23947, Keysville, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 23947, Keysville, Virginia is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.23 percent of residents in 23947 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 26.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Centra Southside Community Hospital, Inc with a distance of 18.49 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 23947 (Keysville, Virginia)

The overall health score for residents of Keysville, Virginia (ZIP Code 23947) is significantly influenced by the accessibility of healthcare services. A comprehensive analysis of transportation options, drive times, and the availability of various medical transport solutions paints a picture of both challenges and opportunities for those seeking quality healthcare. This assessment considers the geographic realities of Keysville, a rural community, and the implications for healthcare access.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Keysville is the reliance on personal vehicles. The area's infrastructure is geared towards automobile travel, with limited alternatives for residents. Navigating the network of roads is essential for reaching hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical facilities. The primary arteries for travel are US Route 15, a north-south thoroughfare, and US Route 360, which runs east-west. These highways are crucial for connecting Keysville to larger population centers offering more extensive healthcare options.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical factor in the overall health score. Residents of Keysville often face considerable travel times, particularly for specialized care. The nearest hospitals, such as Centra Southside Community Hospital in Farmville, require a drive of approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Keysville. This journey typically involves traveling on US Route 15 and then navigating the local roads of Farmville.

For more advanced medical services, residents may need to travel further. The University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville, offering a wide array of specialized care, is roughly a 1.5-hour drive via US Route 15 and Interstate 64. Similarly, the VCU Health System in Richmond, another major healthcare provider, is approximately a 1.5-hour drive via US Route 360 and Interstate 95. These longer travel times can pose significant challenges, especially during emergencies or for individuals with mobility limitations.

Public transportation options in Keysville are extremely limited, further impacting the overall health score. There is no established public bus system operating within the immediate vicinity of Keysville. The absence of public transit necessitates reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods for accessing healthcare. This lack of public transportation is a significant barrier for individuals who do not own a car, cannot drive, or have limited financial resources.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Keysville area, but their reliability and availability can be inconsistent. The presence of these services provides a potential alternative for transportation to healthcare appointments, but their operational scope may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in remote areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, particularly those with limited incomes.

Medical transportation services offer a vital lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations or medical conditions that prevent them from driving. Several companies provide specialized transportation for medical appointments and other healthcare needs. Med-Ride, a national medical transport provider, operates in the region and offers non-emergency medical transportation. These services often require advance booking and may have specific eligibility requirements.

Another provider, American Medical Response (AMR), offers ambulance services for emergency medical situations. However, the cost of ambulance transport can be substantial, and the availability of ambulances in rural areas like Keysville can be subject to response time delays. The availability of medical transportation services is a crucial factor in improving the overall health score for Keysville residents, but the affordability and accessibility of these services remain a concern.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of transportation options is a key consideration. While ride-sharing services and medical transport providers generally offer accessible vehicles, the lack of public transportation with ADA-compliant features presents a challenge for individuals with disabilities. Ensuring that transportation options are accessible and meet the needs of all residents is essential for promoting equitable healthcare access.

The overall health score for Keysville is significantly impacted by the challenges of healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services create barriers for many residents. The drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly for specialized care, can be lengthy, placing a strain on individuals and families.

For individuals considering moving to Keysville, the availability and accessibility of healthcare should be a primary concern. Prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and the potential impact of limited public transit options. Understanding the drive times to nearby hospitals and medical facilities is crucial for making informed decisions about healthcare access.

The healthcare landscape in Keysville presents both challenges and opportunities. Addressing the transportation barriers is critical for improving the overall health score. This could involve exploring options such as expanding ride-sharing services, establishing a local transportation program, or partnering with medical transport providers to offer subsidized services. Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as better road maintenance and improved signage, could also enhance healthcare access.

Furthermore, community outreach programs and educational initiatives can play a vital role in informing residents about available healthcare resources and transportation options. These programs can help residents navigate the healthcare system and make informed decisions about their health. Collaboration between healthcare providers, local government, and community organizations is essential for creating a more accessible and equitable healthcare environment in Keysville.

In conclusion, the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 23947 is directly related to the availability and accessibility of transportation to healthcare. While personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transport, the limited public transit, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport services create significant challenges. Addressing these transportation barriers through innovative solutions and community partnerships is essential for improving the overall health and well-being of Keysville residents.