23898, Zuni, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 23898, Zuni, Virginia is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.78 percent of residents in 23898 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.52 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bon Secours Southampton Memorial Hospital with a distance of 11.00 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Zuni, Virginia (ZIP Code 23898)

The quaint rural community of Zuni, Virginia (ZIP Code 23898), presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering overall health. A key factor influencing the well-being of its residents is **healthcare access**, specifically the ease and efficiency with which they can reach medical facilities. This analysis provides an “Overall Health Score” assessment, considering various **transportation** options and their impact on timely access to essential medical services. For anyone **moving to Zuni**, understanding these factors is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The primary concern for Zuni residents is the distance to comprehensive healthcare. The nearest hospitals and specialized medical centers are located in neighboring towns and cities, necessitating reliance on personal vehicles. The most direct route to Suffolk, offering Sentara Obici Hospital, involves navigating a combination of state routes and highways.

The journey typically begins on Route 620, a local road that connects Zuni to the larger thoroughfares. This then merges onto Route 604, also known as Carrsville Highway, before connecting with US-58, a major east-west highway. The final leg of the journey involves exiting US-58 and navigating local roads to reach Sentara Obici Hospital.

The drive-time to Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk, under normal traffic conditions, is approximately 20-30 minutes. However, this can vary significantly depending on the time of day, weather conditions, and any unforeseen incidents along the route. The rural nature of the area means that traffic congestion is generally minimal, but accidents or road closures can quickly disrupt access.

For residents needing specialized care, the drive to Norfolk or Richmond, which offer a wider range of medical services, becomes significantly longer. These trips involve using US-58, and then merging onto I-64 or I-95, respectively. The drive to Norfolk, home to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, while the journey to Richmond, with its extensive medical facilities, can take over an hour.

Public **transportation** options are extremely limited in Zuni. The area lacks a dedicated public bus system or readily available train services. This means that individuals without access to a personal vehicle face significant challenges in reaching healthcare facilities. This deficiency highlights the importance of alternative **transportation** solutions.

While public **transportation** is scarce, ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area. However, their reliability and cost-effectiveness can be a concern. The availability of drivers can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, especially for individuals with limited financial resources.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients with mobility issues or those requiring specialized assistance, are another option. Several companies, such as Liberty Medical Transport and MedStar, operate in the region. These services offer non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, their services often require pre-booking and can be costly.

The availability of these medical **transportation** services offers a crucial lifeline for those who cannot drive or lack access to other **transportation** options. However, the cost and the need for advance planning can still pose challenges.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of the existing **transportation** options is a critical consideration. While ride-sharing services and medical **transportation** providers typically offer accessible vehicles, the lack of public **transportation** options, especially those with ADA-compliant features, is a significant disadvantage for individuals with disabilities.

The overall **healthcare access** score for Zuni is moderate. While the drive-times to nearby hospitals are relatively manageable, the lack of public **transportation** and the reliance on personal vehicles create potential barriers. This situation highlights the need for proactive measures to improve **healthcare access** for all residents.

The lack of readily available public **transportation** options also disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including seniors, low-income individuals, and those with disabilities. These groups may face significant challenges in accessing necessary medical care, potentially leading to delayed treatment and poorer health outcomes.

The limited **transportation** options also influence the types of medical services available in Zuni. The absence of a nearby hospital or a comprehensive medical center means that residents must travel for specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, or advanced imaging services. This can lead to increased travel time, higher costs, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Telemedicine offers a promising solution to improve **healthcare access** in Zuni. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, using video conferencing or phone calls. This can reduce the need for travel, save time, and improve convenience, particularly for routine check-ups, follow-up appointments, and consultations with specialists.

The successful implementation of telemedicine requires reliable internet access and the willingness of both patients and providers to embrace this technology. Improving internet connectivity in Zuni and providing training on telemedicine platforms can significantly enhance **healthcare access** for residents.

Community initiatives play a vital role in improving **healthcare access**. Local organizations can work to establish community-based **transportation** programs, such as volunteer driver services or subsidized ride-sharing programs. These initiatives can provide affordable and reliable **transportation** options for residents who lack access to personal vehicles.

Moreover, community health centers can be established to provide primary care services in Zuni. These centers can offer a range of medical services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and health education programs. This can reduce the need for residents to travel long distances for basic medical care.

The "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in Zuni, Virginia (ZIP Code 23898), is influenced by several factors. The drive-times to nearby hospitals are relatively short, but the lack of public **transportation** and the reliance on personal vehicles create potential barriers. The cost and availability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services further impact the score.

The community's health is also affected by the availability of specialized medical services, the presence of telemedicine options, and the strength of community initiatives. For those **moving to Zuni**, understanding these factors is crucial for planning for their **healthcare access** needs.

To improve the "Overall Health Score," Zuni needs to focus on increasing **transportation** options, promoting telemedicine, and fostering community-based healthcare initiatives. This multifaceted approach can ensure that all residents have timely and affordable access to the medical care they need.