24258, Hiltons, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 24258, Hiltons, Virginia is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.94 percent of residents in 24258 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.02 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Johnston Memorial Hospital with a distance of 18.63 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Hiltons, Virginia (ZIP Code 24258)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Hiltons, Virginia (ZIP Code 24258), necessitates a deep dive into the accessibility of healthcare services. This analysis considers the various transportation options available, including drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport providers, all of which significantly impact healthcare access. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering moving to Hiltons and evaluating the overall quality of life.

The geographical location of Hiltons, nestled in Scott County, presents both advantages and challenges regarding healthcare access. While the area boasts a tranquil, rural setting, it also means residents often face longer travel times to reach medical facilities. This is particularly true for specialized care, which might require journeys to larger cities like Kingsport, Tennessee, or Bristol, Virginia. The efficiency and availability of transportation options become paramount in this context.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

For residents of Hiltons, the primary mode of transportation to healthcare appointments is typically personal vehicles. The road network, while relatively well-maintained, dictates the time required to reach medical facilities. The primary artery for travel is **US-58**, a major east-west highway that connects Hiltons to nearby towns and cities. Depending on the destination, travel on **US-58** can be relatively straightforward, though it's prone to traffic, especially during peak hours.

To access healthcare in Kingsport, Tennessee, a common destination for residents, the journey typically involves navigating **US-58** east, crossing the state line, and then utilizing **I-26** north. The drive time to the major healthcare centers in Kingsport, such as Holston Valley Medical Center, can range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific location within Hiltons.

Reaching Bristol, Virginia, another healthcare hub, involves traveling west on **US-58**. The drive time is generally shorter than the Kingsport route, usually taking around 20 to 30 minutes. Bristol Regional Medical Center is a key facility for residents in this area. Other local roads like **VA-614 (Clinch Mountain Road)** and **VA-613 (Hiltons Road)** serve as secondary routes, but they are often slower and more winding, adding to travel times.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Hiltons are limited. Scott County, being a rural area, does not have an extensive public transit system. There is no dedicated bus service that directly connects Hiltons to major healthcare facilities in Kingsport or Bristol. This lack of public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive due to age, disability, or other limitations.

The absence of robust public transit necessitates a reliance on alternative transportation solutions, further emphasizing the importance of ride-sharing and medical transport services. The lack of ADA-compliant public transit options is particularly concerning for individuals with disabilities, potentially limiting their access to essential medical care.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Services:**

The rise of ride-sharing services has provided a valuable alternative for transportation, especially in areas with limited public transit. Services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in remote locations within Hiltons. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, potentially making it unaffordable for some residents to regularly access healthcare.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution for individuals who require assistance with transportation due to medical conditions. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, providing services ranging from basic transportation to wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher transportation. These services are crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring medical assistance during transport.

Specific medical transport providers operating in the region include, but are not limited to, Appalachian Ambulance and Bristol Ambulance. These services typically require pre-booking and can involve varying costs depending on the level of service and distance traveled.

**Healthcare Access and Considerations for Moving to Hiltons:**

The overall health score for residents of Hiltons is significantly influenced by the accessibility of healthcare services. While the area offers a peaceful and desirable living environment, the limited transportation options present a challenge. The reliance on personal vehicles, the scarcity of public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services require careful consideration.

For individuals considering moving to Hiltons, it is essential to assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Those who rely on public transit or have mobility limitations should carefully evaluate the feasibility of accessing medical care. The availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services should also be factored into the decision-making process.

Proximity to healthcare facilities is a critical factor in determining the overall health score. Residents of Hiltons are relatively close to healthcare facilities, but the travel times can still be significant. The availability of specialized care and the need to travel to larger cities for certain medical services can further impact healthcare access.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for Hiltons, Virginia (ZIP Code 24258) is moderate. While the area offers a desirable living environment, the limited transportation options present a challenge to healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the scarcity of public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services require careful consideration.

Individuals considering moving to Hiltons should carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. The availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services should also be factored into the decision-making process. Despite the challenges, the proximity to healthcare facilities in Kingsport and Bristol, along with the availability of medical transport services, helps to mitigate the impact of limited transportation options. Ongoing efforts to improve public transit and expand ride-sharing services would further enhance the overall health score for residents of Hiltons, ensuring better healthcare access for all. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape effectively is paramount to maintaining good health and well-being in this beautiful, yet geographically challenging, part of Virginia.