27849, Lewiston Woodville, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27849, Lewiston Woodville, North Carolina is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.30 percent of residents in 27849 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Bertie Hospital with a distance of 15.76 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 27849

Navigating the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 27849, encompassing Lewiston Woodville, requires a nuanced understanding of transportation options and their impact on overall health. This analysis provides an 'Overall Health Score,' evaluating the accessibility of medical services, factoring in drive times, public transit, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport options. The aim is to paint a clear picture for residents and those considering **moving to Lewiston Woodville**, illuminating the challenges and opportunities in accessing crucial healthcare.

The geography of 27849, a predominantly rural area, presents a unique set of challenges. Healthcare facilities are often dispersed, and the availability of diverse transportation options is limited. This necessitates a careful consideration of the time and effort required to reach medical appointments, impacting the overall health and well-being of residents.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in 27849 is personal vehicles. The roads, however, can be a constraint. Driving times to the nearest hospitals and specialist clinics are significantly influenced by the road network. The primary artery for travel is US-17, a major north-south highway. Depending on the destination, residents may also utilize NC-42, NC-308, and NC-45.

For example, a trip to Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie, a crucial healthcare provider, typically involves a drive on US-17 South. The distance, approximately 20 miles, can translate to a 30-45 minute journey, depending on traffic and road conditions. Similarly, access to specialist care in Greenville, approximately 50 miles away, necessitates a drive on US-17 South and potentially US-264, resulting in a travel time of 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.

These drive times, while seemingly manageable, can become problematic for individuals with chronic illnesses, mobility limitations, or those lacking reliable transportation. The impact of travel time on healthcare access is a significant factor in the overall health score.

**Public Transit Limitations:**

Public transportation options in 27849 are severely limited. The area lacks a comprehensive public transit system, and the availability of buses or other forms of public transportation is minimal. This absence of public transit poses a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

The lack of public transit disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with low incomes. The absence of accessible public transit, including routes with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, significantly reduces the overall health score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, in 27849 is limited. While these services may be available in larger towns and cities, their presence in this rural area is sporadic and unreliable. This lack of readily available ride-sharing further exacerbates the transportation challenges for healthcare access.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a crucial lifeline. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services typically involve scheduling a ride in advance and often require pre-authorization from insurance providers.

While medical transport services provide a valuable resource, they can be costly and may not be readily available for urgent or same-day appointments. The reliability and affordability of these services are critical factors in the overall health score.

**Specific Medical Transport Brands:**

Several medical transport brands serve the area, including but not limited to:

* **Med-Trans Corporation:** A national provider of medical transport services, offering both ground and air ambulance services.
* **Care Ride:** A regional provider specializing in non-emergency medical transportation.
* **AmbuBus:** Provides wheelchair-accessible transportation.

The availability of these services is a positive aspect of the overall health score, but the reliance on pre-scheduled appointments and potential cost barriers must be considered.

**Healthcare Access and Impact on Health:**

The challenges in transportation directly impact healthcare access. The longer travel times, limited public transit, and reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport can lead to missed appointments, delayed treatments, and reduced access to preventative care. These factors can negatively affect the management of chronic conditions, the early detection of diseases, and overall health outcomes.

The lack of readily available transportation can also contribute to social isolation and decreased quality of life. The inability to easily access medical appointments, pharmacies, and other essential services can create a sense of vulnerability and limit participation in community activities.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in 27849 is negatively impacted by the following factors:

* **Long drive times:** The distance to healthcare facilities, especially specialists, can be significant.
* **Limited public transit:** The absence of a reliable public transit system hinders access for many residents.
* **Sporadic ride-sharing:** The limited availability of ride-sharing services creates uncertainty.
* **Cost of medical transport:** The cost of medical transport services can be a barrier for some.

However, the score is positively influenced by the following:

* **Availability of medical transport:** Medical transport services offer a vital lifeline for those who cannot drive.
* **Proximity to essential services:** While some services require travel, essential facilities are within a reasonable distance.

**Recommendations and Conclusion:**

Improving the overall health score in 27849 requires addressing the transportation challenges. Potential solutions include:

* **Expanding public transit:** Implementing a demand-response or dial-a-ride system could provide crucial transportation for residents.
* **Promoting ride-sharing:** Encouraging ride-sharing services through incentives or partnerships could increase availability.
* **Supporting medical transport:** Providing financial assistance or subsidies for medical transport services could improve affordability.
* **Telehealth initiatives:** Expanding access to telehealth services could reduce the need for travel to some appointments.

For individuals **moving to Lewiston Woodville**, a thorough assessment of transportation options and their impact on healthcare access is crucial. Understanding the limitations and exploring available resources is essential for maintaining good health and well-being. The overall health score for healthcare access in 27849 reflects the need for innovative solutions and a commitment to improving transportation options for all residents.