24089, Fieldale, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 24089, Fieldale, Virginia is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.38 percent of residents in 24089 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.53 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital with a distance of 20.41 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Fieldale, VA (ZIP Code 24089)

Fieldale, Virginia, nestled in the heart of Henry County, presents a unique tapestry of rural charm and the challenges inherent in accessing essential services. This write-up delves into the intricate relationship between **transportation** options and **healthcare access** for residents of ZIP Code 24089, offering an "Overall Health Score" based on the availability, accessibility, and affordability of medical care. This assessment is particularly relevant for those considering **moving to Fieldale**, as understanding the logistical realities of healthcare access is crucial for informed decision-making.

The Overall Health Score for Fieldale, VA (24089) is a composite of several factors, including drive times to healthcare facilities, the availability of public transportation, the presence of ride-sharing services, and the accessibility of medical transport options. Each of these elements contributes to the ease or difficulty with which residents can obtain necessary medical attention, influencing their overall well-being.

**Drive Times: The Road to Wellness**

Fieldale's geographical location significantly shapes its healthcare landscape. The primary arterial road serving the area is US-220, a vital conduit connecting residents to larger towns and cities where medical facilities are concentrated. Driving to the nearest hospitals, such as Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital in Rocky Mount, necessitates a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This drive, though relatively short, can be challenging for individuals with mobility limitations or those experiencing a medical emergency.

Further afield, larger hospitals like Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, offering a wider range of specialized services, require a commute of roughly an hour, primarily via US-220 and then Interstate 81. This longer drive time presents a significant barrier for those needing immediate or specialized care, underscoring the importance of readily available emergency services and efficient pre-hospital care within the Fieldale community.

Access to primary care physicians and specialists within Fieldale itself is limited. Many residents must travel to nearby towns like Martinsville or Bassett to see their doctors. These trips, typically involving driving on US-220 and connecting roads, can add considerable time and expense to healthcare visits.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

Public transportation options in Fieldale and the surrounding areas are limited. The primary public transit provider is the Martinsville-Henry County Transit System (MHC Transit). However, the routes and schedules are infrequent, and coverage within Fieldale itself is sparse. MHC Transit primarily operates along major roadways, and the frequency of service is often insufficient to meet the needs of residents requiring regular medical appointments.

The absence of extensive public transportation presents a significant hurdle for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents. Furthermore, the MHC Transit system's ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts and designated seating, are available on its buses, but the overall lack of route coverage and limited service hours still create barriers to healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their presence is often inconsistent and dependent on driver availability. In rural areas like Fieldale, the response times for ride-sharing services can be lengthy, and the cost can be prohibitive for some residents. These factors limit the practicality of ride-sharing as a reliable means of transportation to healthcare appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), offer a more specialized solution. These services typically provide transportation for individuals who require assistance with mobility or who are unable to drive themselves. Several NEMT providers operate in the region, including companies like First Transit and Medical Transportation Management (MTM). However, access to these services often requires prior scheduling, and the cost may not be fully covered by insurance, presenting a financial burden for some patients.

**Overall Health Score: A Complex Equation**

The Overall Health Score for Fieldale, VA (24089) reflects a mixed picture. While the drive times to nearby hospitals are relatively manageable, the limited public transportation options, the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services, and the cost and scheduling requirements of medical transport services all contribute to a less-than-ideal healthcare access environment.

The score is further impacted by the scarcity of primary care physicians and specialists within the immediate vicinity of Fieldale. This necessitates frequent travel to other towns and cities, adding to the overall time and expense associated with healthcare.

**Recommendations and Considerations for Moving to Fieldale**

For individuals considering **moving to Fieldale**, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and **transportation** capabilities is essential. Those with chronic health conditions or limited mobility should carefully evaluate the availability of medical transportation services and the potential for increased travel time and expense.

Prioritizing the establishment of a primary care physician relationship in advance of moving to Fieldale is highly recommended. This proactive step can help streamline healthcare access and ensure continuity of care. Exploring the availability of telehealth services, which can provide remote consultations and monitoring, may also prove beneficial.

The community could benefit from initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access, such as advocating for expanded public transportation routes and schedules, promoting the availability of ride-sharing services, and supporting the recruitment of healthcare professionals to the area.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

In conclusion, the Overall Health Score for Fieldale, VA (24089) reflects a need for improved healthcare access. While the area offers a degree of access to medical facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the challenges associated with ride-sharing and medical transport services create barriers for many residents. Addressing these challenges through community initiatives and individual planning is crucial to ensuring that all residents of Fieldale have equitable access to the healthcare they need. For those considering **moving to Fieldale**, understanding these realities is paramount to making an informed decision and proactively planning for their healthcare needs.