28718, Cedar Mountain, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28718, Cedar Mountain, North Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

90.63 percent of residents in 28718 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.21 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Transylvania Regional Hospital, Inc with a distance of 8.06 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28718

Navigating the healthcare landscape is a critical aspect of overall well-being, especially when considering a move to a new area. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 28718 (Cedar Mountain, North Carolina), focusing on the accessibility of healthcare facilities. We’ll examine transportation options, including drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, to paint a comprehensive picture of healthcare access. This information will be invaluable for those considering moving to Cedar Mountain, ensuring they can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

The "Overall Health Score" will be a subjective assessment based on the availability and convenience of transportation options to healthcare facilities. Factors considered include drive times, public transit frequency and accessibility, ride-share availability, and the presence of medical transport services. A higher score indicates easier and more reliable access to healthcare.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

For residents of 28718, the primary method of transportation to healthcare will likely be personal vehicles. The landscape of Cedar Mountain necessitates this, and the condition of the roadways is key to the overall health score.

The most direct route to major healthcare providers often involves navigating **US-276** and **NC-280**. These roads, while scenic, can experience congestion during peak hours, particularly near Brevard and Arden. Drive times to facilities in these areas can vary significantly depending on traffic. During off-peak hours, a trip to AdventHealth Hendersonville (approximately 25 miles) might take around 45 minutes. However, during rush hour, this could easily extend to an hour or more.

Further afield, healthcare options in Asheville, accessible via **US-276** and then **I-26**, offer a broader range of specialized services. However, this adds considerable travel time. A trip to Mission Hospital in Asheville (approximately 40 miles) could easily take an hour and fifteen minutes or longer, especially during weekday commutes. The winding nature of **US-276** and the potential for delays on **I-26** should be factored into any healthcare planning.

Secondary roads, such as **NC-280** and local routes, offer alternative access points, but they can be slower and less direct. Road conditions, especially during inclement weather, can also impact travel times. Therefore, residents need to consider these variables when assessing their ability to reach healthcare facilities.

**Public Transit:**

Public transportation options within and around 28718 are limited. The primary provider is the Transylvania County Transportation Authority (TCTA). The TCTA offers demand-response services, meaning riders must schedule their trips in advance. This service is crucial for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive.

The TCTA’s service area includes Cedar Mountain and provides transportation to medical appointments. However, the scheduling requirements and potential for longer travel times due to multiple pickups and drop-offs can be a challenge.

Unfortunately, fixed-route bus service is not available in 28718. This severely limits healthcare access for those who rely on public transit. The absence of regular bus routes makes it difficult for residents to access healthcare facilities without relying on personal vehicles or the demand-response service.

The TCTA is ADA-compliant, offering accessible vehicles for individuals with disabilities. This is a crucial element for ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all residents. However, the reliance on pre-scheduled trips and the limited service area remain significant barriers.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their availability and reliability can fluctuate. While they offer a convenient option for spontaneous trips, the cost can be a deterrent for frequent healthcare visits. Ride-share availability may also be limited during off-peak hours or in remote areas.

Medical transport services, such as medical taxis and non-emergency ambulance services, are available for those who require assistance with mobility. These services are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. However, they can be expensive and often require pre-booking.

**Healthcare Access Assessment and Overall Health Score:**

Considering all factors, the "Overall Health Score" for residents of 28718 is moderate. While there are healthcare facilities within a reasonable driving distance, the reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit options, presents challenges.

The drive times to healthcare providers, especially during peak hours, can be significant. The lack of readily available public transit options, particularly fixed-route bus service, further restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. Ride-sharing services offer an alternative, but their availability and cost can be problematic.

The presence of medical transport services and the ADA-compliant TCTA service improves the score, ensuring that those with mobility issues can access healthcare. However, the pre-scheduling requirements and potential for longer travel times associated with these services remain limitations.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the "Overall Health Score" for 28718, several actions could be considered. Expanding public transit options, such as implementing fixed-route bus service, would significantly enhance healthcare access. Collaborating with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Promoting awareness of medical transport services and ensuring their affordability would further improve healthcare access. Investing in road infrastructure to reduce congestion and improve road conditions would also be beneficial.

**Conclusion:**

For those considering moving to Cedar Mountain, understanding the healthcare access landscape is crucial. While the area offers access to healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options present challenges. Careful planning and consideration of transportation options are essential for ensuring access to healthcare. This "Overall Health Score" provides a framework for evaluating healthcare access and highlights the need for ongoing efforts to improve healthcare accessibility for all residents of 28718.