27521, Coats, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27521, Coats, North Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.74 percent of residents in 27521 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.86 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wakemed, Cary Hospital with a distance of 23.80 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 27521

The health and well-being of a community are inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This report analyzes the accessibility of medical services for residents of ZIP Code 27521, focusing on the crucial factor of transportation. Located in the heart of Harnett County, North Carolina, this area, particularly the town of Coats, presents unique challenges and opportunities in ensuring its population can reach the care they need. This assessment will provide an "Overall Health Score," considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, ultimately painting a picture of healthcare access for those considering moving to Coats.

The overall health score is a composite measure, factoring in the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach various healthcare facilities. A high score reflects readily available and convenient transportation options, while a lower score indicates significant barriers to access.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The dominant mode of transportation in 27521 is the personal vehicle. Drive times to healthcare facilities are therefore a critical determinant of the overall health score. The primary arteries for navigating the area include US Highway 401, NC Highway 27, and NC Highway 55. These roads, while offering connectivity, are often subject to congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours.

For residents of Coats, the nearest hospitals are located in the neighboring towns of Dunn and Lillington. Accessing Betsy Johnson Hospital in Dunn, a journey of approximately 15-20 minutes, involves navigating US 401. The route is generally straightforward, but traffic can significantly extend travel times.

Lillington, home to Central Harnett Hospital, is accessible via NC 27, a drive of roughly 20-25 minutes. This route is generally less congested than the US 401 corridor, but the winding roads and rural nature of the area can present challenges.

Specialty care, such as cardiology, dermatology, and other specialized services, often requires travel to larger cities like Raleigh or Fayetteville. These trips, involving US 401, I-95, and I-40, can range from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on the specific location and traffic conditions. This extended travel time significantly impacts the overall health score, particularly for those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations.

**Public Transit Landscape:**

Public transportation options in 27521 are limited. The area is primarily served by the Harnett County Transit System, which provides demand-response services. This means that rides must be scheduled in advance. The transit system operates on a limited schedule, with routes and services tailored to the needs of the county.

The availability of public transit, while present, is not a robust solution for healthcare access. The need to schedule rides, the limited service hours, and the lack of fixed-route options can present significant barriers for residents. Individuals with urgent medical needs or those who require frequent appointments may find public transit inadequate. The overall health score is negatively impacted by the lack of a comprehensive public transportation network.

ADA-compliant vehicles are available, providing crucial accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the limitations of the overall system, including the scheduling requirements, still pose challenges.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

The ride-sharing landscape in 27521 is evolving. Services like Uber and Lyft are available, but their presence is not as consistent or reliable as in larger urban areas. Availability can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the demand. This inconsistency can make ride-sharing a less dependable option for accessing healthcare, particularly for those who require timely appointments.

Medical transport services, such as non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer a more specialized solution. These services are designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. Several providers operate in the area, including First Medical Transportation and MedTrans. These services typically require pre-booking and may have specific eligibility requirements.

The availability of medical transport services is a positive factor in the overall health score, providing a crucial safety net for those who cannot drive or lack access to other forms of transportation. However, the need for pre-booking and potential eligibility requirements can still pose challenges.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Considering the factors discussed, the overall health score for transportation to healthcare in 27521 is moderate. While access to healthcare is available, it is not without its challenges. Drive times are manageable for some facilities, but travel to specialty care can be time-consuming. Public transit is limited, and ride-sharing availability is inconsistent. Medical transport services provide a valuable resource, but their utilization requires planning and pre-booking.

For those considering moving to Coats, understanding these transportation dynamics is crucial. Individuals with chronic health conditions, mobility limitations, or those who rely on public transportation should carefully assess their healthcare needs and the available transportation options.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

* **Enhance Public Transit:** Expanding the hours of operation and route frequency of the Harnett County Transit System would significantly improve healthcare access. Exploring the feasibility of fixed-route options, particularly to key healthcare facilities, would also be beneficial.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing:** Partnering with ride-sharing companies to increase their presence and reliability in the area could provide a more accessible transportation option.
* **Expand Medical Transport Services:** Increasing the availability and awareness of medical transport services, including outreach to vulnerable populations, would be essential.
* **Strategic Partnerships:** Collaborating between healthcare providers, transportation services, and local government can create a more seamless and integrated system.
* **Community Education:** Educating residents about available transportation options and how to access them is critical.

By addressing these recommendations, the community can work towards improving the overall health score and ensuring that all residents of 27521 have equitable access to the healthcare they need. The future of healthcare access in Coats and the surrounding area depends on proactive strategies that prioritize transportation and the well-being of its residents.