27865, Pinetown, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27865, Pinetown, North Carolina is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.66 percent of residents in 27865 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 25.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Washington County Hosp Inc with a distance of 21.33 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Pinetown, NC (ZIP Code 27865)

The overall health score for residents of Pinetown, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27865), concerning healthcare access, hinges significantly on the availability and efficiency of transportation. This score reflects the ease with which individuals can reach medical facilities, factoring in distance, travel time, mode of transport, and accessibility features. A lower score indicates significant challenges in accessing healthcare, while a higher score suggests relatively seamless access. Assessing this score is crucial for anyone **moving to Pinetown**, ensuring their healthcare needs can be met.

Pinetown itself is a small, rural community, nestled in Beaufort County. This geographical isolation directly impacts healthcare access, making reliable **transportation** a vital component of overall well-being. The primary challenge lies in the limited local healthcare infrastructure. Residents often need to travel to neighboring towns and cities for specialized care, increasing the reliance on effective **transportation** options.

The primary arteries for vehicular **transportation** in and out of Pinetown are US-264 and NC-32. US-264, a major east-west highway, provides access to Washington, the county seat, approximately 15 miles to the east. NC-32 runs north-south, connecting Pinetown to Belhaven and other communities. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion, especially during peak hours or in the event of an accident. Drive times are, therefore, variable.

To reach Vidant Beaufort Hospital in Washington, the nearest full-service hospital, a typical drive via US-264 takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and the driver's speed. This drive, while relatively short, can become a significant hurdle for individuals without personal vehicles, the elderly, or those with mobility limitations. Reaching specialists in Greenville, approximately 50 miles west, can take up to an hour and a half, requiring travel on US-264 and US-13.

Public **transportation** options in Beaufort County are limited. The county operates a public transit system, but its routes and schedules are infrequent, particularly for those in rural areas. While the system aims to provide accessible **transportation**, including ADA-compliant vehicles, the coverage is sparse. Ridership often requires advance booking, and the service may not be available for immediate medical needs. Specific route numbers and schedules are subject to change, requiring residents to contact the Beaufort County Transportation Department for the most up-to-date information.

The lack of robust public **transportation** necessitates exploring alternative options. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability is not guaranteed, especially during off-peak hours or in remote locations. Residents may experience longer wait times or higher fares compared to urban areas. The reliability of ride-sharing services for urgent medical needs is, therefore, questionable.

Medical **transportation** services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT) providers, offer crucial support. These services cater specifically to individuals requiring assistance to and from medical appointments. However, the availability of NEMT providers in the Pinetown area can be limited, and booking in advance is often required. The cost of these services can also be a significant financial burden for some residents. Companies such as MedTransport and First Medical Transport often serve this region, but their availability and pricing vary.

For individuals with disabilities or mobility limitations, the challenges of accessing healthcare are amplified. The availability of accessible **transportation**, including vehicles equipped with ramps or lifts, is crucial. The county's public transit system strives to provide ADA-compliant vehicles, but the frequency of service and route coverage remain limitations.

The overall health score for **healthcare access** in Pinetown is moderately low. While the proximity to Washington and Greenville offers access to medical facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public **transportation** create significant barriers. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical **transportation** providers offers some relief, but their reliability, cost, and availability are not guaranteed.

Residents of Pinetown should carefully consider the **transportation** factor when evaluating their **healthcare access** needs. Those **moving to Pinetown** should research available **transportation** options and assess their suitability for their individual circumstances. Proactive planning, including establishing relationships with medical **transportation** providers or identifying reliable friends or family members for **transportation** assistance, is crucial.

Furthermore, local policymakers and healthcare providers should prioritize initiatives to improve **healthcare access** in Pinetown. This could include expanding public **transportation** routes and schedules, increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, or providing financial assistance for medical **transportation**. Telehealth services could also play a crucial role in bridging the **healthcare access** gap by offering remote consultations and monitoring.

The overall health score is also affected by the availability of local healthcare services. While Pinetown has limited medical facilities, residents can access some basic care locally. However, for specialized care, the need to travel to Washington or Greenville becomes essential. This further underscores the importance of reliable **transportation**.

The distance to emergency services is another critical factor. In the event of a medical emergency, quick access to medical care is paramount. The response time of emergency medical services (EMS) depends on the location of the emergency and the availability of ambulances. The rural nature of Pinetown can lead to longer response times compared to urban areas, further emphasizing the importance of efficient **transportation**.

The economic factors also play a crucial role in **healthcare access**. The cost of **transportation**, including gas, vehicle maintenance, and fares for public transit or ride-sharing services, can be a significant financial burden for low-income residents. This can lead to delayed or missed medical appointments, negatively impacting their overall health.

In conclusion, the overall health score for **healthcare access** in Pinetown, NC (ZIP Code 27865) is influenced by the limitations of available **transportation** options. While the proximity to larger towns like Washington and Greenville provides access to medical facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services create significant challenges. Addressing these challenges through strategic investments in public **transportation**, expanding access to medical **transportation** services, and promoting telehealth initiatives is crucial to improving the overall health and well-being of the residents of Pinetown. For those **moving to Pinetown**, understanding these **transportation** dynamics is essential for making informed decisions about their healthcare needs.