27021, King, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27021, King, North Carolina is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.53 percent of residents in 27021 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.03 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lifebrite Community Hospital Of Stokes with a distance of 10.70 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 27021 (King, NC)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 27021, King, North Carolina, requires a deep dive into healthcare access. This analysis considers the crucial role of transportation, evaluating the feasibility and efficiency of reaching medical facilities. The ease with which residents can travel to doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers significantly impacts their well-being. For those considering moving to King, understanding these dynamics is essential.

King, nestled in Stokes County, offers a blend of rural charm and suburban convenience. However, its geographical location and limited public transportation options present challenges in accessing healthcare. The primary consideration is the commute, which varies significantly depending on the chosen mode of transportation and the destination.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The predominant mode of transportation in King is personal vehicles. The major thoroughfare is US-52, which serves as the primary artery connecting King to Winston-Salem and other regional hubs. Traveling north on US-52 provides access to healthcare facilities in Mount Airy, while heading south leads to Winston-Salem, where a greater concentration of medical services exists.

The drive to Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, a major healthcare provider in Winston-Salem, typically takes between 25 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This journey involves navigating US-52 and then transitioning onto I-40 or the Business 40 (now known as Salem Parkway).

For shorter trips, such as appointments with local primary care physicians or urgent care clinics, residents often utilize smaller roads like NC-66, which runs parallel to US-52, and local roads within King. These routes offer quicker access to services within the town, but the scope of care is limited.

The drive to Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital in Yadkinville, approximately 20 miles from King, takes about 30 to 40 minutes, primarily utilizing NC-67 and US-601. This hospital provides a range of services, including emergency care, but the travel time is still a factor for residents.

**Public Transportation Challenges:**

Public transportation options in King are significantly limited. The primary form of public transit is the Yadkin County Transportation Authority (YCTA), which operates a demand-response service. This means riders must schedule their trips in advance, and the service operates within specific hours.

The YCTA provides transportation to medical appointments within Yadkin County, but its service area does not extend into Forsyth County, where many residents seek healthcare. The lack of regular, fixed-route bus service significantly hinders healthcare access for those without personal vehicles, particularly the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents.

The YCTA vehicles are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts and ramps, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility impairments. However, the scheduling requirements and limited service area remain significant barriers.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the King area, but their reliability and affordability can vary. Availability depends on driver density, which can be lower in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be prohibitive for regular medical appointments, especially for those on fixed incomes.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private ambulance companies, are available for non-emergency medical transport. These services are often used for patients who require assistance getting to and from appointments but are not in need of emergency care. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, adding another financial burden for patients.

**Healthcare Access Considerations:**

Beyond transportation, the availability of healthcare providers within King and the surrounding areas is crucial. King has a limited number of primary care physicians and specialists. Residents often need to travel to Winston-Salem or other regional centers to access specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, or specialized surgery.

The distance to healthcare facilities, combined with limited transportation options, can lead to delayed care, missed appointments, and increased healthcare costs. This can negatively impact the overall health of residents, particularly those with chronic conditions or limited mobility.

The availability of healthcare insurance and the acceptance of various insurance plans by local providers are also important factors. Residents with limited or no insurance coverage may face significant financial barriers to accessing care.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

The overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 27021 is moderately impacted by transportation challenges. While the availability of personal vehicles allows many residents to access healthcare, the limited public transportation options and the reliance on ride-sharing services create barriers for some. The drive times to major medical centers in Winston-Salem, while manageable, still require a significant time commitment.

The lack of readily available public transportation, coupled with the geographical distance to specialized healthcare providers, presents a challenge for those without personal vehicles or those with mobility limitations. The cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services further compounds these issues.

For those considering moving to King, it is crucial to assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Individuals reliant on public transportation or with limited mobility should carefully consider the challenges of accessing healthcare in the area.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the overall health score for residents of King, several improvements are needed. Expanding public transportation options, including fixed-route bus service, would significantly enhance healthcare access. Partnering with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Encouraging the recruitment of more healthcare providers, including specialists, to King would reduce the need for residents to travel long distances for care. Promoting telehealth services, which allow patients to receive care remotely, could also improve access.

Raising awareness about available resources, such as the YCTA and medical transportation services, is essential. Providing assistance to residents in navigating the healthcare system and understanding their insurance coverage can also improve healthcare access.

By addressing these transportation and healthcare access challenges, the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 27021 can be improved, creating a healthier and more vibrant community. The success of King hinges on the well-being of its residents, and improving healthcare access is a crucial step in that direction.