48128, Dearborn, Michigan Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 48128, Dearborn, Michigan is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.81 percent of residents in 48128 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.81 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Garden City Hospital with a distance of 2.60 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Dearborn, MI (ZIP Code 48128)

Considering a move to Dearborn, Michigan (ZIP Code 48128)? This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" based on healthcare accessibility, focusing on transportation options. Efficient transportation is paramount to maintaining good health, particularly when accessing medical services. We will delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access within and around this zip code.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

Navigating Dearborn’s roadways is generally manageable, but traffic patterns fluctuate. The primary arteries influencing healthcare access are **Southfield Freeway (M-39)**, **Ford Road**, **Michigan Avenue**, and **Telegraph Road**. These thoroughfares connect residents to various healthcare facilities, but congestion can impact drive times, especially during peak hours.

For residents in the heart of 48128, accessing Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn, located at 18101 Oakwood Blvd, is often a primary destination. Driving from central locations might take 5-10 minutes, assuming moderate traffic. However, during rush hour, this can easily extend to 15-20 minutes. Other key facilities, such as Henry Ford Medical Center – Fairlane, off of Southfield Freeway, may require a 10-15 minute drive, again contingent on traffic conditions.

Moving further afield, the drive to major hospitals like Detroit Medical Center (DMC) in Detroit, or St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, necessitates longer commutes. Expect travel times of 20-40 minutes, or more, depending on the specific location and traffic. Weekend travel usually offers faster commutes, providing more flexible access.

**Public Transit Navigation:**

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) provide public transit options in Dearborn. Several bus routes service the 48128 area, offering alternative transportation to healthcare facilities.

SMART Route 16, running along Ford Road, is a vital link, connecting to Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn, and other medical offices. Route 20, operating on Michigan Avenue, also provides access to healthcare providers. Route 125, traveling on Telegraph Road, offers another key transportation avenue.

Accessibility is a crucial consideration. SMART buses are equipped with features to accommodate individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair lifts and designated seating. These features are essential for ensuring equitable healthcare access for all residents. However, public transit schedules and frequency should be carefully assessed, as they may not perfectly align with medical appointment times.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer convenient transportation alternatives. They provide on-demand access to healthcare facilities, especially beneficial for those without personal vehicles or those seeking door-to-door service. Ride-sharing can be particularly useful for individuals with mobility limitations or those who prefer not to drive.

However, ride-sharing costs can fluctuate based on demand, potentially increasing the financial burden of healthcare access. Furthermore, the availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with lower population density, is not always guaranteed.

Medical transportation services cater specifically to individuals with medical needs. Companies like MedStar and First Medical Transportation offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel to transport patients to and from medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment.

Medical transport services are often more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit, but they provide a crucial service for those with complex medical needs. Insurance coverage for medical transport varies, so it’s essential to verify coverage before utilizing these services.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The "Overall Health Score" for 48128 reflects a mixed landscape of healthcare access. The proximity of Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn, offers convenient access for many residents. However, relying solely on personal vehicles can be challenging due to traffic congestion.

Public transit provides a viable alternative, particularly for those unable to drive or seeking a cost-effective option. SMART bus routes offer accessible transportation to several healthcare facilities. Ride-sharing and medical transport services supplement these options, providing greater flexibility and specialized support.

The score is also influenced by the availability and accessibility of healthcare providers. Dearborn has a good concentration of general practitioners, specialists, and urgent care facilities. However, access to certain specialized medical services may require travel to hospitals outside the immediate area, adding to commute times.

**Factors impacting the score:**

* **Traffic Congestion:** Peak hour traffic significantly impacts drive times, potentially delaying access to healthcare.
* **Public Transit Frequency:** The frequency of SMART bus routes may not always align with appointment schedules.
* **Ride-Sharing Costs:** Ride-sharing expenses can add to the financial burden of healthcare access.
* **Medical Transport Costs:** Specialized medical transport services are often expensive.
* **Healthcare Provider Density:** The concentration of healthcare providers within the zip code and surrounding areas impacts access.

**Recommendations for improving the score:**

* **Promote public transit usage:** Increase awareness of SMART bus routes and their accessibility features.
* **Improve traffic flow:** Implement traffic management strategies to reduce congestion on key roadways.
* **Negotiate ride-sharing partnerships:** Explore partnerships between healthcare providers and ride-sharing services to offer discounted transportation.
* **Expand medical transport options:** Encourage the availability of affordable and accessible medical transport services.
* **Foster healthcare provider collaboration:** Encourage coordination between healthcare providers to ensure efficient patient care and referrals.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in 48128 is moderately positive. Residents have access to a range of transportation options, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport. However, traffic congestion, public transit schedules, and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transport can impact healthcare access. By addressing these challenges and implementing the recommendations, Dearborn can further improve its healthcare accessibility, making it a more attractive location for those considering moving to Dearborn and prioritizing their health. The key to successful healthcare access in Dearborn is a multifaceted approach, ensuring that transportation options are diverse, accessible, and affordable for all residents.