23459, Virginia Beach, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 23459, Virginia Beach, Virginia is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

87.03 percent of residents in 23459 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.51 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital with a distance of 5.89 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 23459

Navigating the complexities of healthcare access is a critical consideration for anyone contemplating a move, especially when relocating to a new area like Virginia Beach, Virginia. This analysis provides an “Overall Health Score” for residents of ZIP code 23459, focusing on transportation options to healthcare facilities, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport. This score aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of healthcare accessibility, empowering informed decisions about your well-being.

The Overall Health Score for 23459 is calculated based on the ease and efficiency of reaching healthcare providers, encompassing various factors. These include the proximity of facilities, the availability and reliability of transportation methods, and the overall convenience of accessing medical care. A higher score signifies better healthcare access, promoting greater well-being for residents.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The cornerstone of healthcare access in 23459 is the automobile. Residents typically rely on personal vehicles to reach medical appointments. Drive times are significantly influenced by traffic patterns, particularly during peak hours. The primary roadways impacting healthcare access are Interstate 64 (I-64), Virginia Beach Boulevard, and Independence Boulevard.

Residents residing in the western portion of 23459, closer to the intersection of I-64 and Independence Boulevard, often experience shorter drive times to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and various medical offices clustered along Independence Boulevard. Expect a commute of approximately 10-15 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

Conversely, those residing in the eastern areas, closer to the oceanfront, might face longer drive times, potentially exceeding 20 minutes during rush hour, particularly when navigating Virginia Beach Boulevard. This road often experiences congestion, especially during the tourist season.

Access to specialized care, such as the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD) Health Center, may involve longer drives, depending on the location within 23459. The distance and traffic conditions on I-64 and connecting roads like Newtown Road will influence the travel time.

**Public Transit Pathways:**

Public transportation in Virginia Beach, while improving, presents limitations in terms of healthcare access compared to driving. Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) operates several bus routes serving 23459. These routes, including the 20, 22, and 24, provide connections to major healthcare hubs.

The 20 route, for instance, travels along Virginia Beach Boulevard, offering access to various medical offices and Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. The 22 route serves the central area, while the 24 route provides connections to the southern part of the city.

However, public transit can be less convenient than driving. Bus schedules may not align perfectly with appointment times, and travel times are generally longer due to multiple stops. While HRT strives to provide accessible services, with ADA-compliant buses, the overall reliance on public transit for healthcare access in 23459 is limited.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to driving or public transit. These services provide on-demand transportation, potentially reducing wait times and improving convenience. However, ride-sharing costs can fluctuate, particularly during peak demand periods.

Medical transportation services are specifically designed for individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs. These services, including companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and local providers, offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

These services are particularly valuable for individuals who cannot drive or use public transit. However, it's crucial to consider the cost and availability of these services, as they may require advance booking and have associated fees.

**Healthcare Facility Proximity:**

The proximity of healthcare facilities is a crucial factor in determining healthcare access. 23459 benefits from the presence of several medical facilities, including Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, various urgent care centers, and numerous primary care physician offices.

The concentration of medical providers along Independence Boulevard and Virginia Beach Boulevard offers residents a range of choices. The availability of urgent care centers provides convenient access to immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions.

The presence of specialized clinics, such as those offering physical therapy, mental health services, and dental care, further enhances healthcare access within and around 23459. However, the specific location of a resident within the ZIP code can influence the proximity to these facilities.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

Considering all factors, the Overall Health Score for 23459 reflects a moderate level of healthcare access. Driving remains the most convenient and efficient mode of transportation for reaching medical appointments. Public transit provides a viable, albeit less convenient, alternative. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services offer additional options, especially for those with mobility limitations.

The score is influenced by the reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for traffic congestion on major roadways, and the limitations of public transit. While the availability of healthcare facilities is generally good, the commute times and transportation options require careful consideration.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

To enhance healthcare access in 23459, several improvements could be implemented. These include:

* **Investing in public transit:** Expanding bus routes and increasing service frequency, particularly during peak hours, would improve accessibility for residents without vehicles.
* **Promoting ride-sharing programs:** Partnering with ride-sharing companies to offer discounted fares for medical appointments could improve affordability.
* **Enhancing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure:** Creating safer and more accessible routes for walking and cycling could encourage alternative modes of transportation.
* **Expanding medical transportation services:** Increasing the availability of NEMT and wheelchair-accessible vehicles would benefit individuals with mobility limitations.

By addressing these factors, the Overall Health Score for 23459 can be improved, ensuring that all residents have access to the healthcare they need. Choosing to move to Virginia Beach, and specifically 23459, requires a careful assessment of these variables to ensure a seamless transition to a new home.