48237, Oak Park, Michigan Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 48237, Oak Park, Michigan is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.94 percent of residents in 48237 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.73 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield And Novi with a distance of 1.42 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 48237

This analysis assesses the accessibility of healthcare services for residents of ZIP Code 48237, focusing on transportation options and their impact on overall health. A comprehensive "Overall Health Score" is derived, considering factors such as drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. The goal is to provide a clear picture of healthcare access, crucial for individuals considering moving to Oak Park, or for current residents seeking to optimize their healthcare journey.

The geographical area encompassed by 48237, a portion of Oak Park, Michigan, benefits from its proximity to Detroit and its surrounding suburbs. This location offers a diverse range of healthcare providers, but the ability to reach these facilities effectively is paramount. The "Overall Health Score" will reflect how readily residents can access necessary medical care.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

Driving remains a primary mode of transportation for many residents. Accessing healthcare facilities in and around 48237 necessitates navigating several major roadways. The primary thoroughfare is **I-696 (Walter P. Reuther Freeway)**, which bisects the area, providing rapid access to hospitals and clinics both east and west. However, rush hour congestion on I-696 can significantly impact drive times.

Traveling south on **Woodward Avenue** offers another route, leading directly to the Detroit Medical Center (DMC) facilities and other healthcare providers. While Woodward provides a more direct route, it also experiences heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours. Expect delays, especially near major intersections.

Heading east on **10 Mile Road** provides access to healthcare providers in the surrounding suburbs. This route offers an alternative to I-696, but can be slower during periods of high traffic.

Westward, **11 Mile Road** offers another option for accessing healthcare facilities, connecting to various clinics and hospitals. This route can be a viable alternative, depending on the specific destination and time of day.

Drive times to major healthcare facilities vary. For example, a trip to Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, via I-696, could take 15-25 minutes in off-peak hours, but easily double during rush hour. The Detroit Medical Center (DMC) facilities, accessible via Woodward Avenue, could require a 20-35 minute drive, depending on traffic conditions. Clinics located in neighboring cities, such as Southfield, may be reached in 10-20 minutes via various surface streets.

**Public Transit Assessment:**

The availability of public transit plays a crucial role in healthcare access, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who prefer not to drive. The **Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART)** provides bus service throughout the area. Several SMART routes serve 48237, offering connections to major healthcare hubs.

**Route 75 (Woodward)** is a key route, running along Woodward Avenue and providing direct access to DMC facilities and other healthcare providers in Detroit. This route operates with frequent service, but can be subject to delays due to traffic congestion on Woodward Avenue.

**Route 461 (12 Mile)** offers another option, running along 12 Mile Road and connecting to various healthcare facilities in the surrounding suburbs. This route provides a more direct connection to facilities located further west.

**Route 460 (11 Mile)** runs along 11 Mile Road, providing access to healthcare facilities located along that corridor.

All SMART buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the frequency of service, especially during evenings and weekends, may be limited on certain routes, potentially impacting healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, offer another transportation option, particularly for those who prefer not to drive or require door-to-door service. These services are readily available in 48237, providing convenient access to healthcare facilities. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Specialized medical transportation services cater to individuals with specific needs. **CareRide** and **Medicaid Transportation** offer non-emergency medical transportation, providing wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. These services are often covered by insurance or Medicaid, making them a viable option for individuals with mobility limitations. However, booking these services requires advance planning.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on this analysis, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in 48237 is moderate. While the area benefits from its proximity to a wide range of healthcare providers and the availability of various transportation options, challenges remain. Drive times can be significantly impacted by traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Public transit, while available, may be limited in frequency and can be affected by traffic delays. Ride-sharing services offer convenience but can be costly.

For individuals considering moving to Oak Park, understanding these transportation dynamics is crucial. The location offers good healthcare access, but careful consideration of transportation options is essential. Residents should explore all available options, including driving, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transportation, to determine the most suitable method for their individual needs.

To improve the "Overall Health Score," several recommendations can be made. Increased investment in public transit, including more frequent service and expanded routes, would enhance healthcare access for those reliant on public transportation. Promoting and expanding ride-sharing programs for healthcare appointments could also be beneficial. Furthermore, educating residents about available medical transportation services and insurance coverage options could help ensure that all individuals can access the care they need. Finally, initiatives to improve traffic flow on major roadways, such as I-696 and Woodward Avenue, would reduce drive times and improve healthcare access for all residents.