43154, Stoutsville, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 43154, Stoutsville, Ohio is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.28 percent of residents in 43154 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.51 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Berger Hospital with a distance of 5.45 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 43154

This assessment provides an Overall Health Score for residents of Stoutsville, Ohio (ZIP Code 43154), focusing on the critical aspect of healthcare access through various transportation options. The score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, offering a comprehensive view for those considering moving to Stoutsville or seeking to understand the community's healthcare accessibility.

The foundation of healthcare access in 43154 rests upon the convenience of personal vehicles. The primary arteries for travel are US Route 33, the main east-west thoroughfare, and Ohio Route 188, which runs north-south. These highways, though generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak commuting hours, potentially impacting access to healthcare facilities.

Driving to the nearest major healthcare hub, the OhioHealth Berger Hospital in Circleville, typically takes around 20-25 minutes via US-33 East. This drive is generally straightforward, offering a relatively quick route to essential medical services. However, emergency situations may necessitate faster transport, highlighting the importance of emergency medical services and their response times.

Further afield, Columbus offers a wider array of specialized healthcare options. Accessing facilities like The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center requires a drive of approximately 45-60 minutes, primarily via US-33 East and I-270. This longer commute underscores the importance of planning and considering potential delays when seeking specialized care.

Public transportation options in Stoutsville are limited. The primary provider is the Pickaway County Transit, offering demand-response services. These services, while available, are not a fixed-route system, meaning riders must schedule rides in advance. This can be a significant barrier to healthcare access, especially for those requiring urgent or unscheduled appointments.

The Pickaway County Transit does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring transportation for individuals with disabilities. However, the scheduling requirement and the limited service area, primarily focusing on Pickaway County, restrict its utility for accessing healthcare facilities in Columbus or other regional centers.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, offering another layer of transportation options. However, the availability of these services can fluctuate depending on demand and driver availability, particularly in a more rural area like Stoutsville. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, potentially making it a less viable option for frequent healthcare appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are also present. Companies like CareRide and MedStar Transportation offer specialized transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. These services are crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized medical support during transport.

The Overall Health Score for healthcare access in 43154 is influenced by several factors. The reliance on personal vehicles creates a dependence on individual mobility and vehicle ownership. The limited public transit options, while offering ADA accessibility, present challenges for those without access to a car or unable to drive. Ride-sharing services provide an alternative, but their availability and cost can be a concern. Medical transportation services offer a crucial lifeline for those with specific needs.

The drive times to healthcare facilities, while generally manageable, can be extended for specialized care in Columbus. This necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential delays. The availability of emergency medical services is vital, and their response times play a critical role in overall healthcare access.

Considering these factors, the Overall Health Score for healthcare access in 43154 is moderate. While the proximity to OhioHealth Berger Hospital offers convenient access to basic medical services, the limited public transit options and the longer commute times to specialized facilities in Columbus present challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services adds to the overall accessibility, but their cost and availability should be carefully considered.

For those considering moving to Stoutsville, a thorough assessment of individual transportation needs and healthcare requirements is essential. Understanding the limitations of public transit, the potential costs of ride-sharing, and the availability of medical transportation services is crucial for making informed decisions.

The community's efforts to improve healthcare access, such as advocating for expanded public transit options or supporting initiatives to increase the availability of ride-sharing services, would significantly enhance the Overall Health Score. Furthermore, promoting awareness of medical transportation services and their availability is essential.

In conclusion, while 43154 offers reasonable access to healthcare, particularly for those with personal vehicles, improvements in public transportation and the affordability and availability of ride-sharing services would significantly benefit the community. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their individual transportation needs and healthcare requirements when considering a move to Stoutsville. The Overall Health Score is a dynamic measure, influenced by ongoing developments in transportation infrastructure and healthcare service delivery.