27870, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27870, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.33 percent of residents in 27870 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.61 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Halifax Regional Medical Center Inc with a distance of 1.60 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 27870

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. For residents of ZIP Code 27870, encompassing Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, the ease and efficiency with which they can reach medical services significantly impacts their overall well-being. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape of the area, evaluating the accessibility of healthcare facilities and assigning an "Overall Health Score" based on the challenges and opportunities presented. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding for individuals considering moving to Roanoke Rapids, ensuring they are well-informed about healthcare access.

The foundation of healthcare access lies in the availability and efficiency of transportation. In 27870, the primary mode of transport is the personal vehicle. The area is served by several key roadways, including US-158, a vital east-west artery connecting Roanoke Rapids to surrounding towns. Interstate 95, running north-south, offers a faster route to larger cities like Richmond, Virginia, and Raleigh, North Carolina, where specialized medical care may be found.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical factor in the Overall Health Score. The nearest hospital, **Halifax Regional Medical Center**, is conveniently located within Roanoke Rapids, generally accessible within a 5-10 minute drive for most residents. Primary care physicians and specialists also operate within the town, minimizing travel time for routine appointments. However, access to specialized care, such as oncology or cardiology, might necessitate longer drives.

For instance, accessing specialized services in Raleigh could involve a drive of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via I-95. This extended travel time can be a significant barrier, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring frequent appointments. The condition of the roads and potential traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, further influence drive times and the overall healthcare experience.

Public transportation options in 27870 are limited, presenting a challenge for those without personal vehicles. The **Halifax County Transportation System** offers a demand-response service, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. While this system provides a crucial lifeline for some residents, it is not designed for spontaneous trips to the doctor. Information regarding route numbers, schedules, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features is not readily available online, making it difficult to assess the system's effectiveness.

The lack of robust public transportation highlights a critical gap in healthcare access. Individuals who are elderly, disabled, or lack access to a car face significant hurdles in reaching medical appointments. This disparity can lead to delayed or missed appointments, potentially exacerbating health conditions and negatively impacting the Overall Health Score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Roanoke Rapids, offering an alternative transportation option. However, the availability of drivers can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas of the ZIP code. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for low-income individuals, further limiting healthcare access.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, provide another avenue for reaching healthcare facilities. Brands like **Care Transport** and **Medicaid Transportation** operate in the area, offering non-emergency medical transportation. These services are typically available for scheduled appointments and can be a valuable resource for individuals who require assistance with mobility or have other medical needs.

However, the availability and cost of these services vary, and access may be limited depending on insurance coverage and the specific medical needs of the patient. Coordinating medical transportation requires advance planning and can add complexity to the healthcare experience.

The Overall Health Score for 27870 is influenced by the interplay of these factors. While the presence of a local hospital and primary care physicians within Roanoke Rapids is a significant advantage, the limitations in public transportation, the potential for long drive times to specialized care, and the reliance on personal vehicles create challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers some relief, but these options are not always readily accessible or affordable.

When considering moving to Roanoke Rapids, prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Individuals who rely on public transportation or have limited mobility should investigate the availability and reliability of the Halifax County Transportation System and medical transport services. Those requiring specialized medical care should factor in the travel time to larger cities and consider the potential impact on their healthcare experience.

The Overall Health Score for 27870 is moderately positive, but with areas for improvement. The availability of local healthcare facilities and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services are positive indicators. However, the limitations in public transportation and the potential for extended travel times to specialized care pose challenges.

To improve the Overall Health Score, the community could benefit from investments in public transportation, such as expanding the Halifax County Transportation System, improving its accessibility, and increasing its frequency of service. Promoting awareness of existing ride-sharing and medical transport services and providing financial assistance to low-income individuals could also enhance healthcare access.

Furthermore, attracting more specialized medical professionals to Roanoke Rapids would reduce the need for residents to travel long distances for care. Collaboration between healthcare providers, transportation services, and community organizations is essential to create a more accessible and equitable healthcare system for all residents of 27870. The goal is to foster a community where healthcare access is not a barrier but a readily available resource, contributing to the overall health and well-being of all residents.