39325, Collinsville, Mississippi Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 39325, Collinsville, Mississippi is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.40 percent of residents in 39325 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.00 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Anderson Regional Medical Center with a distance of 13.92 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Collinsville, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39325)

Evaluating the overall health score for residents of Collinsville, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39325) requires a multifaceted approach, particularly focusing on the crucial aspect of **healthcare access**. This analysis considers various **transportation** options available to access medical facilities, ranging from personal vehicles to public transit and specialized medical transport services. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach necessary healthcare services, which is a critical factor for anyone **moving to Collinsville**.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Collinsville is the reliance on personal vehicles. The town’s relatively rural setting necessitates a dependence on roadways for reaching medical facilities. The primary routes for residents involve navigating Mississippi Highway 19 (MS-19) and Mississippi Highway 495 (MS-495). These highways connect Collinsville to larger towns and cities where hospitals, specialist clinics, and other healthcare providers are located.

The drive time to the nearest hospital, Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian, is approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Collinsville. This drive generally involves traveling south on MS-19. The journey is relatively straightforward, but unforeseen delays due to accidents or roadwork can impact access, particularly for urgent medical needs.

Access to specialist care may require longer travel times. For instance, accessing specialized services in Jackson, Mississippi, could involve a drive of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, primarily utilizing MS-19 south to Interstate 20 (I-20) west. This extended travel time underscores the importance of considering the availability of local primary care physicians and the potential need for referrals to specialists in more distant locations.

Public **transportation** options in Collinsville are limited. The availability of public transit is a significant factor in assessing healthcare access, especially for individuals who do not have access to personal vehicles or are unable to drive. However, Collinsville, like many rural communities, lacks a robust public transit system. This significantly impacts the overall health score, as those without personal vehicles face considerable challenges in accessing healthcare.

There is no established fixed-route bus service operating directly within Collinsville or connecting it to Meridian or other regional healthcare hubs. This absence necessitates reliance on alternative modes of **transportation** for those who cannot drive. The lack of public transit is a substantial barrier to healthcare access for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

The absence of public transit highlights the critical role of other **transportation** alternatives. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may offer a viable solution, although their availability and cost-effectiveness in Collinsville are variable. The limited population density and the relatively rural nature of the area may result in longer wait times and higher fares compared to urban environments.

The availability of ride-sharing services can fluctuate depending on demand and driver availability, making it an unreliable option for scheduled appointments or urgent medical needs. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant financial burden for low-income individuals, potentially deterring them from seeking necessary medical care.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another crucial element in assessing healthcare access. Several companies specialize in providing non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT) services. These services are often covered by Medicaid and Medicare, providing a vital lifeline for individuals who require assistance with **transportation**.

In the Collinsville area, NEMT providers typically operate on a pre-scheduled basis, requiring patients to book their rides in advance. This pre-booking requirement can be a limitation, especially in urgent situations. The efficiency and reliability of these services are critical, as delays or cancellations can have serious consequences for patients' health.

The accessibility features of these NEMT services are particularly important. Vehicles must be equipped to accommodate individuals with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids. The availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel is essential to ensure that all residents can access healthcare services.

The overall health score for Collinsville is significantly impacted by the limitations in **transportation** options. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the absence of public transit, creates challenges for many residents. While ride-sharing and NEMT services offer alternative solutions, their availability, cost, and reliability are key considerations.

The drive times to medical facilities, particularly for specialist care, can be substantial, impacting the timeliness of care and the overall patient experience. The lack of readily available public **transportation** disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, creating barriers to accessing essential healthcare services.

For individuals **moving to Collinsville**, a thorough understanding of these **transportation** limitations is essential. Careful consideration should be given to the proximity of healthcare providers, the availability of reliable **transportation** options, and the potential costs associated with accessing medical care.

The overall health score for Collinsville, therefore, reflects a mixed picture. While the town offers a relatively safe and peaceful environment, the challenges related to **healthcare access** must be carefully considered. The availability of primary care physicians within the community is a positive factor, but the need for specialist care often necessitates travel to Meridian or other regional centers.

The development of strategies to improve **transportation** options would significantly enhance the overall health score for Collinsville. This could include exploring the feasibility of establishing a local public transit system, partnering with ride-sharing services to offer subsidized fares, or expanding the availability of NEMT services.

Investing in these initiatives would not only improve **healthcare access** but also contribute to the overall well-being of the community. By addressing the **transportation** challenges, Collinsville can create a healthier and more accessible environment for all its residents, making it a more attractive place to live and thrive.