24244, Duffield, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 24244, Duffield, Virginia is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.21 percent of residents in 24244 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lonesome Pine Hospital with a distance of 12.23 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Duffield, Virginia (ZIP Code 24244)

Duffield, Virginia, nestled in the heart of Scott County, offers a tranquil, rural lifestyle, a draw for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle. However, the idyllic setting presents unique challenges when considering access to healthcare. Understanding the ease with which residents can reach medical services is crucial for assessing the overall health score of this community, particularly for those contemplating moving to Duffield. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape, evaluating drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, ultimately painting a picture of healthcare access within ZIP code 24244.

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Duffield is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. The community's dispersed nature and limited public transit options necessitate reliance on cars for most residents. Navigating the roads is a critical factor in the overall health score. Residents typically utilize **US-58**, a major east-west artery, and **VA-619** and **VA-65**, local roads that provide access to Duffield and surrounding areas.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are significantly impacted by these road networks. The nearest hospital, **Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center** in Kingsport, Tennessee, is roughly a 45-minute drive via US-58. This drive time, while manageable, can be extended significantly during peak traffic hours or inclement weather. Emergency situations demand immediate attention, and the potential for delays on these roads could have serious consequences.

Smaller clinics and doctor's offices are available in nearby communities like Gate City and Weber City. Accessing these facilities typically involves shorter drives, averaging 15-30 minutes. However, the range of services offered at these locations may be limited compared to the larger hospitals. Therefore, the need to travel to Kingsport for specialized care remains a significant factor in evaluating healthcare access.

Public transportation options in Duffield are extremely limited, posing a considerable challenge for residents without personal vehicles. The absence of a robust public transit system significantly lowers the overall health score. While the **Mountain Empire Transit (MET)** system provides some bus services within Scott County, its routes and frequency are limited.

MET primarily serves the county seat, Gate City, and neighboring towns. Services to Duffield are infrequent, with routes and schedules that are not always conducive to accessing healthcare appointments. Moreover, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is essential, but the specific details regarding the percentage of accessible vehicles and the ease of boarding and disembarking need to be considered. The lack of readily available and reliable public transit significantly impacts the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those who cannot afford or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence in Duffield is inconsistent. The availability of drivers is often limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in adverse weather conditions. Relying on ride-sharing for healthcare appointments can be unreliable and expensive, potentially creating barriers to accessing timely medical care. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant burden for low-income residents, further exacerbating the challenges of healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a potential solution for some residents. Several providers operate in the region, including **Care Ride** and **Medicaid Transportation**. However, the availability of these services can be constrained by factors such as insurance coverage, eligibility criteria, and scheduling limitations. The effectiveness of these services in meeting the needs of all residents, especially those with chronic conditions or mobility issues, needs careful consideration.

The overall health score for commuting to healthcare in Duffield is significantly influenced by the challenges related to transportation. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services create barriers to healthcare access. The drive times to hospitals and specialized medical facilities, while not excessively long, can be affected by traffic and weather conditions.

For individuals considering moving to Duffield, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is essential. Those without access to a personal vehicle or who have mobility limitations may face significant challenges in accessing timely and appropriate medical care. Exploring alternative transportation options, such as medical transportation services, is crucial.

Improving the overall health score in Duffield requires addressing the transportation limitations. This could involve expanding public transit routes and frequency, increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, and promoting the utilization of medical transportation programs. Investing in road infrastructure to improve traffic flow and reduce travel times would also be beneficial.

Furthermore, community outreach programs that provide information about available transportation resources and healthcare options can help residents navigate the complexities of accessing medical care. Collaboration between local government, healthcare providers, and transportation services is essential to create a more accessible and equitable healthcare system for all residents of Duffield. Ultimately, the ability to easily and reliably access healthcare is a fundamental aspect of a healthy community.