26845, Old Fields, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 26845, Old Fields, West Virginia is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.80 percent of residents in 26845 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.80 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Potomac Valley Hospital with a distance of 14.20 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 26845 (Old Fields, West Virginia)

Assessing the healthcare landscape in Old Fields, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26845), requires a multi-faceted approach. This evaluation, culminating in an "Overall Health Score," considers the accessibility of healthcare services, primarily focusing on transportation options. The ability to reach medical professionals, hospitals, and pharmacies directly impacts the health and well-being of residents. For those considering moving to Old Fields, understanding these factors is crucial.

The primary challenge in this rural setting is the limited public transportation infrastructure. The absence of a robust public transit system significantly impacts healthcare access, especially for individuals without personal vehicles. This reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of assessing drive times and road conditions.

**Drive Times and Road Conditions:**

The geographical isolation of Old Fields necessitates driving for most healthcare needs. The primary thoroughfare, **U.S. Route 220**, provides the most direct route to larger towns and cities offering comprehensive medical facilities. However, this route can be subject to seasonal weather conditions, particularly during winter months, potentially delaying or disrupting travel.

The nearest significant healthcare hubs are located in Moorefield (approximately 15-20 minutes away) and Petersburg (roughly 25-30 minutes). These towns offer a range of primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care clinics. Access to these facilities is generally reliable via **U.S. Route 220** and connecting roads.

For more specialized care, residents often need to travel further. Winchester, Virginia, is approximately a 1-hour and 15-minute drive via **U.S. Route 220** and **I-81**. Winchester offers a larger hospital system, including specialists and advanced medical services. Similarly, Morgantown, West Virginia, is roughly a 2-hour and 30-minute drive, accessible primarily via **U.S. Route 220** and **U.S. Route 33**.

The quality of the roads is generally good, but some secondary roads leading to Old Fields may be narrow and winding. The presence of hills and curves can also affect drive times. Road maintenance is typically adequate, but residents should be prepared for potential delays due to weather or accidents.

**Public Transit and Ride-Sharing:**

The lack of a comprehensive public transit system is a significant barrier to healthcare access in Old Fields. There are no established bus routes or train services operating within the ZIP code. This absence forces individuals without personal vehicles to rely on alternative transportation methods.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may have limited availability in this rural area. The presence of these services is not guaranteed, and wait times could be extended. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services are an essential resource for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, offering non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These companies typically provide door-to-door transportation to medical appointments.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

Several medical transport brands serve the Old Fields area, including:

* **Care Ride:** Offers non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
* **AmbuCare:** Provides a range of medical transportation services, including stretcher transportation.
* **First Call Medical Transportation:** Specializes in non-emergency medical transportation.

These services are often booked in advance, and it is crucial to plan accordingly. The availability of these services can be a lifeline for individuals with limited mobility.

**ADA Features:**

The accessibility of healthcare facilities for individuals with disabilities is a critical consideration. All healthcare facilities are legally required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This includes providing accessible parking, ramps, elevators, and accessible examination rooms.

However, the accessibility of transportation options is a major concern. The absence of public transit and the limited availability of ride-sharing services with ADA-compliant vehicles pose a significant challenge. Medical transport services are the primary source of accessible transportation for individuals with disabilities.

**Healthcare Access and Overall Health Score:**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Old Fields, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26845) is moderately impacted by the transportation landscape. The score is influenced by the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** Moderate drive times to primary care and urgent care facilities in nearby towns. Longer drive times to specialized medical services in larger cities.
* **Road Conditions:** Generally good road conditions, but potential for delays due to weather and accidents.
* **Public Transit:** Absence of public transit significantly limits healthcare access for those without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Limited availability of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport:** Availability of medical transport services provides a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations.
* **ADA Features:** Healthcare facilities are ADA-compliant, but the lack of accessible transportation options is a barrier.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Old Fields is affected by the limitations in transportation options. While drive times to nearby healthcare facilities are reasonable, the absence of public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services create challenges. The availability of medical transport services is a critical resource. For those considering moving to Old Fields, it is essential to assess their transportation needs and plan accordingly. Residents should familiarize themselves with the medical transport brands operating in the area and understand the process for booking appointments. The overall health of the community is directly linked to the ability to access healthcare, and understanding the transportation landscape is a vital step in ensuring optimal well-being.