43311, Bellefontaine, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 43311, Bellefontaine, Ohio is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

81.40 percent of residents in 43311 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mary Rutan Hospital with a distance of 0.73 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 43311 (Bellefontaine, OH)

This analysis provides an “Overall Health Score” for residents of ZIP Code 43311, focusing on their access to healthcare facilities. This score considers the ease and efficiency of transportation options, crucial for timely medical care. The ability to reach healthcare providers significantly impacts individual and community well-being, especially for those considering moving to Bellefontaine. We delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, providing a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility.

The overall score is a composite of several factors, including the proximity of healthcare facilities, the quality and availability of transportation options, and the affordability of these services. We evaluate the potential impact of these factors on residents' ability to receive timely and appropriate medical attention. The score reflects the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access within this specific geographic area.

### Drive Times: The Road to Wellness

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Bellefontaine is by personal vehicle. Drive times to various healthcare providers are a critical component of our assessment. The main thoroughfares influencing commute times are US Route 68 and State Route 47, both heavily trafficked routes. The availability of these routes directly impacts the speed and convenience of accessing medical services.

For residents in the heart of Bellefontaine, the Mary Rutan Hospital is typically within a 5–10 minute drive. This proximity is a significant advantage, offering immediate access to emergency services and a wide range of medical specialties. However, accessing specialized care, such as cardiology or oncology, may require travel to larger cities like Columbus or Dayton.

Traveling to Columbus, approximately 50–60 miles away, involves navigating US Route 33, a major highway that can experience congestion during peak hours. Drive times to Columbus-based hospitals and specialists can range from 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Similarly, accessing Dayton, roughly 40 miles away, involves navigating State Route 47 and I-75, which can also be subject to traffic delays, extending the commute to around 45 minutes to an hour.

These longer drive times to specialized care centers represent a potential challenge for residents, particularly those requiring regular appointments or facing urgent medical needs. The reliance on personal vehicles also underscores the importance of reliable transportation and the potential burden of vehicle maintenance and fuel costs. This is a key consideration for those moving to Bellefontaine.

### Public Transit: A Limited Option

Public transportation options within ZIP Code 43311 are limited, which significantly impacts the Overall Health Score. The Logan County Transit provides some bus services, but the routes and schedules are restricted, mainly focusing on local routes within Bellefontaine and surrounding areas. These services often have limited operating hours, potentially restricting access to healthcare appointments outside of typical business hours.

The availability of public transportation directly affects the mobility of individuals who do not have access to personal vehicles, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The lack of comprehensive public transit can create a barrier to accessing necessary medical care, especially for those living in more rural areas of the ZIP Code.

The Logan County Transit does offer ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the available services. However, the limited frequency and route coverage of these buses remain a significant constraint on healthcare access. The absence of a robust public transportation system is a major factor affecting the overall health score.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Bellefontaine, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas of the ZIP Code. Ride-sharing fares can also be a significant expense for individuals with limited incomes, impacting their ability to access healthcare.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, provide another option. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance during transportation. Several medical transport companies operate in the area, including local providers and national brands. However, the cost of medical transport can be substantial, and the availability of these services may be limited, particularly for non-emergency appointments.

The reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport services highlights the challenges faced by residents who lack reliable transportation. These services can be essential for accessing healthcare, but their availability and affordability are significant factors influencing the Overall Health Score. These options are crucial for ensuring healthcare access, but they do not fully compensate for the lack of robust public transit.

### Overall Health Score and Considerations for Moving to Bellefontaine

Considering the factors discussed, the Overall Health Score for residents of ZIP Code 43311 is moderate. The proximity of Mary Rutan Hospital offers a significant advantage for immediate healthcare needs. However, the limited public transportation options and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially expensive ride-sharing and medical transport services for accessing specialized care pose challenges.

For individuals considering moving to Bellefontaine, understanding these transportation limitations is essential. While the community offers a welcoming environment and a good quality of life, the accessibility of healthcare services should be a key consideration. Those reliant on public transportation or with mobility limitations should carefully evaluate their healthcare access needs.

The availability of healthcare services is a vital component of community well-being. While Bellefontaine offers local healthcare resources, the need for improved public transportation and increased access to affordable ride-sharing and medical transport options is evident. These improvements would significantly enhance the Overall Health Score and improve the quality of life for all residents, solidifying Bellefontaine's appeal for those seeking a new home.

The community's commitment to addressing these transportation and healthcare access challenges will be crucial for improving the Overall Health Score and ensuring that all residents can receive the timely and appropriate medical care they need. The future of healthcare access in Bellefontaine hinges on innovative solutions that prioritize the well-being of its residents.