29569, Loris, South Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 29569, Loris, South Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.72 percent of residents in 29569 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.65 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lighthouse Behavioral Health Hospital with a distance of 17.95 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 29569

Understanding the accessibility of healthcare is paramount when considering a move, especially to a community like Loris, South Carolina, within the 29569 ZIP code. This assessment provides an "Overall Health Score" by evaluating the ease with which residents can access essential medical services, considering various transportation options. This score will help prospective residents gauge the practical challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access, influencing their decision to relocate.

The score hinges on several factors, including drive times, the availability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transportation. Each element is weighed based on its impact on the ability of individuals to reach doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. The goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape in Loris, enabling informed decisions about health and well-being.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary mode of transportation in Loris is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The road network, while generally well-maintained, significantly impacts healthcare access. The most direct route to healthcare facilities in neighboring cities like Conway and Myrtle Beach often involves navigating US-701, a major artery that can experience congestion during peak hours. This congestion can extend drive times, especially for those needing urgent care.

Traveling to Conway, home to Conway Medical Center, typically takes around 20-30 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The route primarily utilizes US-701 South, offering a relatively straightforward journey. However, traffic bottlenecks near the intersection with SC-22, a key route to the coast, can add significant delays.

Reaching Myrtle Beach, a major healthcare hub with multiple hospitals and specialist clinics, requires a longer commute. The primary route involves US-701 South to SC-22 East, then navigating the city's arterial roads. This journey can take between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. The SC-22 toll road offers a faster alternative, but it comes with an added cost.

Smaller towns like Tabor City, North Carolina, are also accessible for healthcare needs, requiring travel on US-701 North. These trips can be shorter, but the availability of specialized services in these locations might be limited. The overall drive-time score considers these factors, emphasizing the importance of understanding peak traffic patterns when planning medical appointments.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options within the 29569 ZIP code are limited, posing a challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Grand Strand Area Transportation System (GSATS) provides some bus routes, but their coverage in Loris and surrounding areas is sparse. Routes are infrequent and often do not directly serve healthcare facilities.

The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial consideration for individuals with disabilities. GSATS offers ADA-compliant vehicles, ensuring accessibility for those who require it. However, the limited route network and infrequent schedules can still create significant barriers to healthcare access for this population. The lack of robust public transportation significantly lowers the overall health score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Loris area, offering a potential alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, their availability and affordability can vary. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can make these services costly, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Specialized medical transportation services are also available. These services cater specifically to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. Companies like First Transit and Access Transportation provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from medical appointments. These services often require advance booking and can be subject to availability.

The overall health score considers the reliability, cost, and availability of these ride-sharing and medical transportation options. While they offer a valuable service, their limitations impact the overall accessibility of healthcare for all residents.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the assessment of drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transportation, the "Overall Health Score" for access to healthcare in ZIP Code 29569 is moderate. While the road network offers reasonable access to healthcare facilities in nearby cities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transportation create significant challenges for some residents.

The score is particularly affected by the lack of robust public transit, which disproportionately impacts individuals without personal vehicles, those with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services provides some relief, but their cost and availability can be barriers.

For individuals considering moving to Loris, it is crucial to factor in these transportation challenges when assessing healthcare access. Recommendations include:

* **Prioritize proximity:** When choosing a residence, consider the proximity to essential healthcare facilities and the ease of access to major roads.
* **Explore transportation options:** Investigate the availability and cost of ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers.
* **Plan for appointments:** Factor in potential traffic delays when scheduling medical appointments, especially during peak hours.
* **Advocate for improved public transit:** Support initiatives to expand public transportation services in the area to enhance healthcare access for all residents.

By understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access, prospective residents can make informed decisions about their health and well-being in Loris, South Carolina. The "Overall Health Score" serves as a valuable tool for navigating the healthcare system and ensuring access to essential medical services.