28323, Bunnlevel, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28323, Bunnlevel, North Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.61 percent of residents in 28323 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.08 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital with a distance of 12.60 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28323 (Bunnlevel, NC)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Bunnlevel, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28323), necessitates a deep dive into the accessibility of healthcare services. A crucial component of this assessment is the transportation infrastructure, impacting the ease with which individuals can access medical care. This write-up will explore the various transportation options available, detailing drive times, public transit routes, and ride-sharing services, ultimately providing a comprehensive overview of healthcare access within this specific geographic area. This information is particularly relevant for those considering moving to Bunnlevel, as it directly impacts their ability to receive timely and appropriate medical attention.

The primary mode of transportation for accessing healthcare in Bunnlevel is undoubtedly personal vehicles. The area is relatively rural, and public transportation options are limited. The major thoroughfare serving the area is US Highway 401, a critical artery connecting Bunnlevel to larger towns and cities like Fayetteville and Sanford. Traveling south on US 401 provides access to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, a major healthcare provider offering a wide range of specialized services. The drive typically takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Another essential route is NC Highway 27, which intersects with US 401 near Bunnlevel. This highway offers access to smaller medical facilities and clinics in the surrounding communities. Traveling west on NC 27 leads to the town of Sanford, where additional healthcare options, including Central Carolina Hospital, are available. The drive to Sanford generally takes around 30 to 40 minutes. Local roads, such as Bunnlevel Erwin Road and Old US 401, provide additional connectivity within the immediate area, facilitating access to local physician offices and urgent care facilities.

Public transportation options in Bunnlevel are considerably limited, posing a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles. The primary public transit provider for the region is the Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST). However, FAST's routes primarily serve the city of Fayetteville and do not directly extend into Bunnlevel. While it might be possible to utilize FAST to reach the outskirts of Fayetteville and then rely on ride-sharing or other means to complete the journey, this would significantly increase travel time and complexity.

The availability of public transportation is a critical factor in determining the overall health score, particularly for those who are elderly, disabled, or lack access to a personal vehicle. The absence of readily available public transit in Bunnlevel necessitates reliance on alternative transportation methods. This deficiency underscores the need for residents to have access to other modes of transportation to ensure their healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Bunnlevel area, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary depending on the time of day and demand. Residents may experience longer wait times or higher fares, particularly during peak hours or in the evenings. Despite these potential drawbacks, ride-sharing provides a valuable option for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle.

Medical transportation services are another crucial component of healthcare access, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. Several medical transportation companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services typically involve transporting patients to and from medical appointments, dialysis treatments, and other healthcare-related destinations.

These companies often cater to patients who require specialized assistance, such as wheelchair-accessible vehicles or trained medical personnel. The availability of medical transportation services is vital for ensuring that individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses can access the care they need. The cost of these services can vary depending on the distance traveled and the level of care required.

The overall health score for Bunnlevel is significantly influenced by the limitations in transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the scarcity of public transit, presents challenges for many residents. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services partially mitigates these challenges, but their cost and availability can be barriers for some.

The drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly those offering specialized services, can be substantial, impacting the timeliness of medical care. The lack of readily available public transportation further exacerbates this issue, especially for vulnerable populations. The absence of comprehensive public transit also poses a challenge for individuals who may have limited financial resources or who are unable to drive due to age or disability.

For those considering moving to Bunnlevel, understanding these transportation limitations is crucial. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those who anticipate needing frequent medical care should carefully evaluate the accessibility of healthcare services. This evaluation should include considering the availability of transportation options, the associated costs, and the potential travel times.

The overall health score for Bunnlevel, therefore, reflects a mixed picture. While the presence of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offers some relief, the limited public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles create barriers to healthcare access for many residents. Improving public transportation options, expanding ride-sharing services, and increasing the availability of affordable medical transportation would significantly enhance the overall health score for this community.

Furthermore, the development of telehealth services could also play a vital role in improving healthcare access in Bunnlevel. Telehealth allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving the convenience of medical care. Increasing the adoption of telehealth services would be particularly beneficial for residents who face transportation challenges.

In conclusion, the overall health score for Bunnlevel, NC (ZIP Code 28323), is significantly impacted by the transportation infrastructure. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the varying availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services create both opportunities and challenges for residents seeking healthcare. Understanding these factors is essential for assessing the overall health of the community and for making informed decisions about healthcare access. The development of improved transportation options, the expansion of telehealth services, and the promotion of accessible healthcare facilities are crucial steps toward improving the overall health score and ensuring that all residents of Bunnlevel have equitable access to quality medical care.