23435, Suffolk, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 23435, Suffolk, Virginia is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.91 percent of residents in 23435 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.99 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center with a distance of 6.53 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 23435

Navigating the landscape of healthcare access is a critical consideration for anyone contemplating a move, especially when evaluating a specific location like Suffolk, Virginia, and its 23435 ZIP code. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" by assessing the ease of transportation to medical facilities, considering various modes and their associated challenges. The score reflects the accessibility of healthcare, a crucial factor in overall well-being.

The 23435 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of Suffolk, presents a mixed bag of transportation options. The primary mode of transportation is, unsurprisingly, personal vehicles. The area is largely suburban, designed around the automobile. This necessitates an understanding of drive times and the roadways that connect residents to their healthcare needs.

The major arteries influencing healthcare access include US-58, a vital east-west corridor, and US-13, running north-south. These highways are essential for reaching major medical centers. Smaller roads, like Godwin Boulevard, Bridge Road, and Kings Fork Road, serve as crucial connectors, offering access to local clinics and practices. Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times.

For example, a resident in the northern part of 23435 might face a 20-30 minute drive to Sentara Obici Hospital, a primary healthcare provider in the area, via US-58 or Godwin Boulevard. Those residing further south might find themselves closer to medical facilities in the neighboring cities of Chesapeake or North Carolina, potentially increasing drive times to 45 minutes or more, depending on traffic and the specific destination.

Public transportation, while present, offers limited options within the 23435 ZIP code. The Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) system provides bus routes, but their coverage is not extensive, and frequency can be a concern. Route 40, for instance, might offer a connection to a limited number of healthcare facilities, but its schedule might not align with urgent medical needs. The accessibility of public transit is further complicated by the need for transfers, potentially extending travel times considerably.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance is a crucial factor. HRT strives to provide accessible services, but the availability of wheelchair-accessible buses and the presence of accessible stops vary. Individuals with mobility limitations might face challenges navigating the public transit system, making it less viable as a primary mode of transportation to healthcare. The reliance on public transit can be a substantial barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible alternative to public transportation. Their availability in 23435 is generally good, providing on-demand transportation to medical appointments. However, ride-share costs can accumulate, particularly for frequent appointments or longer distances. The financial burden of relying on ride-sharing should be considered when assessing overall healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, provide another option. Companies like Firstat Nursing Services and American Medical Response (AMR) operate in the region, offering specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often cater to those who require assistance getting in and out of vehicles or have other mobility challenges. However, these services often come at a higher cost than ride-sharing or public transit, making them less accessible for some.

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in 23435 is influenced by the interplay of these transportation options. While personal vehicles offer the most direct and flexible route, the reliance on them can be a disadvantage for those without access to a car or those who are unable to drive. Public transit, although present, is limited in its coverage and frequency. Ride-sharing services provide a convenient alternative but come with financial considerations. Medical transportation services offer specialized support but are often the most expensive option.

The "Overall Health Score" is therefore moderate. The availability of multiple transportation options provides a degree of flexibility. However, the limitations of public transit, the cost of ride-sharing, and the higher cost of medical transportation services can create significant barriers to healthcare access for certain populations.

Consider the potential impact of these transportation factors when contemplating moving to Suffolk. Evaluate your individual healthcare needs and assess the feasibility of each transportation option. Consider the proximity of healthcare facilities to potential residences and the ease of access via various transportation modes.

For those considering a move to Suffolk, understanding the intricacies of transportation to healthcare is paramount. Researching the specific locations of medical providers and the available transportation options from potential residences is essential. This proactive approach will help ensure that healthcare access is not a barrier to a healthy and fulfilling life in the 23435 ZIP code. The ability to efficiently and affordably access healthcare is a cornerstone of well-being, and a thorough assessment of transportation options is vital in this process.