29912, Coosawhatchie, South Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 29912, Coosawhatchie, South Carolina is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 29912 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.21 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Beaufort County Memorial Hospital with a distance of 18.22 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 29912 (Coosawhatchie, South Carolina)**

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This analysis provides an “Overall Health Score” for residents of ZIP Code 29912, focusing on the crucial element of transportation to medical facilities. This score considers various factors, including drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility for those living and potentially *moving to Coosawhatchie*.

Coosawhatchie, South Carolina, a rural community, faces unique challenges in healthcare access. The primary challenge is distance. The nearest hospitals and specialized medical facilities are located in larger towns and cities, necessitating travel. The “Overall Health Score” for this area will reflect the impact of this distance on residents' ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The most common mode of *transportation* in this area is personal vehicles. The primary routes to healthcare facilities are via US-17, US-278, and SC-68. Driving times, however, are significantly impacted by traffic, especially during peak hours. For example, the drive to Beaufort Memorial Hospital in Beaufort, approximately 30 miles away, can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic on US-17.

Similarly, the drive to Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville, roughly 20 miles away, typically takes 30-45 minutes via US-17 and US-278. Accessing specialized care in Savannah, Georgia, a common destination for advanced medical needs, requires a longer journey. The drive, primarily via US-17, can take over an hour, even without heavy traffic. These extended drive times pose a significant barrier, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions, emergencies, or those lacking reliable *transportation*.

**Public Transit Assessment:**

Public *transportation* options in 29912 are limited. The Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority (LCRTA) offers some bus services, but their routes and schedules may not adequately serve the needs of residents seeking healthcare. The existing routes, if they serve the area at all, often have infrequent schedules and limited coverage, making them impractical for many medical appointments.

Furthermore, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration. While LCRTA is mandated to provide accessible services, the availability of wheelchair-accessible buses and the ease of navigating bus stops in a rural setting are crucial. The sparse population and limited infrastructure in Coosawhatchie may present challenges in providing fully accessible and convenient public transit options. The lack of robust public transit severely limits healthcare access for those who cannot drive, especially the elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence may be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas. The availability of drivers and the cost of rides can be significant barriers. The cost of a ride to Beaufort or Hardeeville can be substantial, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical *transportation* services, specifically designed for patients with mobility issues or medical needs, are another option. Companies like MedTrans and First Medical Transportation may provide services in the region. However, these services are often more expensive than ride-sharing or personal vehicles, and their availability may be limited. Booking these services often requires advance notice, which is problematic in emergencies.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Considering the factors discussed, the “Overall Health Score” for healthcare *access* in 29912 is moderate. While residents can access healthcare, the reliance on personal vehicles, long drive times, and limited public transit options create significant challenges. The score reflects the potential for delays in receiving care, increased costs, and difficulties for those without reliable *transportation*.

To improve the “Overall Health Score” and enhance healthcare accessibility, several recommendations are crucial. Firstly, improving public *transportation* is essential. This includes expanding LCRTA routes and schedules to better serve Coosawhatchie and the surrounding areas, with a focus on frequent service to healthcare facilities. ADA accessibility must be prioritized.

Secondly, incentivizing ride-sharing services to operate more consistently in the area could increase *access*. This could involve partnerships between local government, healthcare providers, and ride-sharing companies. Subsidies or discounted rides for medical appointments could make these services more affordable.

Thirdly, expanding the availability of medical *transportation* services is vital. This could involve partnering with existing medical transport companies or establishing local initiatives to provide affordable and accessible medical *transportation*.

Finally, promoting telehealth and telemedicine services could reduce the need for travel. Expanding broadband internet *access* in the area would be a crucial step in enabling these services. This would be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, consultations, and managing chronic conditions.

**Conclusion:**

Improving healthcare *access* in 29912 requires a multi-faceted approach. Addressing the challenges of *transportation* is paramount. By investing in public transit, ride-sharing, medical transport, and telehealth, the community can significantly improve its “Overall Health Score” and ensure that all residents, including those *moving to Coosawhatchie*, can receive the timely and appropriate medical care they need. The health and well-being of this community depend on it.