26710, Burlington, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 26710, Burlington, West Virginia is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

79.19 percent of residents in 26710 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.71 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Potomac Valley Hospital with a distance of 5.89 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in 26710 (Burlington, WV)

The overall health score for access to healthcare in Burlington, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26710) reveals a complex picture. While the area offers a degree of healthcare availability, the critical factor of transportation significantly impacts residents’ ability to access necessary medical services. This analysis will explore the transportation landscape, focusing on drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, ultimately painting a picture of healthcare accessibility for those living and potentially moving to this rural community.

Driving, the dominant mode of transportation, presents both advantages and disadvantages. Burlington, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, relies heavily on personal vehicles. The primary thoroughfares are **U.S. Route 50** and **West Virginia Route 28**. These roads, while offering direct routes, are subject to the geographical constraints of the region. Drive times to healthcare facilities in nearby towns like Keyser (approximately 20 minutes) and Cumberland, Maryland (approximately 45 minutes), are generally manageable. However, these times can fluctuate dramatically due to weather conditions, particularly during the winter months, when snow and ice can make travel treacherous. Traffic, while not typically a major concern, can build up during peak hours, especially around Keyser.

Accessing specialized care often necessitates longer drives. Major hospitals and specialists are located further afield, in cities like Morgantown (roughly 2 hours) or Winchester, Virginia (approximately 2.5 hours). These extended travel times pose a significant challenge, potentially delaying critical care and increasing the burden on patients and their families. The condition of the roads, especially secondary routes, can also be a factor. Potholes and narrow lanes add to the travel time and risk.

Public transportation options in 26710 are limited. The primary provider is the **Potomac Highlands Transit Authority (PHTA)**. PHTA operates a demand-response system, meaning riders must schedule their trips in advance. This service offers limited routes and schedules, making it less than ideal for spontaneous medical appointments or emergencies. While PHTA strives to provide ADA-compliant vehicles, the availability of these vehicles can be limited, requiring advanced booking. The lack of fixed-route bus service within Burlington itself further restricts healthcare access for those without personal transportation. The reliance on pre-scheduled rides can be particularly challenging for those with chronic conditions needing frequent medical attention.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are present but their availability is sporadic. While the presence of these services offers an alternative, their reliability is questionable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for those with limited incomes, potentially making healthcare inaccessible. The limited availability of these services underscores the transportation challenges faced by residents.

Medical transport services, essential for those unable to drive or utilize public transit, are available, albeit with certain limitations. Ambulance services are provided by local emergency medical services (EMS). Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is offered by several companies, including **CareRide** and **LogistiCare**, which contract with Medicaid and other insurance providers. These services often require prior authorization and scheduling, limiting their flexibility. The availability of NEMT can be particularly crucial for individuals with mobility impairments or those recovering from surgery. However, the coordination and scheduling of these services can be complex, potentially leading to delays in accessing care.

The overall health score for healthcare access in 26710 is significantly impacted by the limitations of transportation. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, the sporadic availability of ride-sharing, and the complexities of medical transport all contribute to a less-than-ideal situation. This presents a significant challenge for those seeking timely and consistent healthcare.

For individuals considering moving to Burlington, West Virginia, understanding these transportation challenges is crucial. The decision to move to this community should involve careful consideration of healthcare access needs. Those with chronic conditions or requiring frequent medical appointments should carefully evaluate the practicality of relying on personal vehicles or the limitations of available transportation options.

The community's health and well-being are intricately linked to the accessibility of healthcare. Addressing the transportation challenges is vital to improving the overall health score for 26710. This could involve expanding public transit options, increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, and streamlining the process for accessing medical transport. Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as road maintenance and expansion, would also contribute to improving healthcare access.

The current state of transportation infrastructure and services in 26710 presents a significant barrier to healthcare access. While the area offers a degree of healthcare availability, the ability to reach those services is often constrained by the limitations of transportation. This underscores the need for community-wide efforts to improve healthcare access and promote the health and well-being of all residents. The future of healthcare access in Burlington depends on addressing these transportation challenges and ensuring that all residents have the ability to receive the care they need.