27278, Hillsborough, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27278, Hillsborough, North Carolina is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.36 percent of residents in 27278 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.73 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Unc Rockingham with a distance of 46.37 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Hillsborough, NC (ZIP Code 27278) – A Transportation Perspective

Considering a move to Hillsborough, North Carolina (ZIP code 27278)? Beyond the charming historic district and vibrant arts scene, understanding the accessibility of healthcare is crucial. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" focusing on transportation options, a critical factor influencing healthcare access within this community. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive view for prospective residents.

Hillsborough presents a mixed bag regarding healthcare accessibility. While the town itself offers local medical facilities, the broader healthcare landscape, including specialized services, often necessitates travel. This reliance on transportation significantly impacts the overall health score, particularly for those with mobility limitations or without personal vehicles. The score is not a numerical value, but rather a qualitative assessment based on the availability and efficiency of various transportation modes.

**Drive Times: The Road to Care**

The primary mode of transportation in Hillsborough is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. Driving times to healthcare facilities are a significant determinant of the health score. Residents typically rely on several major roadways. Interstate 85 (I-85) is the primary artery, connecting Hillsborough to larger cities like Durham and Greensboro, where more extensive medical services are available.

Traveling north on I-85 provides access to Duke University Hospital in Durham, a renowned medical center. The drive, depending on traffic, can range from 20 to 40 minutes. Southbound on I-85 leads to Cone Health facilities in Greensboro, a trip that can take 45 minutes to an hour. These drive times, while manageable for many, can pose challenges during peak hours or in emergencies.

Locally, access to Orange County facilities is essential. US-70, a major east-west thoroughfare, provides access to UNC Health Care facilities in Chapel Hill, roughly a 20-30 minute drive. This includes the main UNC Medical Center, offering a wide array of specialized care. The scenic NC-86, while offering a more leisurely drive, can be a longer route to Chapel Hill.

The efficiency of these roadways, especially I-85, is paramount. Traffic congestion, particularly during rush hour, can significantly extend travel times, impacting healthcare access and potentially delaying critical care. The quality of these roads, including maintenance and safety features, further influences the health score.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in Hillsborough, while present, is not a robust solution for healthcare access. The local transit system, operated by Orange County Transportation (OCTA), provides bus routes within the county. However, these routes are limited in frequency and coverage, particularly for reaching medical facilities outside of Hillsborough.

OCTA Route 421 serves the Hillsborough area, offering connections to Chapel Hill and Durham. While this route can be useful for some, its schedule and potential for transfers can significantly increase travel times to medical appointments. Furthermore, accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts and audio-visual announcements, are available on OCTA buses, adhering to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards.

The limited scope of public transit directly impacts the health score. Residents without personal vehicles, or those unable to drive, face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, especially for appointments outside of Hillsborough. The lack of convenient, frequent service, particularly during off-peak hours, further diminishes its usefulness for medical needs.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Hillsborough, providing an alternative transportation option. However, their availability and affordability can fluctuate, particularly during peak demand or in less populated areas. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments can be costly and unreliable, impacting the health score.

Specialized medical transport services offer a vital lifeline for individuals requiring assistance. Several companies operate in the area, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for those unable to drive themselves. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those needing assistance with appointments.

Medical transport services, such as Firstat Nursing Services and MedStar Transportation, provide a crucial service, particularly for those with disabilities or chronic conditions. These services typically require advance booking and may have limitations regarding the types of medical needs they can accommodate. While these services improve the health score for those who can utilize them, their availability and cost can still be a barrier for some.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Challenge**

The availability of local healthcare facilities within Hillsborough is a positive factor. However, the reliance on transportation to access specialized care, diagnostic services, and emergency care significantly impacts the overall health score. The score is lower for those without access to a personal vehicle and those with limited mobility.

The health score is also influenced by the proximity of emergency medical services (EMS). The response time of emergency vehicles to various locations within the ZIP code is a critical factor. While Hillsborough has its own EMS services, travel times to regional hospitals via ambulance are also a factor.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

In conclusion, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Hillsborough (27278) is moderate. While the town offers local medical services, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit pose challenges. Drive times to specialized care in Durham, Chapel Hill, and Greensboro are manageable for most, but traffic congestion can impact accessibility.

Ride-sharing and medical transport services offer alternative options, but their availability, cost, and limitations must be considered. The availability of reliable, affordable transportation is crucial for ensuring equitable healthcare access for all residents.

Prospective residents, especially those with mobility limitations or without personal vehicles, should carefully consider the transportation options available when evaluating the suitability of Hillsborough. Understanding the limitations of public transit and the potential costs of ride-sharing or medical transport is essential for making an informed decision about moving to Hillsborough. The health score can be improved by advocating for expanded public transit options, promoting ride-sharing initiatives, and supporting policies that enhance access to medical transport services. Moving to Hillsborough should include a thorough investigation of all transportation options.