23308, Bloxom, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 23308, Bloxom, Virginia is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.93 percent of residents in 23308 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 29.68 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital with a distance of 10.75 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in 23308 (Bloxom, VA)

Navigating the intricate web of healthcare access in Bloxom, Virginia (ZIP code 23308), demands a comprehensive understanding of transportation options. This write-up provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, evaluating the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach medical facilities. It considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities for healthcare access within this rural community. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering moving to Bloxom, ensuring informed decisions about their health and well-being.

The Overall Health Score for 23308 is significantly impacted by the area's rural nature. While offering a tranquil lifestyle, this characteristic often translates to longer distances and fewer transportation choices when it comes to accessing healthcare. The score reflects the degree of difficulty residents face in reaching essential medical services, factoring in both the time and cost involved.

**Drive Times: The Road to Wellness**

The primary arteries for transportation in and around Bloxom are Route 13, a major north-south thoroughfare, and Route 175. These roads are the lifeblood of the community, connecting residents to neighboring towns and cities where healthcare facilities are concentrated. The drive times to these facilities are a critical component of the Overall Health Score.

For basic medical needs, residents might travel to the nearby town of Accomac, approximately a 10-15 minute drive via Route 13. This short commute provides access to primary care physicians and urgent care clinics. However, for specialized care, the journey becomes more complex.

Reaching larger hospitals and specialist practices often necessitates a trip to Salisbury, Maryland, which is approximately a 45-60 minute drive via Route 13. This longer commute significantly impacts the Overall Health Score, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent medical appointments. The drive time is further affected by traffic, which can be heavier during peak hours and on weekends, potentially increasing the time spent on the road and thus impacting the overall health score.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in 23308 are limited. The Eastern Shore Area Agency on Aging (ESAAA) offers demand-response transportation services, primarily for seniors and individuals with disabilities. While these services are invaluable for those who qualify, they often require advance booking and may have limited availability.

There are no fixed-route bus services that directly serve Bloxom. This lack of readily available public transit significantly reduces the Overall Health Score, particularly for those who do not drive or are unable to afford private transportation. The absence of accessible and affordable public transit is a significant barrier to healthcare access for many residents. The ESAAA services are essential, but their limited scope and demand-response nature cannot fully compensate for the lack of a robust public transportation system.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration for any public transit option. ESAAA’s services are designed to be ADA compliant, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access transportation. However, the limited availability of these services underscores the need for improved public transit options in the region.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader Eastern Shore area, but their presence in Bloxom itself may be limited. Availability can vary depending on driver density and demand. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments, impacting the Overall Health Score.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot drive or utilize public transit. These services, such as those offered by local providers, transport patients to and from medical appointments. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, and they may require advance booking. The Overall Health Score is positively impacted by the presence of these services, but the cost and accessibility remain key factors.

**Overall Health Score: A Complex Equation**

The Overall Health Score for accessing healthcare in 23308 is moderate, reflecting the challenges posed by the area's rural setting. The score is negatively impacted by longer drive times to specialized medical facilities, the limited availability of public transit, and the potential cost and availability constraints of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

However, the presence of local primary care options, the availability of ESAAA services, and the existence of medical transport providers offer some mitigation. The score would significantly improve with enhanced public transit options, increased ride-sharing availability, and greater affordability of medical transport.

**Moving to Bloxom: A Healthcare Perspective**

For individuals considering moving to Bloxom, understanding the transportation landscape is paramount. Those who are able to drive will have the most flexibility in accessing healthcare. However, individuals who rely on public transit, ride-sharing, or medical transport should carefully assess the availability and cost of these services.

Prioritizing proximity to primary care physicians and urgent care clinics is advisable. Researching the availability of specialist care in neighboring towns and cities, and factoring in the associated drive times, is also crucial.

Ultimately, the Overall Health Score for 23308 highlights the need for ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access. This includes advocating for expanded public transit options, supporting affordable ride-sharing services, and ensuring the availability of accessible and affordable medical transport. These improvements will not only enhance the Overall Health Score but also contribute to the well-being of the entire community.