02857, North Scituate, Rhode Island Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 02857, North Scituate, Rhode Island is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.56 percent of residents in 02857 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.28 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Our Lady Of Fatima Hospital with a distance of 9.40 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 02857 (North Scituate, RI)

This analysis assesses the ease with which residents of ZIP Code 02857 (North Scituate, Rhode Island) can access healthcare services, focusing on transportation options and their impact on overall health. We’ll evaluate drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, ultimately providing an "Overall Health Score" reflecting the accessibility of medical care. This information is particularly valuable for anyone considering moving to North Scituate, allowing for informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs.

The foundation of healthcare access in North Scituate is heavily reliant on personal **transportation**. The town's rural character and limited public transit necessitate a reliance on private vehicles for most residents. This dependence significantly influences the time and effort required to reach medical appointments, impacting the overall health score.

Drive times are a crucial factor. Residents of North Scituate typically use **Route 116** and **Route 102** to navigate the town and connect to larger roadways. Traveling to nearby towns like Smithfield or Johnston for primary care might involve a 15-25 minute drive, depending on traffic. Accessing hospitals in Providence, such as Rhode Island Hospital or Women & Infants Hospital, can take 30-45 minutes, especially during peak hours. The **Route 146** expressway provides a faster route to Providence but can experience heavy congestion. Understanding these drive times is critical for managing appointments and ensuring timely medical attention.

Public transit options are limited in North Scituate. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) provides bus service, but routes are infrequent and primarily serve the more populated areas. Route 29, for example, offers limited service along Putnam Pike (Route 44), the main thoroughfare. This route may be useful for accessing some medical facilities in nearby towns. However, the service frequency and route coverage are inadequate for many residents, especially those living in the more remote sections of North Scituate. Furthermore, ADA accessibility features on these buses are essential for individuals with disabilities, ensuring equitable **healthcare access**.

Ride-sharing services offer an alternative. Both Uber and Lyft operate in the area, providing on-demand **transportation**. However, availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with lower population density. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some, especially for frequent medical appointments. While offering a convenient option, ride-sharing's reliability and affordability must be carefully considered when evaluating the overall health score.

Medical transport services are designed to assist individuals with mobility limitations. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for those who cannot drive or use public transit. These services are crucial for residents with disabilities or chronic illnesses, ensuring they can reach medical appointments safely. However, NEMT services often require advance booking and can be costly, adding another layer of complexity to **healthcare access**.

Assessing the overall health score requires considering all these factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing, and the need for specialized medical transport all contribute to the final score. The score is not just about the physical distance to healthcare facilities but also the time, cost, and convenience associated with reaching them.

The availability of specific healthcare facilities within the ZIP Code also influences the score. While North Scituate has some local medical offices, residents often need to travel to nearby towns or Providence for specialized care, further impacting drive times and **transportation** needs. The presence of urgent care centers or walk-in clinics in the vicinity can improve the overall score by providing readily available care for minor illnesses and injuries.

For individuals considering **moving to North Scituate**, understanding these transportation challenges is crucial. They should assess their personal healthcare needs, including the frequency of appointments and the types of services required. Evaluating the availability and cost of different **transportation** options is essential to ensure they can readily access the medical care they need.

The overall health score for commuting to healthcare in ZIP Code 02857 is moderate. While the area is relatively safe and offers a pleasant living environment, the limited public transit options and reliance on personal vehicles create challenges for **healthcare access**. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides some alternatives, but their cost and reliability must be considered.

The score could be improved by increasing public transit frequency and route coverage, especially along key corridors like Putnam Pike. Promoting ride-sharing programs or subsidized transportation options for seniors and individuals with disabilities would also be beneficial. Finally, encouraging the development of more medical facilities within the ZIP Code would reduce drive times and improve the overall health score for residents of North Scituate. The ease of **transportation** directly influences the quality of life and the ability of residents to maintain their health.