide non-emergency medical *transportation* for individuals who cannot drive themselves or utilize other *transportation* methods. However, these services often come with a higher cost than other options, making them less accessible for individuals with limited financial resources.

The Overall Health Score for *healthcare access* in 48027 is therefore moderate. While the proximity to regional healthcare facilities like McLaren Port Huron offers reasonable drive times, the reliance on personal vehicles, limited public transit, and the potential unreliability and expense of ride-sharing services and medical *transportation* pose significant challenges.

Individuals *moving to Goodells* must carefully consider these *transportation* factors when assessing their *healthcare access*. Those without reliable access to a personal vehicle may face considerable difficulties in attending medical appointments, accessing specialized care, or responding to urgent health needs.

The lack of readily available public *transportation* options and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services highlight the need for careful planning. Residents should factor in travel times, potential delays, and the financial implications of various *transportation* choices.

The Overall Health Score is influenced by the following key factors: drive times, public *transportation* availability and frequency, the reliability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the accessibility and affordability of medical *transportation* options.

The overall score is further impacted by the physical limitations of the area. The rural nature of 48027 creates a need for longer travel times. The lack of integrated *transportation* systems makes it difficult for residents to access the healthcare they need.

For individuals considering *moving to Goodells*, a thorough understanding of these factors is crucial. Prospective residents should investigate the availability of healthcare providers within a reasonable distance, assess their *transportation* options, and consider the potential costs associated with accessing medical care.

The Overall Health Score underscores the need for proactive planning and resourcefulness in navigating the *transportation* landscape to ensure adequate *healthcare access* for residents of 48027. The community would benefit from exploring strategies to improve *transportation* options, such as advocating for expanded public transit routes, promoting ride-sharing programs, and supporting initiatives that enhance the affordability and accessibility of medical *transportation* services.