22134, Quantico, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 22134, Quantico, Virginia is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

86.02 percent of residents in 22134 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.96 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center with a distance of 8.14 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 22134

Assessing the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 22134, which encompasses the area around Quantico, Virginia, requires a deep dive into the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by its unique location. The primary factor influencing this score is **healthcare access**, specifically the ease with which residents can reach necessary medical services. This, in turn, is heavily reliant on the available **transportation** options.

The geographical layout of 22134, nestled between the Potomac River and the Marine Corps Base Quantico, creates both advantages and disadvantages. While the presence of a major military installation provides access to healthcare resources for some, it also contributes to significant traffic congestion, impacting the broader community’s ability to reach medical facilities. This write-up analyzes the various modes of transportation available, their associated drive times, and the accessibility of healthcare providers to formulate a comprehensive health score assessment.

**Driving the Distance:**

For many residents, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation. The major arteries serving 22134 include Interstate 95 (I-95), the primary north-south thoroughfare, and U.S. Route 1 (US-1), a more local road that runs parallel to I-95. The proximity of these highways facilitates travel to larger medical centers in the broader Northern Virginia area, including those in Woodbridge, Fredericksburg, and even Washington, D.C.

However, the daily commute of military personnel and civilian workers to and from Quantico, combined with general commuter traffic, can create significant bottlenecks, particularly during peak hours. A typical drive to Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center in Woodbridge, a major hospital, can range from 20 minutes during off-peak hours to over an hour during rush hour, depending on traffic conditions on I-95. Reaching Inova Fairfax Hospital, a larger tertiary care center in Falls Church, can take over an hour, potentially stretching to two hours during peak congestion.

Smaller, more local medical practices and urgent care facilities are generally accessible within a 15-20 minute drive along US-1 or other local roads. These include facilities in Stafford and Dumfries. The availability of these closer options is a crucial element in the health score, offering quicker access for routine care and less severe medical needs.

**Public Transit Pathways:**

Public transportation offers an alternative to driving, particularly for those who prefer not to navigate the often-chaotic traffic. The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) provides commuter rail service, with a station located near Quantico. This offers a relatively efficient way to reach destinations further north, such as Alexandria and Washington, D.C., where a wider range of medical specialists and hospitals are available.

The VRE’s accessibility is a positive factor, but its schedule is primarily geared towards peak commuting hours, limiting its usefulness for off-peak medical appointments. Furthermore, the walk from the Quantico station to local medical facilities may require additional transportation, such as a taxi or ride-share.

Local bus services, operated by the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), also serve the area. These buses offer a more localized transportation network, connecting Quantico to surrounding communities. The PRTC provides routes that connect to medical offices and facilities within the region. ADA accessibility is a key consideration for these services, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize them.

However, the bus routes may have limited frequency and longer travel times compared to driving, potentially making them less appealing for urgent medical needs. The overall impact of public transit on the health score is therefore moderate, offering a viable option for some, but not necessarily a primary solution for all healthcare transportation needs.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are readily available in the 22134 area, offering on-demand transportation to medical appointments. These services can be particularly beneficial for individuals who do not own a car or are unable to drive. The convenience and flexibility of ride-sharing contribute positively to the health score.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or requiring specialized assistance, are also available. Companies like MedRide and CareRide offer non-emergency medical transportation, providing door-to-door service and assistance with boarding and disembarking. These services are particularly crucial for individuals with disabilities or those recovering from surgery, significantly improving their healthcare access.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation options is a significant asset, especially for individuals with limited mobility or those who cannot drive. These services provide a crucial link to healthcare facilities, enhancing the overall health score by ensuring that a wider range of residents can access necessary medical care.

**Healthcare Access and the Quantico Factor:**

The presence of the Marine Corps Base Quantico has a direct impact on healthcare access for residents. Military personnel and their families have access to the medical facilities on base, including the Naval Health Clinic Quantico. This provides a significant advantage for those eligible, but it does not necessarily address the healthcare needs of the broader civilian population in 22134.

The availability of civilian healthcare providers in the immediate vicinity is a critical factor. The number of primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care facilities within a reasonable distance directly influences the health score. The proximity of these facilities, combined with the efficiency of transportation options, determines how quickly and easily residents can access medical care.

**Overall Health Score Conclusion:**

The overall health score for residents of 22134 is moderately positive, but with areas for improvement. While the availability of transportation options, including driving, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, provides a degree of healthcare access, the challenges of traffic congestion on I-95 and the limitations of public transit schedules remain significant hurdles.

The health score is positively influenced by the presence of local medical practices and urgent care facilities, providing convenient access for routine care. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services further enhances access for individuals with mobility limitations.

However, the health score is negatively impacted by the potential for long drive times to larger hospitals and specialized medical centers, particularly during peak traffic hours. The limited frequency of public transit routes and the potential need for additional transportation to reach medical facilities also contribute to a slightly lower score.

For individuals **moving to Quantico**, a thorough understanding of the transportation options and the location of healthcare providers is crucial. Careful consideration of commute times, the availability of public transit, and the potential need for ride-sharing or medical transport services will be essential in ensuring timely access to healthcare. Continued investment in infrastructure improvements, expansion of public transit services, and the development of additional healthcare facilities within the area would further enhance the health score and improve the overall well-being of the 22134 community.