23070, Hardyville, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 23070, Hardyville, Virginia is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

35.86 percent of residents in 23070 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Rappahannock General Hospital with a distance of 10.24 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 23070

This analysis provides an overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 23070, focusing on transportation access to healthcare facilities. Understanding the ease of reaching medical services is crucial for assessing community well-being, especially for those considering **moving to Hardyville**. This score integrates drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of **healthcare access** within the area.

ZIP Code 23070, encompassing the charming community of Hardyville, Virginia, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare access. Situated in a more rural setting, residents often face longer travel distances compared to those in more urbanized areas. The health score reflects this reality, acknowledging the importance of reliable **transportation** options for maintaining good health.

The primary determinant of the health score is drive time to various healthcare providers. The analysis considers travel to hospitals, urgent care clinics, primary care physicians, specialists, and pharmacies. The most significant healthcare facility is Riverside Tappahannock Hospital, approximately a 20-25 minute drive, depending on traffic. This journey typically involves navigating Route 17, a major thoroughfare, and then transitioning onto Hospital Road. During peak hours, congestion on Route 17 can significantly extend travel times.

Access to primary care physicians within ZIP Code 23070 itself is somewhat limited. Residents often travel to neighboring towns like Tappahannock or Saluda for routine medical appointments. The drive to these locations typically involves Route 3, a scenic but sometimes slow-moving road, and can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.

Specialist care often necessitates longer journeys. Residents may need to travel to Richmond, approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive via Route 17 and Interstate 64, for specialized medical services. This longer travel time can be a significant barrier to care, especially for individuals with chronic conditions or mobility limitations.

Public transit options within ZIP Code 23070 are limited. There is no dedicated public bus service operating within the immediate area. The absence of public transportation presents a considerable challenge for those without personal vehicles, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. This lack of public transit negatively impacts the overall health score.

While public transit is absent, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area. However, their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote locations. The reliability of ride-sharing services is a factor that influences the overall health score, as it affects the dependability of transportation to healthcare appointments.

Medical transport services are available to address the needs of individuals who require assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. These services, such as those offered by private ambulance companies or non-emergency medical transportation providers, can be a valuable resource for those with mobility limitations or other health concerns. However, the cost of these services can be a barrier for some, further impacting the health score.

The availability of pharmacies within ZIP Code 23070 is generally good. Residents have access to local pharmacies and, in some cases, pharmacies within larger retail stores. This proximity to pharmacies improves the health score, as it ensures easy access to medications.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration for both public and private transportation options. While ride-sharing services may offer some accommodations, the lack of dedicated ADA-compliant public transit presents a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities. The health score reflects the need for improved accessibility to ensure equitable healthcare access for all residents.

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 23070 is moderately impacted by the rural setting. While the area offers a reasonable level of access to primary care and pharmacy services, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the longer travel times to specialist care and hospitals in Richmond, significantly reduce the overall score.

The health score is further influenced by the cost of transportation, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and the potential expense of ride-sharing or medical transport services. These financial burdens can exacerbate existing health disparities and limit access to care for low-income residents.

To improve the health score, several strategies could be implemented. The expansion of public transportation, including the introduction of a bus route connecting Hardyville to nearby towns and healthcare facilities, would be a significant step forward. This would benefit those without personal vehicles and improve overall **healthcare access**.

Collaboration between healthcare providers, local government, and transportation companies could also improve access. This could involve establishing partnerships to provide subsidized transportation for low-income patients or implementing programs to promote carpooling or ride-sharing among residents.

Investing in telehealth services could also mitigate the challenges of long travel distances. Telehealth allows patients to access medical consultations and receive care remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits and improving convenience.

The development of a community-based health center within ZIP Code 23070 could improve access to primary care and other essential services. This would reduce travel times for residents and provide a more convenient location for healthcare appointments.

The implementation of these strategies would contribute to a more equitable and accessible healthcare system for residents of ZIP Code 23070. By addressing the challenges of transportation and improving access to care, the overall health score can be elevated, contributing to a healthier and more vibrant community. The overall health score is a dynamic measure and can improve with community involvement and strategic planning.