24246, East Stone Gap, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 24246, East Stone Gap, Virginia is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 24246 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.04 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lonesome Pine Hospital with a distance of 1.12 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 24246

East Stone Gap, Virginia, nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, presents a unique tapestry of natural beauty and rural living. For those considering **moving to East Stone Gap**, understanding the nuances of **healthcare access** is paramount. This report provides an **Overall Health Score** assessment, focusing on the critical factor of **transportation** to healthcare facilities within and around the 24246 ZIP code.

The score considers the availability and accessibility of various transportation options, factoring in drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. The goal is to paint a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities residents face in accessing essential medical care.

### Drive Times: The Road to Wellness

The primary mode of transportation in this mountainous region is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. Navigating the winding roads and valleys dictates the commute to healthcare. The most direct route to the nearest hospitals and clinics often involves traversing US-23, a vital artery connecting the area to larger towns like Norton and Wise.

Driving to Norton Community Hospital, a significant healthcare provider, typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. This journey involves navigating US-23 south, a relatively well-maintained highway. However, during inclement weather, such as snow or heavy rain, the drive time can significantly increase, posing a challenge for those requiring urgent medical attention.

For specialized care, residents may need to travel further afield. The closest major medical center, Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Tennessee, is approximately a 1-hour and 15-minute drive via US-23 South and I-26 West. This longer commute necessitates careful planning, especially for appointments or emergencies. The condition of the roads, particularly during winter, can influence the duration and safety of these journeys.

Accessing smaller clinics and physician offices within the region often involves navigating local roads like VA-68, VA-610, and VA-611. These routes, while generally shorter, can be narrow and winding, requiring careful driving. The condition of these roads may vary, potentially adding to travel time and impacting the overall healthcare access score.

### Public Transit: A Limited Network

Public transportation options in the 24246 ZIP code are exceedingly limited. The mountainous terrain and low population density present significant challenges to establishing a robust public transit system. Currently, there are no fixed-route bus services operating directly within East Stone Gap.

The availability of public transit to healthcare facilities is minimal, potentially isolating individuals without personal vehicles. This lack of readily available public transportation significantly impacts the Overall Health Score, particularly for those unable to drive or who lack access to a personal vehicle.

ADA-compliant features on any potential future public transit routes would be crucial to ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Without such features, the healthcare access score would be further diminished.

### Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in some areas surrounding the 24246 ZIP code, but their presence is often sporadic and limited. The availability of these services in East Stone Gap itself is uncertain, and their reliability is questionable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This uncertainty poses a significant barrier to healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for transporting patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more reliable option. Several companies operate in the region, including MedTrans and American Medical Response (AMR). These services typically require advance booking and may have associated costs, which can impact the overall affordability of healthcare access.

The availability of medical transport services is a critical component of the Overall Health Score, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive. However, the cost and availability of these services can significantly affect the accessibility of healthcare.

### Overall Health Score: A Critical Assessment

The Overall Health Score for healthcare access in the 24246 ZIP code is moderately low. While the drive times to Norton Community Hospital are relatively manageable, the lack of public transit and the limited availability of ride-sharing services pose significant challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for increased drive times during inclement weather further contribute to the challenges.

The availability of medical transport services offers a crucial lifeline for some residents. However, the cost and limitations of these services must be considered. The Overall Health Score reflects the need for enhanced transportation options to improve healthcare access for all residents of East Stone Gap.

Considerations for improving the score include exploring the feasibility of expanding public transit options, even if limited in scope. Partnering with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized services for medical appointments could also improve access. Further, promoting awareness of existing medical transport services and exploring ways to reduce their cost would be beneficial.

For those **moving to East Stone Gap**, understanding the limitations of **transportation** options and planning accordingly is crucial. Careful consideration of these factors is essential for ensuring that residents can access the **healthcare** they need. This report provides a starting point for understanding the complexities of healthcare access in this rural community. The Overall Health Score highlights the need for ongoing efforts to improve **healthcare access** and ensure the well-being of all residents.