27243, Efland, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27243, Efland, North Carolina is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.93 percent of residents in 27243 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.78 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of North Carolina Hospital with a distance of 15.09 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Efland, NC (ZIP Code 27243)

Efland, North Carolina, a charming community nestled in Orange County, offers a tranquil lifestyle for its residents. However, assessing the overall health score of this area requires a deep dive into a critical component: **transportation** and its impact on **healthcare access**. This analysis considers the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach medical facilities, factoring in drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport services. The goal is to paint a comprehensive picture, aiding potential residents considering **moving to Efland** in making informed decisions about their health and well-being.

The geographical layout of Efland, with its blend of rural and suburban characteristics, presents unique challenges and opportunities for accessing healthcare. The proximity to larger towns like Hillsborough and Chapel Hill, and the presence of major roadways, are both beneficial and complex factors in determining the overall health score. A lower score could indicate difficulty getting to a doctor.

### Drive Times: Navigating the Roads to Wellness

For many Efland residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of **transportation** to medical appointments. The efficiency of this mode hinges on the road network and traffic conditions. The primary artery connecting Efland to surrounding areas is Interstate 40 (I-40), providing relatively swift access to major medical centers in Chapel Hill and Durham. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly increase drive times, potentially impacting the health outcomes of those needing urgent care.

Heading east on I-40 leads to the University of North Carolina (UNC) Medical Center in Chapel Hill, a comprehensive facility offering a wide range of specialties. The drive, typically around 20-30 minutes in normal traffic, is a vital lifeline for residents needing specialized care. Traveling west on I-40 offers access to medical facilities in Durham, including Duke University Hospital, a renowned institution known for its advanced research and treatment options. This journey, also around 30 minutes in ideal conditions, can be considerably longer during rush hour.

Local roads like US-70 and NC-57 also serve as crucial connectors. US-70 provides an alternative route to Chapel Hill and Durham, though it often experiences more traffic and signal delays than I-40. NC-57 offers a more direct route to Hillsborough, where residents can access Orange Family Medical Group, a crucial primary care facility. The drive to Hillsborough, generally under 15 minutes, is a significant advantage for those seeking convenient primary care services.

The health score considers these drive times, acknowledging that longer travel distances, especially during emergencies, can negatively affect health outcomes. The overall score is slightly diminished by the potential for traffic delays on the major highways and roads, which could impede timely **healthcare access**.

### Public Transit: A Limited but Valuable Option

Public **transportation** in Efland, while present, is a limited resource for **healthcare access**. The Chapel Hill Transit system offers some routes that extend into the Efland area, providing a cost-effective option for those without personal vehicles or who prefer not to drive. However, the frequency and coverage of these routes are limited, particularly on weekends and evenings, posing a challenge for residents needing flexible access to medical appointments.

Route 800, a key route, connects Efland to Hillsborough and Chapel Hill, offering access to medical facilities along its path. Unfortunately, the schedule may not always align with medical appointment times. The availability of ADA-accessible features on these buses is a significant positive, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize public transit.

The limited scope of public transit in Efland results in a slightly lower health score. While the existing routes offer a valuable service, their infrequent schedules and limited coverage restrict their utility for many residents, particularly those with mobility challenges or those needing to access healthcare outside of peak service hours.

### Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gaps

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Efland, offering a potentially convenient alternative to driving or public transit. These services provide on-demand **transportation** to medical appointments, eliminating the need to rely on fixed schedules or personal vehicles. However, the availability of ride-sharing services can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with lower population density. The cost of these services can also be a barrier for some residents.

Specialized medical **transportation** services, such as those provided by medical transport companies, are also available for residents needing assistance with **healthcare access**. These services cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those needing assistance with medical equipment. Companies like First Medical Transportation and CareRide offer non-emergency medical transportation, providing a crucial link for those who cannot drive or use public transit. These services often require advance booking, which may not be ideal for urgent medical needs.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services adds a layer of support to the overall health score. However, the potential for fluctuating availability, the cost of services, and the need for advance booking temper their positive impact.

### Overall Health Score: A Balanced Assessment

The overall health score for **healthcare access** in Efland, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27243) is moderately positive. The presence of major highways like I-40 provides relatively quick access to major medical centers in Chapel Hill and Durham. However, the potential for traffic delays, particularly during peak hours, can negatively impact drive times.

Public transit options are limited, with infrequent routes and restricted coverage, presenting a challenge for residents needing flexible access to medical appointments. Ride-sharing and medical transport services offer valuable alternatives, but their availability, cost, and booking requirements can be limiting factors.

For individuals considering **moving to Efland**, the health score suggests that **healthcare access** is generally manageable, but residents should factor in potential travel times and the availability of alternative **transportation** options. The health score could improve with enhanced public transit infrastructure and greater access to affordable ride-sharing services. The presence of Orange Family Medical Group in Hillsborough, a short drive away, is a significant advantage, providing convenient primary care services. Overall, the health score for Efland reflects a community with good access to healthcare, though improvements in transportation infrastructure could further enhance the well-being of its residents.