27506, Buies Creek, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27506, Buies Creek, North Carolina is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

95.16 percent of residents in 27506 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.53 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wakemed, Cary Hospital with a distance of 22.89 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 27506

ZIP Code 27506, encompassing the charming community of Buies Creek, North Carolina, presents a unique tapestry of healthcare access challenges and opportunities. Understanding the landscape of healthcare transportation is paramount for residents, prospective movers, and anyone seeking to optimize their overall well-being. This assessment delves into the multifaceted aspects of commuting to healthcare facilities, providing a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" based on drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport services.

The score reflects the ease and efficiency with which individuals can reach necessary medical care, ultimately impacting their health outcomes. We will explore the nuances of transportation within and around Buies Creek, considering the realities of rural living and the specific needs of its population. This analysis aims to offer a clear picture of healthcare accessibility, empowering informed decisions for residents and those considering moving to this vibrant community.

**Drive Times: Navigating the Roads to Wellness**

The primary mode of transportation in Buies Creek and the surrounding areas is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. Drive times to healthcare facilities are heavily influenced by the local road network. Residents often rely on major thoroughfares like US-421, a vital artery connecting Buies Creek to larger towns and cities. Traveling north on US-421 leads towards Lillington, offering access to local clinics and the Harnett County Health Department. Southward, US-421 provides a route towards Dunn and Fayetteville, where more specialized medical services are available.

Other key roads include NC-210 and NC-27, which provide alternative routes and connect Buies Creek to neighboring communities like Erwin and Angier. The condition of these roads, the presence of traffic, and the overall distance to healthcare facilities are crucial factors influencing the drive-time experience. During peak hours, particularly around the Campbell University campus, traffic congestion can impact travel times, potentially adding stress and delaying access to care.

Drive times to the nearest hospitals, such as Betsy Johnson Hospital in Dunn or Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, can vary significantly depending on the location within 27506 and traffic conditions. A trip to Betsy Johnson Hospital, located approximately 15 miles away, might take around 20-30 minutes under ideal conditions. Reaching Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, roughly 35 miles away, could entail a 45-60 minute drive.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Enhanced Accessibility**

Public transportation options in and around Buies Creek are relatively limited. Harnett County does not have a dedicated public bus system, which poses a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. However, the county does offer a demand-response transportation service, often referred to as "dial-a-ride." This service, though available, requires advance booking and may have limited operating hours, potentially restricting access to urgent or unscheduled medical appointments.

While the availability of public transit is not ideal, the county is committed to enhancing accessibility for its residents. The dial-a-ride service is designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, ensuring ADA compliance. This service is particularly crucial for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. It provides a lifeline to medical appointments, essential errands, and other vital services.

The lack of a comprehensive public transit system underscores the importance of exploring alternative transportation solutions, especially for individuals with limited mobility or financial constraints. Considering moving to Buies Creek requires a thorough understanding of these transportation limitations and a plan for accessing healthcare services.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Buies Creek area, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote locations. Residents should factor in potential wait times and the possibility of surge pricing when relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments.

Specialized medical transport services provide a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring non-emergency medical transportation. These services, such as non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) companies, offer door-to-door transportation, often including assistance with mobility devices and other supportive services. While these services are generally more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit, they provide a valuable solution for individuals who cannot safely or independently travel to medical appointments.

Medical transport brands operating in the region include local and regional providers. These companies often cater to individuals with specific medical needs, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey to and from healthcare facilities. The availability and cost of these services should be considered when evaluating healthcare access in Buies Creek.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis of Factors**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in ZIP Code 27506 is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the limited public transit options, presents a challenge for residents. Drive times to healthcare facilities can be significant, particularly for specialized care, and traffic congestion can further complicate travel.

The availability of ride-sharing services offers a degree of flexibility, but their reliability and cost can be inconsistent. Specialized medical transport services provide a valuable safety net for individuals with mobility limitations, though their cost may be a barrier for some.

Considering all these elements, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in 27506 is moderately challenging. Residents with personal vehicles have reasonable access to local healthcare facilities. However, those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations face significant transportation barriers. The limited public transit options and the potential inconsistencies of ride-sharing services highlight the need for careful planning and reliance on alternative transportation solutions.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To enhance healthcare access in Buies Creek, several improvements are recommended. Expanding the availability and reach of the demand-response transportation service is crucial. This could involve increasing the number of vehicles, extending operating hours, and improving the booking process.

Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to provide discounted or subsidized rides for medical appointments could also be beneficial. Educating residents about available medical transport services and assisting them in navigating the application process for financial assistance programs could further improve accessibility.

Finally, promoting community-based initiatives that facilitate carpooling or volunteer transportation services could provide additional support for those in need. By addressing these transportation challenges, the community can improve the "Overall Health Score" and ensure that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare they need. This is especially important for those moving to Buies Creek.