23409, Mears, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 23409, Mears, Virginia is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

86.05 percent of residents in 23409 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 28.90 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital with a distance of 12.54 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 23409

Assessing the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 23409 requires a deep dive into healthcare access, heavily influenced by the transportation options available. This analysis considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of how easily individuals can reach vital medical care. The goal is to determine the ease and efficiency with which residents can navigate the transportation landscape to receive healthcare.

ZIP Code 23409, encompassing parts of Virginia Beach, presents a unique challenge. While the area offers a suburban feel, it also experiences traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. This congestion significantly impacts healthcare access, as even short distances can become extended commutes, potentially delaying critical medical attention. The overall health score will reflect this reality, factoring in the time and effort required to reach various healthcare facilities.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries**

The primary arteries for transportation in 23409 are the major highways and local roads. Interstate 264 (I-264) serves as the primary east-west corridor, connecting residents to hospitals and medical centers located further west. Traveling on I-264, you can anticipate an average commute time of 15-30 minutes to reach Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, the closest major hospital.

However, traffic on I-264 can be unpredictable, especially during rush hour, which can dramatically increase travel times. The average drive time to Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, located further south, is roughly 20-40 minutes, again depending on traffic conditions.

Local roads, such as Independence Boulevard, Great Neck Road, and Laskin Road, provide alternative routes. These roads offer access to numerous medical practices, clinics, and urgent care facilities. However, they are often congested, especially near shopping centers and during school hours. These roads provide more direct access to smaller, neighborhood-based healthcare providers, but the trade-off is often slower speeds and more frequent stops.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Tide**

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) provides public transportation within the region, including 23409. While HRT offers a valuable service, its impact on healthcare access in this area is limited by route frequency and coverage. Several bus routes service the area, but they don't always directly connect to the major medical facilities.

Route 20, for instance, travels along Independence Boulevard, offering access to some medical offices. Route 24 serves the Great Neck area, providing access to clinics and medical practices. Route 25 connects to the Oceanfront, offering access to some medical facilities. However, these routes may require transfers, extending travel times significantly.

HRT strives to provide ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize public transit. However, the availability of accessible stops and the overall efficiency of the system can be a barrier for some. The overall health score will reflect the limited reach of public transit, particularly for those needing specialized care or experiencing mobility challenges.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: On-Demand Healthcare Access**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit. They provide on-demand transportation to healthcare appointments, potentially improving access for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. Ride-sharing services can be particularly beneficial for those needing quick access to urgent care or for follow-up appointments.

However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some, especially for frequent medical appointments. The overall health score will consider the financial implications of relying on ride-sharing for healthcare access.

Medical transport services are specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. Companies like Mears Transportation Group, a well-known provider in the region, offer specialized services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. These services are crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance.

The availability and affordability of medical transport services are critical factors in the overall health score. The score will assess the accessibility of these services for residents of 23409, considering factors such as insurance coverage and wait times. The possibility of moving to Mears for those requiring such transport is an important consideration.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

The overall health score for residents of 23409, considering the transportation landscape, is moderately positive, but with significant areas for improvement. While the area offers access to healthcare facilities, transportation challenges impact access. Drive times can be lengthy, particularly during peak hours. Public transit is limited in its coverage and frequency. Ride-sharing and medical transport services offer alternatives, but their cost and availability can be barriers.

The score will reflect the need for improved public transit options, including more direct routes to medical facilities and increased frequency. Investments in traffic management, such as smart traffic signals and improved road infrastructure, could reduce drive times and improve healthcare access.

The overall health score also highlights the importance of expanding medical transport services, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations. Increased awareness of available resources and assistance programs can help residents navigate the transportation landscape to access healthcare.

The overall health score is a dynamic measure, reflecting the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access. It serves as a valuable tool for identifying areas where improvements are needed, ensuring that residents of 23409 can receive timely and efficient medical care. The health score emphasizes the connection between transportation and healthcare, highlighting the need for integrated solutions that prioritize the well-being of the community.