27964, Point Harbor, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27964, Point Harbor, North Carolina is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.98 percent of residents in 27964 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 29.47 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is The Outer Banks Hospital, Inc with a distance of 14.27 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 27964 (Point Harbor, NC)

This report analyzes the overall health score of residents in ZIP Code 27964, focusing on the critical aspect of **healthcare access** and the **transportation** infrastructure that supports it. Point Harbor, North Carolina, a charming community nestled between the Albemarle Sound and the Outer Banks, presents unique challenges and opportunities in this regard. The evaluation considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport services, providing a comprehensive overview for those considering **moving to Point Harbor**.

The health score, reflecting ease of access to essential medical services, is significantly impacted by the geographical isolation of the Outer Banks. While the area offers natural beauty, this remoteness creates hurdles for those seeking timely and reliable healthcare. The assessment incorporates factors beyond mere distance, considering road conditions, traffic patterns, and the availability of alternative transport modes.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary arteries for accessing healthcare facilities from Point Harbor are US-158 and NC-12. The drive to the nearest significant medical center, The Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head, is approximately a 30-45 minute journey, depending on traffic. This drive, primarily via US-158, can become significantly longer during peak tourist seasons, particularly during summer weekends.

Further healthcare options, including specialized clinics and larger hospitals, are located in Elizabeth City and Greenville, North Carolina. The drive to Elizabeth City, approximately an hour and fifteen minutes via US-158 and US-17, offers access to Albemarle Hospital and a wider array of specialist services. Greenville, about a two-hour drive via US-158 and US-64, provides access to Vidant Medical Center, a regional referral hospital.

The condition of these roads, particularly NC-12, can be a concern. NC-12, the primary route down the Outer Banks, is susceptible to weather-related closures, especially during hurricanes and nor'easters. This vulnerability can severely limit access to healthcare during emergencies. Regular maintenance and updates are essential to ensure reliable transportation.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in the area are limited. The Dare County Transportation System (DCTS) provides some service, but its routes and schedules are geared towards local travel within Dare County, primarily catering to residents and tourists. Service to Elizabeth City or Greenville is not available.

The DCTS operates a demand-response system, requiring advance booking, which can be challenging for urgent medical needs. While the DCTS vehicles are ADA-accessible, the limited service frequency and geographic coverage significantly constrain its utility for **healthcare access** outside of the immediate Point Harbor area. The system's reliance on pre-arranged trips makes it less suitable for emergency situations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is inconsistent. Availability fluctuates based on demand and the time of year, with fewer drivers during the off-season. Relying on ride-sharing for critical medical appointments can be risky due to potential delays or unavailability.

Medical transportation services are crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized transport. Several companies operate in the region, including local ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation providers. These services offer transport to and from medical appointments, but costs can be substantial, and advance booking is typically required.

The availability of specialized medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher services, is a significant advantage for those with specific needs. However, the cost of these services can be a barrier to **healthcare access** for some residents. Careful planning and financial consideration are essential.

**Impact on Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for residents of Point Harbor is moderately impacted by the challenges in **transportation** to **healthcare access**. The drive times to the nearest hospitals are reasonable under normal conditions, but traffic congestion, seasonal fluctuations, and weather-related road closures can significantly impact access. The limited public transit options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services further complicate matters.

The availability of medical transport services and the ADA-compliant features of the DCTS offer some support for individuals with specific needs. However, the cost of these services and the limited geographic coverage of public transit remain significant concerns.

**Recommendations and Considerations:**

For those **moving to Point Harbor**, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and **transportation** capabilities is crucial. Individuals with chronic health conditions or those requiring frequent medical appointments should carefully consider the drive times and potential delays.

Exploring the availability and cost of medical transport services is highly recommended. Understanding the limitations of public transit and ride-sharing services is essential for planning medical appointments and emergency situations. Building a strong support network of family, friends, or neighbors can also be valuable for providing **transportation** assistance.

The local community could benefit from initiatives to improve **healthcare access**. This could include advocating for increased public transit services, supporting the expansion of ride-sharing availability, and promoting the development of telemedicine options to reduce the need for travel. Enhanced road maintenance and emergency preparedness plans are also vital.

The overall health score for Point Harbor is not dire, but it is not ideal. The community's remoteness creates challenges that require careful planning and proactive measures to ensure that residents have timely and reliable access to the healthcare they need. While the area offers a desirable lifestyle, the limitations in **transportation** to **healthcare access** should be a primary consideration for anyone contemplating **moving to Point Harbor**. The score can be improved with community efforts and individual planning.