27932, Edenton, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27932, Edenton, North Carolina is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.82 percent of residents in 27932 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.39 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Chowan Hospital with a distance of 0.35 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Edenton, NC (ZIP Code 27932)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Edenton, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27932), requires a deep dive into the accessibility of healthcare services. A critical factor is the ease with which individuals can **transport** themselves to necessary appointments and treatments. This analysis examines various **transportation** options, from personal vehicles to public transit, and their impact on the overall health and well-being of the community. Considering a move to Edenton? Understanding these factors is crucial.

The primary method of **transportation** for healthcare in Edenton is the personal vehicle. The town’s location, nestled in the northeastern corner of North Carolina, presents both advantages and disadvantages. The relative isolation means residents often rely on their cars to reach specialists, hospitals, and urgent care facilities. The most direct routes often involve navigating US-17, a major thoroughfare that connects Edenton to surrounding towns and cities.

Drive times, however, can vary significantly. For instance, a routine doctor's appointment at the Chowan Hospital, located within Edenton, is easily accessible, typically requiring a drive of less than 10 minutes for most residents. But accessing specialized care necessitates longer commutes. Traveling to larger medical centers in Elizabeth City, approximately 45 minutes away via US-17, becomes necessary for more complex medical needs.

Further afield, the drive to Greenville, home to Vidant Medical Center, a regional referral hospital, stretches to over an hour and a half, again primarily via US-17. The potential for traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can further extend these travel times, impacting appointment adherence and adding stress to already challenging situations. The condition of the roads, including the potential for potholes and other hazards, also contributes to the overall travel experience.

Public **transportation** options in Edenton are limited. The Chowan County Public **Transportation** system offers a demand-response service, meaning riders must schedule their rides in advance. This service is essential for those without personal vehicles, including the elderly, disabled individuals, and those with limited financial resources. However, this service operates within Chowan County and may not directly serve all healthcare destinations.

The availability of public transit to access healthcare is a critical component of the overall health score. While the county's system provides a lifeline, its limitations must be considered. The service's reliance on pre-scheduling can be a barrier to accessing urgent care or unexpected appointments. The operating hours and the geographical scope of the service further restrict its utility for some residents.

The accessibility of the public transit system for individuals with disabilities (ADA features) is also a crucial factor. The Chowan County Public **Transportation** system is committed to providing accessible services. However, the availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles and the ease of boarding and disembarking are essential considerations. This is particularly critical for those with mobility limitations who may require specialized equipment or assistance.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Edenton, but their presence is limited. Availability can be inconsistent, and wait times can be significant, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing services can also be a barrier for some residents, particularly those with fixed incomes or limited financial resources.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another option. Companies like MedStar **Transportation** and FirstCare Medical **Transportation** may operate in the area. These services often provide specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients with mobility challenges or medical needs. However, these services typically require pre-booking and can be costly, making them a less accessible option for routine appointments.

The availability of these specialized services is a positive factor, but their impact on the overall health score depends on their affordability, reliability, and the ease with which they can be accessed. The presence of medical **transportation** services fills a critical gap in **healthcare access**, particularly for those with significant medical needs or mobility limitations.

The distance to pharmacies and the availability of prescription refills also impact the health score. Edenton has several local pharmacies, making it relatively easy for residents to obtain medications. However, the availability of specialized medications or those requiring compounding may necessitate travel to pharmacies in larger cities, further impacting the accessibility of **healthcare access**.

The overall health score for residents of Edenton, NC (27932), is influenced by the interplay of these factors. While the town offers a relatively close-knit community and access to local healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public **transportation** options pose challenges. The drive times to specialized care, the availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services, and the accessibility of public transit for individuals with disabilities all contribute to the overall picture.

For those considering **moving to Edenton**, understanding these nuances is crucial. While the town offers a tranquil lifestyle, the accessibility of **healthcare access** is a critical consideration, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent medical attention. The ability to reliably and affordably **transport** oneself to healthcare appointments is a fundamental determinant of health and well-being.

The overall health score for Edenton, therefore, reflects a mixed picture. While local healthcare facilities and pharmacies are readily accessible, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public **transportation** create potential barriers to **healthcare access**, especially for those without personal vehicles or those with mobility limitations. The availability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services provides some relief, but their cost and availability can be limiting factors. Further investment in public **transportation**, including expanded routes, increased frequency, and enhanced ADA features, would significantly improve the overall health score and enhance the quality of life for all residents.