28403, Wilmington, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28403, Wilmington, North Carolina is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

89.89 percent of residents in 28403 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.71 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center with a distance of 2.52 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare in Wilmington, NC (ZIP Code 28403)

Considering a move to Wilmington, North Carolina, and specifically the 28403 ZIP code? Understanding the accessibility of healthcare is paramount. This analysis provides an “Overall Health Score” by examining the transportation landscape and its impact on accessing medical services. This score reflects the ease with which residents can reach essential healthcare providers, influencing their overall well-being. Factors like drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services are all considered, offering a comprehensive perspective for prospective residents.

The 28403 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of Wilmington, presents a mixed bag regarding healthcare access. While the area benefits from being within a reasonable distance of major medical facilities, transportation challenges can arise, particularly for those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations. The score will reflect this nuanced reality, providing a realistic assessment for those prioritizing healthcare accessibility.

Drive times are a primary consideration. Residents in 28403 often rely on personal vehicles to reach medical appointments. Major thoroughfares like **US-17 (Market Street)** and **US-74 (Eastwood Road)** are crucial arteries. Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly extend travel times. For instance, a trip to **New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC)**, the largest hospital in the area, from the northern reaches of 28403 could take upwards of 20-30 minutes during rush hour, even though the distance might seem manageable on a map.

Smaller roads, such as **College Road** and **Oleander Drive**, offer alternative routes, but they too can experience congestion. The strategic location of medical offices, clinics, and urgent care facilities along these routes, while convenient, can also contribute to traffic delays. Therefore, the Overall Health Score will deduct points for reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for time-consuming commutes, especially considering the unpredictable nature of traffic.

Public transportation, provided by **Wave Transit**, offers an alternative, though its impact on the Overall Health Score is moderate. Wave Transit operates several routes that serve the 28403 area. Key routes include **Route 101 (Market Street)**, which runs along US-17, and **Route 201 (College Road)**. These routes connect to major healthcare hubs. However, the frequency of buses, especially during evenings and weekends, can be a limiting factor.

Furthermore, while Wave Transit strives for ADA compliance, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities, the reliance on fixed routes and schedules presents challenges. The Overall Health Score acknowledges the availability of public transit but recognizes its limitations in terms of frequency, coverage, and potential travel time compared to driving. The score will reflect the need for improved service to enhance healthcare access for all residents.

Ride-sharing services, like **Uber** and **Lyft**, offer a more flexible transportation option. Their presence in Wilmington provides on-demand access to healthcare facilities, potentially mitigating the challenges of driving or relying solely on public transit. The convenience of ride-sharing is a definite plus, particularly for those without vehicles or who prefer not to drive. However, the cost of these services can be a barrier for some, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

The Overall Health Score takes into account the affordability and accessibility of ride-sharing. The score will be positively influenced by the availability of these services but tempered by the potential financial burden they may impose on some residents. The score will also consider the wait times and reliability of ride-sharing services, which can vary depending on demand and time of day.

Medical transportation services, such as **Care Ride** and other specialized providers, cater to individuals with specific medical needs, including those requiring wheelchair-accessible vehicles or stretcher transport. These services are crucial for individuals with mobility limitations who cannot utilize public transit or ride-sharing. The Overall Health Score acknowledges the availability of these specialized services as a significant positive factor, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The score will consider the availability, cost, and responsiveness of these medical transportation providers. While these services enhance healthcare access for a specific segment of the population, their impact on the Overall Health Score is weighted accordingly, recognizing their specialized nature.

The Overall Health Score for accessing healthcare in 28403 is, therefore, a reflection of this complex interplay of transportation options. The score considers the advantages and disadvantages of each mode of transportation, weighing factors such as drive times, public transit accessibility, ride-sharing costs, and the availability of medical transport services.

The score will be influenced by the geographical location within the ZIP code. Residents closer to major healthcare facilities, such as NHRMC or the many clinics along **Oleander Drive**, will generally have better scores than those residing in more remote areas. The score will also consider the availability of primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care facilities within the 28403 area. The presence of a diverse healthcare ecosystem, including mental health services and dental care, will positively influence the score.

The Overall Health Score will be negatively impacted by factors that hinder healthcare access. This includes the potential for long drive times due to traffic congestion, the limitations of public transit, the cost of ride-sharing, and the availability of specialized medical transport. The score will also consider the overall health of the community, taking into account factors such as access to healthy food options and opportunities for physical activity.

In conclusion, the Overall Health Score for 28403 reflects a mixed picture. While the area benefits from the presence of major medical facilities and the availability of various transportation options, challenges remain. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing can create barriers to healthcare access for some residents. However, the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport providers offers valuable alternatives.

Moving to Wilmington, NC, and specifically 28403, requires careful consideration of these factors. Prospective residents should assess their individual transportation needs and healthcare requirements. The Overall Health Score, considering the nuances of transportation and healthcare access, provides a valuable framework for making informed decisions. It's a reminder that the ease of getting to a doctor's appointment is as important as the quality of care received. The better the transportation, the better the healthcare access, and the better the overall health of the community.