48044, Macomb, Michigan Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 48044, Macomb, Michigan is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.30 percent of residents in 48044 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.99 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Henry Ford Macomb Hospital with a distance of 2.51 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 48044

Understanding the accessibility of healthcare is paramount when evaluating a community's overall health. This report provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 48044, focusing specifically on the ease of *transportation* to healthcare facilities. Located in Clinton Township, Macomb County, this area presents a unique landscape of suburban sprawl, necessitating a multifaceted approach to assess healthcare *access*. We delve into the realities of driving, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities for those seeking medical care.

**Driving Times and Roadways:**

The dominant mode of *transportation* in 48044 is the personal vehicle. The efficiency of this mode hinges heavily on the local road network. Accessing major hospitals and clinics typically involves navigating a combination of local roads and major thoroughfares.

For residents in the southern part of 48044, reaching McLaren Macomb Hospital in Mount Clemens often involves traveling east on 19 Mile Road, a busy arterial road. The journey then connects to Gratiot Avenue (M-3), a major commercial corridor, which provides direct access to the hospital. During peak hours, congestion on 19 Mile and Gratiot can significantly extend travel times, potentially impacting timely healthcare *access*.

Those in the northern reaches of the ZIP code might find Henry B. Joy Boulevard a more direct route to McLaren Macomb. However, this route also relies on navigating local roads and Gratiot Avenue, facing similar congestion challenges. The I-94 freeway, though nearby, may not always be the most efficient route, depending on the origin and destination within the ZIP code.

Other healthcare facilities, like the Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital, are accessible via a combination of 19 Mile Road, Hayes Road, and Hall Road (M-59). This route, while potentially faster, is also prone to heavy traffic, especially during rush hour. Residents considering *moving to Macomb* should factor in these travel times when evaluating healthcare options.

The drive to Beaumont Hospital, Troy, while offering a wider selection of specialized medical care, requires a longer commute, often involving travel on Hall Road (M-59) and the I-75 freeway. This journey can take upwards of 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, highlighting the importance of considering distance when assessing healthcare *access*.

**Public Transit Options:**

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) provides public transit services in Macomb County. However, the coverage and frequency of routes in 48044, while improving, remain a limiting factor for many residents.

Several SMART routes serve the area, including routes 520, 740, and 751. Route 520 runs along Gratiot Avenue, providing access to McLaren Macomb Hospital and other medical facilities. Route 740 travels along 19 Mile Road, offering connections to various destinations, including some healthcare providers. Route 751 serves Hall Road (M-59), providing access to a different set of medical facilities.

The frequency of these routes varies, with less frequent service on weekends and evenings. This can create significant challenges for those who rely on public transit for healthcare *access*, particularly for appointments scheduled outside of peak hours. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for individuals with disabilities. SMART strives to ensure all its buses are ADA-compliant, offering ramps and other features to facilitate boarding and alighting.

While public transit provides a valuable service, the limited reach and frequency can pose a barrier for many residents. Those considering *moving to Macomb* and relying on public transit should thoroughly investigate the availability of routes and schedules that meet their healthcare needs.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative *transportation* option, providing on-demand access to healthcare facilities. Their availability in 48044 is generally good, with relatively short wait times. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or other special needs, also operate in the area. These services, such as Medstar Ambulance and American Medical Response, provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and ambulance services. These services are often covered by insurance for eligible patients, making them a more affordable option than ride-sharing for some.

The availability of these services enhances healthcare *access* for individuals who cannot drive or utilize public transit. However, it is essential to research the specific coverage and eligibility requirements of each service.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the assessment of *transportation* options, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare *access* in 48044 is moderate. While driving offers the most flexibility, traffic congestion can significantly impact travel times. Public transit provides a valuable alternative, but its limited reach and frequency pose challenges. Ride-sharing and medical transport services fill crucial gaps, but cost and eligibility requirements must be considered.

To improve healthcare *access* in 48044, several recommendations are warranted.

* **Enhance Public Transit:** Increase the frequency and coverage of SMART routes, particularly during off-peak hours and on weekends. Explore the feasibility of expanding routes to better serve underserved areas.

* **Improve Road Infrastructure:** Address traffic bottlenecks on major roadways, such as 19 Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue, to reduce travel times.

* **Promote Ride-Sharing Programs:** Explore partnerships with ride-sharing services to offer discounted rates for medical appointments, particularly for low-income residents.

* **Expand Medical Transport Services:** Increase awareness of available medical transport options and streamline the application process for eligible patients.

* **Healthcare Facility Placement:** Consider the strategic placement of new healthcare facilities to improve *access* for residents in different parts of the ZIP code.

* **Inform Residents:** Provide clear and accessible information about all available *transportation* options for healthcare *access*, including driving directions, public transit schedules, ride-sharing services, and medical transport providers.

By implementing these recommendations, the community can significantly improve the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare *access* in 48044, fostering a healthier and more vibrant environment for all residents, especially those *moving to Macomb*.