27974, Shiloh, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27974, Shiloh, North Carolina is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.59 percent of residents in 27974 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 25.74 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sentara Albemarle Medical Center with a distance of 12.47 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 27974 (Shiloh, NC)

Understanding the ease of **healthcare access** is paramount when considering a move, especially to a rural area like Shiloh, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27974). This report analyzes the **transportation** landscape, evaluating the accessibility of medical facilities, and ultimately providing an "Overall Health Score" reflecting the challenges and opportunities faced by residents in seeking medical care.

Shiloh, nestled in Camden County, presents unique considerations. Its relative isolation necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles for most residents. Public **transportation** options are limited, and ride-sharing services may have restricted availability. This assessment delves into the realities of navigating the region to reach essential medical services.

The "Overall Health Score" considers several factors, including drive times, availability of public **transportation**, the presence of ride-sharing services, and the accessibility of medical transport options. Each factor is weighted based on its perceived impact on **healthcare access**, with greater emphasis placed on factors directly affecting the ability to reach medical appointments and emergency care.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary challenge for Shiloh residents is the distance to comprehensive healthcare facilities. The closest hospitals are located in Elizabeth City, approximately 15-20 miles away, depending on the precise location within the ZIP code. This journey typically involves navigating rural roads and highways.

The most direct route to Elizabeth City is via US-158, a major east-west artery. This highway offers relatively smooth travel, though it can experience congestion during peak hours. Several secondary roads, such as NC-343 and NC-34, provide alternative routes, but they are often narrower and may involve slower travel times.

Traffic conditions are generally manageable in this area, but it is crucial to account for potential delays, particularly during inclement weather. The presence of farm equipment on the roads can also impact travel times, especially during planting and harvesting seasons.

For specialized care, residents may need to travel further afield. Norfolk, Virginia, approximately 50-60 miles away, offers a wider range of medical specialists and advanced treatment options. This journey involves using US-17 North, a major interstate highway, and can take up to an hour and a half, depending on traffic.

**Public Transportation Challenges:**

Public **transportation** options in Camden County are extremely limited. The local transit authority, Albemarle Regional Transportation Authority (ARTA), operates a demand-response system. This means that residents must schedule rides in advance, and service is not always available for immediate needs.

ARTA operates a small fleet of buses and vans, primarily providing transportation for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited access to personal vehicles. The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is a significant consideration, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can access medical appointments.

Unfortunately, detailed route numbers and schedules are not readily available for specific routes within the Shiloh area. Service frequency is limited, and routes may not directly serve all medical facilities. This lack of robust public **transportation** significantly impacts **healthcare access** for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Options:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability may vary. The rural nature of the region can make it challenging to secure a ride, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with limited cell phone service.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for patients requiring assistance with transportation to medical appointments. Several providers operate in the region, including ambulance services for emergencies and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) services. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized medical equipment during transport.

The cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services can be a significant barrier to **healthcare access**, particularly for low-income individuals. The availability of insurance coverage for these services is crucial, as out-of-pocket expenses can quickly accumulate.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the factors analyzed, the "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in ZIP Code 27974 is moderate. While the area offers relatively short drive times to basic medical facilities in Elizabeth City, the lack of robust public **transportation** and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services pose significant challenges.

The score reflects the need for careful planning and consideration when seeking medical care. Residents should prioritize having access to a reliable personal vehicle or exploring alternative **transportation** options in advance of medical appointments.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

* **Advocate for expanded public transportation:** Increased funding and service frequency for ARTA could significantly improve **healthcare access** for those who cannot drive. This could include the development of fixed routes or expanded demand-response services.
* **Promote ride-sharing partnerships:** Collaboration between local healthcare providers and ride-sharing companies could help to ensure reliable **transportation** for patients. This could involve discounted fares or guaranteed service for medical appointments.
* **Increase awareness of medical transport options:** Healthcare providers should actively inform patients about available medical transport services, including NEMT and ambulance services.
* **Enhance infrastructure:** Improving road conditions and expanding cell phone service coverage could enhance the reliability of **transportation** options.
* **Community outreach:** Educating residents about **healthcare access** resources and **transportation** options is essential. This could involve community workshops, informational materials, and online resources.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Shiloh presents a unique set of considerations regarding **healthcare access**. While the area offers a peaceful lifestyle, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of public **transportation** require careful planning. By understanding the challenges and opportunities, residents can proactively manage their **healthcare access** needs and ensure they receive timely and appropriate medical care. This assessment provides a foundation for informed decision-making and highlights areas where improvements can be made to enhance the overall health and well-being of the Shiloh community.