02879, Wakefield, Rhode Island Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 02879, Wakefield, Rhode Island is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.56 percent of residents in 02879 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is South County Hospital Inc with a distance of 0.59 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Wakefield, RI (ZIP Code 02879)

Evaluating healthcare access in Wakefield, Rhode Island (ZIP Code 02879), requires a comprehensive understanding of the transportation landscape. This assessment, a crucial factor for anyone considering moving to Wakefield, focuses on commute times, public transit options, and readily available ride-sharing and medical transport services. The goal is to provide a clear ‘Overall Health Score’ reflecting the ease and efficiency of accessing healthcare within and around this coastal community.

The foundation of any health score lies in the ability to reach medical facilities promptly. For residents of Wakefield, the primary arteries for vehicular transportation are Route 1, a major north-south corridor, and Route 1A, offering scenic coastal access. Interstate 95, a vital link to Providence and beyond, lies a short distance west, adding to the transportation network. The time required to reach healthcare providers varies significantly depending on the destination and time of day, impacting the Overall Health Score.

Drive times to key healthcare destinations are paramount. South County Hospital, a primary care facility, is conveniently located within Wakefield, ensuring quick access for many residents. Travel times to this hospital are generally minimal, particularly for those residing in central Wakefield. However, access to specialists and more comprehensive care often necessitates journeys to Providence, approximately 30 miles north.

The drive to Providence, typically via I-95, can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour during peak commuting hours. This extended travel time negatively impacts the Overall Health Score, especially for individuals requiring frequent specialist visits or experiencing urgent medical needs. Traffic congestion, a common occurrence on I-95, further complicates matters, potentially delaying critical medical attention.

Public transit plays a role, albeit a limited one, in healthcare access. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) provides bus service throughout the state, including routes that serve Wakefield. Route 60, the primary bus line serving Wakefield, offers connections to Providence and other key destinations. However, bus travel times are considerably longer than driving, often exceeding an hour to reach Providence.

Furthermore, the frequency of bus service, particularly during evenings and weekends, can be infrequent, posing challenges for those requiring healthcare appointments outside of typical business hours. While RIPTA strives to provide ADA-accessible buses, the overall reliance on public transit significantly lowers the Overall Health Score for those with mobility limitations or time constraints.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles or those seeking a more convenient travel experience. These services are readily available in Wakefield, providing on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments or longer distances.

The availability of ride-sharing also depends on driver availability, which can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This reliance on ride-sharing, while improving access compared to public transit alone, does not fully compensate for the potential for delays or increased expenses, thus impacting the Overall Health Score.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with specific needs, provide another layer of healthcare access. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and smaller, local providers offer ambulance services for emergencies and non-emergency medical transport for scheduled appointments. These services are crucial for individuals with mobility issues or those requiring specialized medical attention during transit.

However, medical transport services can be costly, and their availability may be limited depending on insurance coverage and the specific needs of the patient. While these services enhance the Overall Health Score for those who require them, they do not address the broader transportation challenges faced by the general population.

The overall healthcare landscape in Wakefield, RI, is significantly influenced by the interplay of these transportation factors. The proximity of South County Hospital provides a strong foundation for healthcare access. However, the need to travel to Providence for specialized care, coupled with the limitations of public transit and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transport, creates a complex picture.

For individuals considering moving to Wakefield, the ability to drive to healthcare facilities is a major advantage. However, those who rely on public transit or ride-sharing will face challenges, particularly regarding travel times and costs. The Overall Health Score, therefore, reflects a mixed picture, with strengths in local access but weaknesses in regional connectivity.

The Overall Health Score for healthcare access in Wakefield, RI (ZIP Code 02879) is moderately favorable. The availability of local healthcare facilities, coupled with the presence of ride-sharing services, contributes positively. However, the reliance on I-95 for access to specialized care in Providence, the limitations of public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transport, detract from the score.

Prospective residents should carefully consider their individual healthcare needs and transportation preferences when evaluating the Overall Health Score. Those with reliable transportation and minimal specialist needs will find the access to healthcare in Wakefield to be generally good. However, individuals who rely on public transit, require frequent specialist visits, or have limited mobility should factor in the potential challenges associated with accessing healthcare.

The Overall Health Score is a dynamic assessment, influenced by ongoing developments in transportation infrastructure and healthcare services. As Wakefield continues to grow and evolve, improvements in public transit, ride-sharing availability, and the expansion of local healthcare facilities could significantly enhance the Overall Health Score, making the community even more attractive to those prioritizing healthcare access.