27523, Apex, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27523, Apex, North Carolina is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.11 percent of residents in 27523 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.60 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wakemed, Cary Hospital with a distance of 10.16 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Apex, NC (ZIP Code 27523)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Apex, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27523), necessitates a deep dive into the accessibility of healthcare services. This analysis focuses on the crucial element of *transportation*, examining the ease with which individuals can reach medical facilities. The ability to navigate the geographic landscape, whether by personal vehicle, public transit, or alternative methods, significantly impacts the quality of life and overall well-being of a community. For those *moving to Apex*, understanding these factors is paramount.

The primary consideration is drive time. Apex, a rapidly growing suburb of Raleigh, benefits from its proximity to the state's capital and the Research Triangle Park. However, this growth also presents challenges, particularly regarding traffic congestion. The major thoroughfares influencing *healthcare access* are crucial.

The primary artery for travel is US-1 (South Saunders Street), a major north-south corridor. Depending on the destination within the Raleigh metropolitan area, travel times can vary significantly. During peak hours, expect delays, potentially adding considerable time to a medical appointment commute.

NC-55, another vital east-west route, provides access to various medical facilities, including those in Cary and Durham. However, this road is also prone to congestion, particularly during rush hour. The impact on *healthcare access* is direct; a longer commute can lead to missed appointments, delayed treatment, and increased stress for patients.

Additional roads like Apex Peakway and Kelly Road offer alternative routes, but these often feed into the same congested arteries. The availability of multiple routes, however, does provide some flexibility, allowing for adjustments based on real-time traffic conditions.

For those without personal vehicles, public *transportation* options are available, though their impact on *healthcare access* is more limited. The GoRaleigh transit system provides bus service, but its coverage within Apex and its direct connections to major medical centers are not extensive. Route 11 provides service to downtown Raleigh, where connections to other routes and medical facilities can be made.

The system’s ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including accessible ramps and audio-visual announcements, are crucial for individuals with mobility impairments. However, the frequency of buses and the length of the overall commute, including transfers, can be a significant barrier to timely *healthcare access*.

The GoTriangle system, offering regional transit, extends the reach of public *transportation*. It offers routes to Durham and Chapel Hill, where additional medical facilities are located. However, similar to GoRaleigh, the frequency and travel times pose challenges.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Apex. These services offer a convenient, on-demand *transportation* option, particularly for those unable to drive or without access to public transit. The cost, however, can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical *transportation* services, specifically designed for patients, are also available. Companies like LogistiCare and Access2Care provide non-emergency medical *transportation* for individuals covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance. These services offer door-to-door *transportation*, often with wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

The availability of these services significantly enhances *healthcare access* for those with mobility limitations. However, it is essential to verify insurance coverage and understand the booking process, as advance scheduling is often required.

The overall health score for *healthcare access* in Apex, NC (27523), reflects a mixed picture. The area’s proximity to a wide array of medical facilities is a significant advantage. However, the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for traffic congestion on major roads can negatively impact commute times, particularly during peak hours.

The limited reach of public *transportation* poses challenges for those without personal vehicles. While ride-sharing services and medical *transportation* options offer viable alternatives, their cost and availability can be limiting factors.

For individuals *moving to Apex*, careful consideration of *transportation* needs is essential. Assessing the distance to preferred healthcare providers, evaluating the feasibility of using public transit, and understanding the cost of ride-sharing or medical *transportation* services are crucial steps in ensuring adequate *healthcare access*.

The ongoing development of Apex and the surrounding areas is likely to influence *healthcare access* in the future. Continued investment in *transportation* infrastructure, including expanded public transit options and improved road networks, will be critical in enhancing the overall health score for residents.

Furthermore, promoting awareness of available medical *transportation* services and advocating for policies that support affordable and accessible *transportation* options will be vital in improving *healthcare access* for all residents, irrespective of their mobility or financial circumstances.

Ultimately, the overall health score for *healthcare access* in Apex, NC (27523), is a dynamic measure, constantly evolving in response to changes in *transportation* infrastructure, the availability of medical services, and the needs of the community. Continuous monitoring and proactive measures are essential to ensure that all residents have equitable and timely access to the healthcare they need.