28463, Tabor City, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28463, Tabor City, North Carolina is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.59 percent of residents in 28463 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.30 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Columbus Regional Healthcare System with a distance of 16.29 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Tabor City, NC (ZIP Code 28463)

Considering a move to the charming town of Tabor City, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28463)? A crucial factor in your decision-making process should be understanding your **healthcare access** options. This comprehensive analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, focusing on the ease and efficiency of **transportation** to medical facilities. We delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, offering a clear picture of what to expect when seeking healthcare in and around Tabor City.

Tabor City, nestled in Columbus County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. The town itself offers limited immediate medical services, necessitating travel to surrounding areas. Therefore, understanding the transportation infrastructure becomes paramount in evaluating your overall health score. This assessment will consider factors such as the availability of transportation, the distance to medical facilities, and the accessibility of various options.

**Drive Times and Roadways: Navigating the Landscape**

The primary arteries for accessing healthcare from Tabor City are the roadways. The most direct route to significant medical facilities often involves navigating US Highway 701. This highway serves as a vital connector, linking Tabor City to Whiteville, the county seat, and further afield. Expect a drive time of approximately 30-45 minutes to reach Whiteville, depending on traffic and the specific location of your healthcare provider.

For more specialized care, residents frequently travel to larger cities like Wilmington, North Carolina, or Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. These destinations offer a broader range of medical specialists and advanced treatment options. The journey to Wilmington involves utilizing US Highway 74/76, a major east-west thoroughfare. The drive time to Wilmington typically ranges from 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific destination within the city.

Alternatively, a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, offers another avenue for healthcare access. This route utilizes US Highway 701 South and requires approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive. Traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons, can significantly impact travel times to both Wilmington and Myrtle Beach. Therefore, planning your trips and considering potential delays is crucial.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Unfortunately, the public transit options in and around Tabor City are limited. Columbus County does not have a robust public transportation system. There is no fixed-route bus service that directly serves Tabor City or provides frequent connections to major healthcare hubs. This lack of public transit significantly impacts the overall health score for those who do not have access to a personal vehicle.

Individuals who rely on public transportation face significant challenges in accessing healthcare. They must rely on alternative transportation methods, such as ride-sharing services or medical transportation, which can be more expensive and less readily available. This limitation underscores the importance of considering the availability of personal transportation when evaluating the feasibility of living in Tabor City.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Tabor City area, but their availability can be inconsistent. The frequency of service and the response times may vary depending on the time of day, the day of the week, and the demand for rides. This can make relying solely on ride-sharing for medical appointments challenging.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution for individuals who require assistance with their transportation needs. These services often provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for appointments, dialysis, and other medical treatments. Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including companies that cater to various needs. These services can be booked in advance, providing a more reliable and convenient option for accessing healthcare.

**ADA Accessibility: Ensuring Inclusivity**

When evaluating healthcare access, it's essential to consider the accessibility of transportation options for individuals with disabilities. Public transit, when available, should adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, ensuring that buses and other vehicles are equipped with ramps or lifts for wheelchair users.

Ride-sharing services, while not always explicitly ADA-compliant, can often accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing accessible vehicles upon request. Medical transportation services are generally equipped to handle the needs of individuals with disabilities, offering specialized vehicles and trained personnel.

**Overall Health Score: A Balanced Perspective**

The "Overall Health Score" for accessing healthcare in Tabor City, NC (ZIP Code 28463) reflects a mixed picture. While the town offers a peaceful environment and a close-knit community, the limited healthcare options within the immediate vicinity and the reliance on private transportation present challenges.

The availability of roadways like US Highway 701 and US Highway 74/76 provides relatively convenient access to nearby cities with healthcare facilities. However, the lack of a robust public transit system and the variable availability of ride-sharing services can create barriers for individuals who do not have access to a personal vehicle.

Medical transportation services offer a valuable alternative, but their cost and availability should be factored into the overall assessment. The overall health score is therefore contingent on the individual's ability to access reliable transportation.

**Moving to Tabor City: Informed Decision-Making**

For those considering moving to Tabor City, understanding the healthcare access landscape is crucial. Evaluate your transportation needs and consider the potential impact of limited public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation options.

Research the availability and cost of medical transportation services in the area. Assess the distance and drive times to healthcare providers and the potential for traffic delays. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether Tabor City is the right place for you, ensuring that your healthcare needs can be met effectively.

The overall health score is not inherently negative. It simply emphasizes the need for careful planning and consideration of your individual circumstances. With proactive planning and an understanding of the available resources, residents of Tabor City can successfully navigate the healthcare landscape and maintain their well-being.