27571, Rolesville, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27571, Rolesville, North Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.74 percent of residents in 27571 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Duke Health Raleigh Hospital with a distance of 10.97 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Rolesville, NC (ZIP Code 27571)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. In the vibrant, rapidly growing town of Rolesville, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27571), the ease with which residents can reach medical services is a critical factor in their overall well-being. This assessment delves into the transportation landscape, evaluating the accessibility of healthcare facilities and providing a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" based on commute times, transportation options, and the availability of specialized medical transport. For those considering moving to Rolesville, understanding this landscape is crucial for informed decision-making.

The "Overall Health Score" for Rolesville's healthcare access is a composite measure, reflecting the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach various medical facilities. It considers factors such as drive times, the availability of public transportation, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport options. This score will be presented as a scale, ranging from "Excellent" to "Poor," providing a clear indication of the community's healthcare accessibility.

Rolesville, a community experiencing significant growth, is geographically situated in a way that presents both opportunities and challenges for healthcare access. The town's proximity to Raleigh, the state capital, offers access to a wide array of medical specialists and advanced facilities. However, this proximity also necessitates navigating potentially congested roadways, particularly during peak hours. The "Overall Health Score" will take these factors into account, providing a realistic assessment of the healthcare landscape.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Primary Transportation Conduit**

For the majority of Rolesville residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities. The town's location, while offering suburban tranquility, necessitates reliance on roadways for accessing medical care. The primary arteries connecting Rolesville to healthcare providers in Raleigh and surrounding areas are US-1 (Capital Boulevard), NC-98, and the I-540 (Triangle Expressway).

Traveling south on US-1 provides access to numerous medical facilities, including WakeMed North Hospital and various specialist clinics located along the route. During off-peak hours, the drive to WakeMed North typically takes approximately 15-20 minutes. However, during rush hour, this commute can easily extend to 30-45 minutes, or even longer, depending on traffic incidents.

NC-98 offers an alternative route, particularly for those seeking healthcare facilities located further east or west of US-1. This route, while generally less congested than US-1, can still experience delays, especially near intersections and during peak travel times. The drive time to facilities along NC-98 varies, but typically ranges from 20-30 minutes, depending on the destination.

The I-540 (Triangle Expressway) provides a faster, more direct route to some healthcare facilities, particularly those located in the northern and western parts of Raleigh. However, the toll road requires payment, and congestion can still occur, particularly during peak hours. Drive times on I-540 can range from 15-30 minutes, depending on the destination and traffic conditions.

The "Overall Health Score" will reflect these varying drive times, acknowledging the potential for increased travel times during peak hours. The score will also factor in the availability of parking at various healthcare facilities, a crucial consideration for residents.

**Public Transportation: A Limited, but Developing, Option**

Public transportation options in Rolesville are currently limited but are undergoing development to meet the needs of a growing population. The GoRaleigh bus system, while offering routes that serve the broader Raleigh area, has limited direct service to Rolesville. The primary routes serving the area are the R-Line, which runs along US-1, and the Route 20, which provides service along NC-98.

These routes, while offering a cost-effective alternative to driving, may involve transfers and longer travel times. The R-Line, for example, provides access to healthcare facilities along US-1, but the frequency of service and the potential for delays due to traffic congestion must be considered. Route 20, while serving NC-98, may not directly connect to all healthcare facilities.

ADA accessibility is a critical factor in evaluating public transportation options. GoRaleigh buses are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including ramps and designated seating areas for individuals with disabilities. However, the availability of accessible stops and the overall ease of navigating the system for individuals with mobility limitations must be considered.

The "Overall Health Score" will factor in the limited availability of public transportation, acknowledging the potential for longer commute times and the need for careful planning. The score will also consider the ADA compliance of the available routes.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient alternative for accessing healthcare facilities. These services provide on-demand transportation, eliminating the need for personal vehicles or reliance on public transportation schedules. However, the availability of ride-sharing services can vary, and surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can impact affordability.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available for individuals with specific medical needs. These services provide specialized transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained medical personnel. The availability of these services and the associated costs are crucial factors in assessing healthcare access.

The "Overall Health Score" will consider the availability of ride-sharing services and the accessibility of medical transport options. The score will factor in the cost and reliability of these services, as well as their ability to meet the specific needs of Rolesville residents.

**Specialized Medical Transport Brands and Services:**

Several brands offer specialized medical transport services in the Rolesville area, including:

* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Provides emergency and non-emergency ambulance services.
* **Medicaid Transportation Providers:** Offers transportation for Medicaid recipients to and from medical appointments.
* **Local Private Transportation Services:** Numerous private companies offer NEMT services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

Based on the factors outlined above, the "Overall Health Score" for commute to healthcare in Rolesville, NC (ZIP Code 27571) is currently assessed as **"Fair to Good."**

This score reflects the following:

* **Drive Times:** While drive times to healthcare facilities are generally reasonable, they can be significantly impacted by traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours.
* **Public Transportation:** Limited public transportation options, with longer commute times and potential for transfers.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** Availability of ride-sharing services provides a convenient alternative, but costs and reliability can vary. Medical transport services are available for those with specific needs.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the "Overall Health Score" and enhance healthcare access for Rolesville residents, the following recommendations are offered:

* **Advocate for increased public transportation:** Support the expansion of GoRaleigh bus routes and services to provide more direct and frequent access to healthcare facilities.
* **Promote ride-sharing awareness:** Educate residents about the availability and affordability of ride-sharing services.
* **Support medical transport services:** Ensure the availability and affordability of medical transport services for individuals with specific needs.
* **Encourage healthcare facility development:** Advocate for the development of additional healthcare facilities within Rolesville to reduce commute times and improve access.

By addressing these recommendations, Rolesville can further improve its healthcare access, contributing to a healthier and more thriving community. For those considering moving to Rolesville, understanding this healthcare landscape is essential for making informed decisions and ensuring access to quality medical care.