27317, Randleman, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27317, Randleman, North Carolina is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.13 percent of residents in 27317 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.60 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Randolph Hospital with a distance of 7.34 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 27317

This analysis provides an 'Overall Health Score' for healthcare accessibility within ZIP Code 27317 (Randleman, North Carolina), a crucial factor for anyone **moving to Randleman** or evaluating their current living situation. We'll dissect the landscape of **transportation** options, weighing their impact on residents' ability to reach vital healthcare services. This assessment considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare **access** within the community.

The score will be a qualitative assessment, encompassing the ease, efficiency, and affordability of reaching medical facilities. Factors such as distance, traffic congestion, service frequency, and cost will all contribute to the final evaluation. We will also consider the availability of services catering to individuals with disabilities, enhancing the overall inclusivity of the assessment.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary arteries for navigating Randleman are US-64 and I-73/74. US-64, a major east-west thoroughfare, provides direct access to several medical facilities, including those in Asheboro and Greensboro. However, during peak hours, traffic can become congested, particularly near intersections. I-73/74, a relatively newer highway, offers a faster route to Greensboro and High Point, where a wider array of specialized medical care is available.

Travel times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the destination and the time of day. A trip to Randolph Hospital in Asheboro, a key healthcare provider, typically takes around 15-20 minutes via US-64, assuming moderate traffic. Accessing larger hospitals in Greensboro, such as Cone Health's Wesley Long Hospital or Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, can take 30-45 minutes via I-73/74, depending on traffic conditions.

Navigating the local road network is generally straightforward, with well-maintained roads and clear signage. However, residents should be aware of potential traffic bottlenecks during rush hour, particularly on US-64. Rural roads may also present challenges during inclement weather.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transit options in Randleman are limited. The Randolph County Transportation Authority (RCTA) provides bus services, but these routes are primarily designed for local travel within Randolph County. While the RCTA offers some services to Asheboro, the frequency and coverage are not ideal for regular healthcare appointments.

The RCTA operates a demand-response service, providing door-to-door transportation for individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements, including those with disabilities. This service is crucial for residents with mobility limitations, but it requires advance booking and may have limited availability. The RCTA also provides ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access the public transit system.

The lack of extensive public transit options poses a significant challenge for residents without personal vehicles, particularly those needing frequent medical appointments. The limited service frequency and potential for long travel times can create barriers to healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Services:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Randleman, offering an alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, availability can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. Ride-sharing costs can also be a significant factor, particularly for regular medical appointments.

Medical transport services are available for individuals who require specialized assistance. These services provide non-emergency medical transportation, often utilizing wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Companies like MedTrans and First Medical Transportation offer these services in the area. However, these services can be costly and may require prior arrangements.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides crucial options for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle. However, their cost and availability can be a barrier for some residents.

**Healthcare Facilities and Services:**

Randleman and the surrounding areas offer a range of healthcare facilities. Randolph Hospital in Asheboro provides comprehensive medical services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and various outpatient clinics. Several primary care physicians and specialists are also located within Randleman.

For specialized care, residents often need to travel to Greensboro or High Point, where larger hospitals and a wider range of medical specialists are available. This necessitates longer travel times and potentially greater transportation costs.

The availability of healthcare services is a critical factor in assessing healthcare access. While Randleman has local options, access to specialized care often requires travel to neighboring cities.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Considering the factors outlined above, the 'Overall Health Score' for healthcare access in ZIP Code 27317 is moderate. While Randleman offers local healthcare options, access to specialized care often requires travel to Greensboro or High Point. Drive times can be manageable, but traffic congestion can impact travel times, especially during peak hours.

Public transit options are limited, posing a challenge for residents without personal vehicles. Ride-sharing and medical transport services provide alternative options, but their cost and availability can be a barrier for some. The presence of accessible transportation options, such as ADA-compliant public transit and medical transport services, enhances the score.

The score reflects a community where healthcare access is generally achievable but requires careful consideration of transportation options. Residents should be prepared for potential travel times, costs, and the need to plan transportation in advance, particularly for specialized medical care.

**Recommendations:**

To improve healthcare access, the community could benefit from:

* Increased public transit frequency and route expansion, especially to major healthcare facilities in Greensboro and High Point.
* Partnerships with ride-sharing services to offer discounted fares for medical appointments.
* Increased awareness and promotion of medical transport services.
* Continued investment in road infrastructure to improve traffic flow and reduce travel times.
* Exploring telehealth options to provide remote access to healthcare services.

By addressing these areas, Randleman can enhance its healthcare access, making it a more attractive and healthy community for all residents, especially those **moving to Randleman**. The availability of reliable and affordable **transportation** is paramount in ensuring that everyone has equal **access** to the healthcare they need.