23669, Hampton, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 23669, Hampton, Virginia is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.05 percent of residents in 23669 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.35 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hampton Va Medical Center with a distance of 1.58 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 23669

Assessing the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 23669 requires a comprehensive understanding of their ability to access healthcare. This encompasses more than just the presence of medical facilities; it considers the ease and efficiency with which individuals can reach those facilities. A crucial element is the transportation infrastructure, directly impacting healthcare access and, consequently, the overall health score.

ZIP Code 23669, encompassing portions of Hampton, Virginia, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. The area is characterized by a blend of suburban and urban environments, influencing transportation options and the time it takes to reach medical care. This analysis will delve into the primary modes of transportation, their associated challenges, and how they impact the overall health score for residents.

For those considering moving to Hampton, this information is vital. Understanding the healthcare access landscape is paramount to making informed decisions about where to live, especially if you or a family member have specific medical needs.

**Drive-Time Dynamics:**

The most common mode of transportation in this area is personal vehicles. Driving to healthcare facilities in 23669 offers a degree of flexibility, but drive times are heavily influenced by traffic patterns and the location of the facility. Primary roadways impacting healthcare access include Interstate 64 (I-64), the primary east-west artery, and the Hampton Roads Beltway (I-664), which provides north-south connectivity.

Reaching Sentara Careplex Hospital, a major healthcare provider, from various points within 23669 requires navigating these roadways. Residents in the Phoebus area, for instance, might experience a relatively short drive, primarily utilizing local roads like Mercury Boulevard and Settlers Landing Road, with minimal reliance on I-64. However, residents in areas further west, such as near the Hampton University campus, could face a longer commute, potentially encountering congestion on I-64 during peak hours.

Drive times to other facilities, like the Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, will vary depending on location and traffic. The journey often involves I-64 and the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel, which can be a significant bottleneck, particularly during rush hour. The time spent in transit directly impacts the overall health score, especially for those with time-sensitive medical needs. Delays can exacerbate health conditions and create stress, negatively affecting health outcomes.

**Public Transit Pathways:**

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) provides public transportation options within the region. The bus network offers a potentially cost-effective alternative to driving, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles or those seeking to avoid traffic. However, the impact of public transit on the overall health score in 23669 is complex.

Several HRT bus routes serve the area, including routes 105, 110, and 112, which traverse key areas within 23669. These routes offer connections to major medical facilities and other transportation hubs. However, the frequency of service, particularly during evenings and weekends, can be a limiting factor. The routes’ schedules might not align with the operating hours of all healthcare providers, creating accessibility challenges.

ADA accessibility is a critical factor. HRT strives to provide accessible services, with buses equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. However, the availability of accessible stops and the overall convenience of the system can still pose challenges for some users. The time required to navigate the public transit system, including waiting times and transfers, can be significantly longer than driving, potentially impacting the overall health score, especially for those with mobility issues or urgent medical needs.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, provide another transportation option. These services offer on-demand transportation, potentially providing a more convenient and flexible alternative to public transit, especially for those with limited mobility or those needing to travel at off-peak hours. However, the availability of ride-sharing services in 23669 can vary, and the cost of these services may be a barrier for some residents.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, are also available. These services, often provided by specialized companies or healthcare providers, offer a crucial lifeline for individuals who are unable to drive or use public transportation. The cost of these services can vary, and the availability might be limited, especially for non-emergency situations. The reliability and responsiveness of these services directly impact the overall health score.

**Healthcare Access and the Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for residents of 23669 is intricately linked to their ability to access healthcare. Drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services all play a role in determining the ease and efficiency with which individuals can reach medical care. Factors like traffic congestion, route frequency, and the cost of transportation can significantly impact the overall health score.

For those considering moving to Hampton, understanding these transportation dynamics is crucial. Choosing a residence closer to medical facilities or areas with better public transit access can improve healthcare access and, consequently, the overall health score.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for 23669 is a multifaceted concept, and transportation is a key component. While the area offers a range of transportation options, challenges remain. Drive times can be impacted by traffic, public transit may have limitations in terms of frequency and accessibility, and ride-sharing and medical transport services may present cost and availability issues.

Improving healthcare access in 23669 requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes optimizing public transit routes, enhancing ADA accessibility, promoting ride-sharing options, and ensuring the availability of affordable medical transport services. Furthermore, urban planning initiatives that prioritize accessibility to healthcare facilities can improve the overall health score for residents. By addressing these transportation challenges, the community can foster a healthier and more equitable environment for all.