25932, Surveyor, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 25932, Surveyor, West Virginia is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

39.39 percent of residents in 25932 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.47 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Raleigh General Hospital with a distance of 5.66 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Surveyor, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25932)

Assessing the overall health of a community involves a multifaceted approach, and a critical component is evaluating **healthcare access**. This analysis focuses on Surveyor, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25932), examining the ease with which residents can reach necessary medical services. Factors considered include drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" reflecting the community's ability to connect its residents with vital healthcare resources. This is particularly relevant for individuals **moving to Surveyor**, as understanding these logistical considerations is paramount to their well-being.

The primary determinant of healthcare accessibility in Surveyor is the reliance on personal vehicles. The rugged terrain and sparse population density limit alternative transportation options. Residents typically navigate a network of winding roads and highways to reach medical facilities. The primary arteries for travel are US Route 19, which bisects the area, and West Virginia Route 3, offering access to the north and south. Secondary roads, such as County Route 3/1 and County Route 3/2, provide local connectivity, but often involve slower speeds and potential for challenging driving conditions, especially during inclement weather.

Drive times to healthcare providers vary considerably depending on the specific destination and the location within the ZIP code. The nearest primary care physicians and general practitioners are likely located in the town of Beckley, approximately a 30-45 minute drive via US Route 19. This drive, while manageable for many, could pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations or those relying on others for transportation. Specialized medical services, such as cardiology, oncology, and advanced surgical procedures, are typically located in larger regional medical centers, extending drive times significantly.

For instance, a trip to the Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) in Charleston, West Virginia, a major regional hospital, could easily exceed a 1.5-hour drive, primarily via US Route 19 and Interstate 64. This extended travel time places a considerable burden on patients and their families, especially during emergencies. The time spent in transit impacts the timeliness of care and can contribute to increased stress and anxiety. The location of the healthcare facilities, therefore, significantly influences the overall health score for Surveyor.

Public transportation options are limited in Surveyor, further impacting the **healthcare access** landscape. The Raleigh County Transit Authority (RCTA) provides some bus service within the county, but its routes and schedules are not designed to specifically address the needs of healthcare access. The RCTA does not offer direct routes to medical facilities from all areas within the 25932 ZIP code. Furthermore, the frequency of service is limited, with buses running on a predetermined schedule, making it difficult to accommodate unscheduled appointments or urgent medical needs.

The availability of ADA-accessible features on RCTA buses is crucial for individuals with disabilities. While the RCTA strives to provide accessible transportation, the limited coverage and infrequent service pose challenges for those requiring specialized assistance. The lack of readily available public transit underscores the importance of alternative transportation solutions for residents of Surveyor. The limited options available impact the overall health score for the community.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Beckley area but may have limited presence in Surveyor itself. The availability of these services depends on driver availability and demand, which can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, especially those with fixed incomes or multiple medical appointments. The reliability of ride-sharing as a primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities requires careful consideration.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for individuals who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. Companies like MedTrans and American Medical Response (AMR) provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher transport. These services are often covered by insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare, making them a more accessible option for eligible individuals. However, the availability of these services in Surveyor and the surrounding areas may be limited, and scheduling appointments often requires advance notice.

The geographical isolation of Surveyor, coupled with the limited transportation options, creates a significant challenge for residents seeking timely and convenient access to healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services all contribute to a lower "Overall Health Score" for the community. This score reflects the barriers that residents face in obtaining necessary medical care.

Furthermore, the absence of readily accessible urgent care facilities or walk-in clinics within the immediate vicinity of Surveyor exacerbates the situation. Residents with urgent medical needs may be forced to travel considerable distances to receive care, potentially delaying treatment and impacting health outcomes. The lack of local medical resources underscores the importance of robust transportation solutions.

The "Overall Health Score" for Surveyor, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25932), is therefore negatively impacted by the challenges associated with **healthcare access**. The limited transportation options, coupled with the geographical isolation of the community, create significant barriers for residents seeking medical care. While the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offers some alternative solutions, their limitations and potential costs need to be considered.

For individuals **moving to Surveyor**, a thorough understanding of these transportation challenges is essential. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their personal transportation needs and consider the potential impact on their ability to access healthcare services. Exploring options such as carpooling with neighbors, coordinating transportation with family or friends, or utilizing medical transportation services should be considered.

The overall health score is not solely determined by the physical access to medical facilities. It also includes the quality of care received, the availability of preventative services, and the overall health of the community. However, transportation plays a critical role in facilitating access to these essential services. Addressing the transportation challenges in Surveyor is crucial for improving the community's overall health and well-being.

In conclusion, the "Overall Health Score" for Surveyor, West Virginia, is significantly influenced by the limited **transportation** options available for accessing **healthcare**. The long drive times to medical facilities, the lack of reliable public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services all contribute to a lower score. Improving transportation infrastructure, expanding public transit options, and increasing the availability of medical transportation services are critical steps towards improving the overall health of the community and ensuring that residents have timely and convenient access to the healthcare they need. This is a crucial consideration for anyone **moving to Surveyor**, emphasizing the need for careful planning and proactive measures to address their healthcare needs.