27852, Macclesfield, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27852, Macclesfield, North Carolina is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.20 percent of residents in 27852 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.32 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wilson Medical Center with a distance of 1.97 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Macclesfield, NC (ZIP Code 27852)

Macclesfield, North Carolina, a small town nestled in Edgecombe County, presents a unique landscape for assessing healthcare access. The "Overall Health Score" considers the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities, a critical determinant of health outcomes. This analysis delves into the transportation infrastructure, the available healthcare options, and the challenges faced by those seeking care within and beyond the 27852 ZIP code. For individuals considering **moving to Macclesfield**, understanding these nuances is essential for informed decision-making.

The primary challenge for Macclesfield residents is the limited availability of healthcare services directly within the town. This necessitates reliance on transportation to reach providers in neighboring communities. The predominant mode of transportation is personal vehicles, navigating a network of roads that form the arteries of healthcare access.

Primary access routes include **US-264**, a major east-west thoroughfare, and **NC-122**, a north-south connector. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, potentially delaying travel times to appointments. The condition of these roads and the surrounding rural landscape also present challenges, including the potential for wildlife encounters and the impact of inclement weather on travel.

Drive times to the nearest hospitals and clinics are a crucial factor. The closest hospital, **Vidant Edgecombe Hospital** in Tarboro, is approximately a 20-minute drive via US-264. This hospital offers a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and various specialty clinics. Other options include **Vidant Medical Center** in Greenville, approximately a 45-minute drive, and **Nash UNC Health Care** in Rocky Mount, about a 30-minute drive. These longer distances necessitate careful planning, especially for those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations.

Public transportation options in Macclesfield are limited. The **Tar River Transit** system offers some routes, but its service area is primarily focused on Tarboro, with less frequent service to Macclesfield. The schedules and routes may not be conducive to accessing healthcare appointments, particularly for those with early morning or late afternoon appointments. The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is a critical factor for individuals with disabilities, and this information should be verified with the transit provider.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can vary. The availability of drivers, particularly during off-peak hours or in rural areas, may be limited. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for those with limited financial resources. Medical transport services, such as **American Medical Response (AMR)** or local ambulance services, are available for emergency situations, but these are not typically used for routine healthcare appointments.

The **Overall Health Score** for Macclesfield is significantly influenced by the **transportation** challenges. The lack of local healthcare providers forces residents to travel, increasing the risk of delayed care, missed appointments, and reduced access to preventative services. The dependence on personal vehicles, coupled with the limited public transportation options, creates a disparity in **healthcare access** for those without reliable transportation.

The economic status of the residents also plays a role. Low-income individuals may face greater challenges in accessing healthcare due to transportation costs, the lack of vehicle ownership, and the limited availability of affordable ride-sharing options. This can lead to a cycle of delayed care, exacerbating health conditions and increasing healthcare costs in the long run.

Furthermore, the health status of the population in Macclesfield is a factor. The prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, requires regular medical care and medication management. The difficulty in accessing healthcare can worsen these conditions, leading to more frequent hospitalizations and a lower quality of life.

The **Overall Health Score** is not solely determined by the physical infrastructure. The availability of telehealth services can improve access to care, particularly for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Telehealth consultations with physicians, mental health providers, and specialists can provide convenient access to care from the comfort of one's home.

The availability of community resources, such as health clinics, mobile health units, and patient navigation services, can also improve healthcare access. These resources can provide education, screening, and assistance with transportation and appointment scheduling.

For individuals **moving to Macclesfield**, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation options is essential. It is crucial to identify the nearest healthcare providers, understand the travel times, and explore all available transportation options. This includes considering the availability of public transportation, ride-sharing services, and community resources.

The **Overall Health Score** for Macclesfield is not static; it can be improved through strategic investments in transportation infrastructure, the expansion of telehealth services, and the development of community-based healthcare programs. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensure that all residents have equal access to the care they need to live healthy lives. The score is a complex metric reflecting the interplay of geography, infrastructure, economics, and healthcare delivery systems.