27807, Bailey, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27807, Bailey, North Carolina is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.37 percent of residents in 27807 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.34 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wilson Medical Center with a distance of 9.58 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 27807

The quaint, rural community of Bailey, North Carolina, nestled within ZIP code 27807, offers a slower pace of life, a strong sense of community, and the allure of affordable living. However, prospective residents, especially those prioritizing healthcare access, must carefully consider the transportation landscape. This write-up provides an “Overall Health Score” assessment, analyzing the accessibility of medical services from Bailey, factoring in commute times, public transit, ride-sharing options, and medical transport availability. This score will help potential residents make informed decisions about their well-being and the feasibility of moving to Bailey.

The cornerstone of any health score evaluation is the availability of timely healthcare. In Bailey, the nearest primary care physicians and specialists are primarily located in the surrounding towns of Rocky Mount, Wilson, and Nashville. Driving remains the dominant mode of transportation. A journey to Rocky Mount, home to Vidant Edgecombe Hospital, typically involves navigating **US-264 Alternate East** and **US-301 South**, resulting in an average drive time of 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Wilson, offering Wilson Medical Center, is accessible via **US-264 West** and **NC-58 North**, with a similar drive time. Nashville, a shorter trip via **US-64 Alternate East**, offers smaller clinics and practices, often reachable within 15-20 minutes.

The health score is significantly impacted by the reliance on personal vehicles. While the roads are generally well-maintained, unforeseen circumstances, such as accidents or inclement weather, can quickly extend commute times, potentially delaying critical medical attention. The absence of readily available alternative transportation options, particularly for those without personal vehicles, poses a significant challenge. This lack of diverse **transportation** options underscores the limitations of healthcare **access** in Bailey.

Public transit, a vital component of healthcare accessibility in many urban areas, is limited in 27807. The primary provider, Wilson Area Transit System (WATS), offers bus routes within Wilson, but these routes do not directly serve Bailey. This absence of direct public transit significantly restricts the ability of residents without personal vehicles to reach healthcare facilities. While WATS may offer demand-response services, requiring advance booking and potentially longer travel times, the lack of fixed-route options for a regular commute to healthcare is a notable deficiency. The absence of detailed information regarding ADA-compliant features on any public transportation options further complicates the assessment, potentially limiting access for individuals with disabilities.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential alternative, but their availability in rural areas like Bailey can be inconsistent and unreliable. While both services may operate in the area, wait times can be significantly longer than in urban centers, and surge pricing during peak hours or emergencies can dramatically increase costs. The cost of frequent ride-share trips to medical appointments could become a substantial financial burden for residents, particularly those on fixed incomes. This aspect further impacts the overall health score, reflecting the financial and logistical hurdles to healthcare **access**.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to assist patients with mobility limitations, offer a crucial lifeline for those unable to drive or utilize public transit. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, including but not limited to, First Response Ambulance Service, and American Medical Response (AMR). However, the availability and cost of these services can vary. The need for pre-arranged bookings and potential insurance coverage limitations can create further complexities, especially in emergency situations. The reliance on these specialized services, while essential for some, further highlights the limitations of the broader **transportation** infrastructure.

The overall health score for 27807 reflects a nuanced picture. While the drive times to healthcare facilities are generally manageable, the dependence on personal vehicles and the limited availability of alternative **transportation** options significantly impact the score. The absence of robust public transit, the potential unreliability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the reliance on specialized medical transport services for those with mobility limitations all contribute to a lower score. This situation requires careful consideration for individuals prioritizing healthcare **access**.

The **moving to Bailey** decision must therefore include a realistic assessment of individual needs and circumstances. For those with reliable access to a vehicle and the financial means to utilize ride-sharing or medical transport services when necessary, the healthcare accessibility may be acceptable. However, for those reliant on public transit or facing mobility challenges, the limitations of the **transportation** infrastructure pose significant obstacles to healthcare **access**.

The overall health score is also influenced by the availability of urgent care facilities and pharmacies within the immediate vicinity of Bailey. While the town may have local pharmacies, the absence of urgent care centers necessitates travel to Rocky Mount or Wilson for immediate medical attention. This further underscores the importance of reliable **transportation** and the potential for delayed care in urgent situations.

The health score is also impacted by the availability of specialized medical services. While the larger cities of Rocky Mount and Wilson offer a wider range of specialists, the need to travel for these appointments can add to the burden of healthcare **access**. The distance and travel time to these specialists must be factored into the overall assessment.

The score also considers the availability of preventative care services, such as routine check-ups and screenings. The need to travel for these appointments can impact the frequency of preventative care, which is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. The ease of **access** to these services is a key component of the overall health score.

The overall health score for 27807 is moderate, reflecting the challenges and limitations of healthcare **access** within the community. While the drive times to healthcare facilities are generally acceptable, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential unreliability and cost of ride-sharing services all contribute to a lower score. Prospective residents, especially those prioritizing healthcare **access**, should carefully consider these factors when evaluating the suitability of **moving to Bailey**. The score can be improved with community initiatives to improve public transit or ride-share availability.