23605, Newport News, Virginia Arthritis Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Arthritis Score in 23605, Newport News, Virginia is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.41 percent of residents in 23605 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.33 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sentara Careplex Hospital with a distance of 3.56 miles from the area.

## Arthritis Score: Navigating Healthcare in 23605

The decision to relocate, especially when managing a chronic condition like arthritis, necessitates a thorough understanding of healthcare access. For those considering a move to Newport News, Virginia, and specifically the 23605 ZIP code, this "Arthritis Score" provides a comprehensive overview of transportation options and healthcare facilities, crucial for ensuring seamless medical care. This analysis considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, offering a practical guide to navigating the healthcare landscape.

The 23605 ZIP code, a vibrant area of Newport News, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for individuals with arthritis. The accessibility of healthcare, influenced heavily by transportation options, becomes paramount. Arthritis, with its varying degrees of mobility limitations and pain, demands efficient and reliable access to medical appointments, physical therapy, and medication refills. This score aims to illuminate the realities of transportation in this area, empowering potential residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Driving the Distance: Highways and Byways**

For those who prefer the independence of personal vehicles, the 23605 ZIP code offers a network of roads and highways. Access to healthcare facilities is largely dictated by the efficiency of these routes. Interstate 64 (I-64) serves as the primary artery, connecting the area to major medical centers. Driving to Sentara CarePlex Hospital, a significant healthcare provider, typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) on I-64 can be a significant factor, especially during peak hours. Traffic congestion, particularly during morning and evening commutes, can dramatically increase travel times. This is a critical consideration for individuals with arthritis, as prolonged sitting or driving can exacerbate symptoms.

Additionally, US Route 17 (J. Clyde Morris Boulevard) provides a direct route to various medical offices and specialists. This road, while often less congested than I-64, can still experience delays. Local roads like Warwick Boulevard (Route 60) offer alternative routes, but these can be slower and involve more stop-and-go traffic. Understanding these nuances of the road network is essential for planning medical appointments and managing potential travel time challenges.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Network**

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) provides public transportation within the 23605 ZIP code and surrounding areas. Several bus routes serve the area, offering a more affordable option for those without personal vehicles. The accessibility of these routes is a crucial factor for individuals with arthritis.

HRT operates a fleet of buses, most of which are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating areas. Route 110, for example, serves a significant portion of the 23605 area, connecting to various medical facilities. However, the frequency of these routes can vary, and waiting times can be a challenge, particularly during off-peak hours.

The availability of accessible bus stops and the ease of navigating the bus system are critical considerations. For individuals with mobility limitations, walking distances to bus stops, the ability to board and disembark the bus, and the availability of seating are all important factors. While public transit offers an affordable alternative, careful planning is essential to ensure a comfortable and accessible travel experience.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in the 23605 ZIP code, offering a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. These services provide on-demand transportation, allowing individuals to schedule rides to medical appointments with relative ease. However, the cost of ride-sharing can accumulate, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as Care Ride and MedRide, specialize in transporting individuals with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door service and can accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. While these services offer a more specialized level of care, they often come with a higher price tag.

The availability of these services and their accessibility are key considerations. Individuals with arthritis should investigate the availability of accessible vehicles and the ability to book rides in advance. The cost of these services, as well as their reliability, should be carefully evaluated to ensure they meet individual needs and financial constraints.

**Healthcare Access: A Landscape of Options**

The 23605 ZIP code is home to a variety of healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care centers. Sentara CarePlex Hospital, located nearby, offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including rheumatology and orthopedic care, essential for managing arthritis.

Riverside Regional Medical Center, another major healthcare provider in the area, is also accessible from the 23605 ZIP code. The proximity of these hospitals and the availability of specialized care are significant advantages for individuals with arthritis.

The accessibility of these facilities, including ease of parking, the availability of wheelchair access, and the availability of patient support services, is crucial. Individuals considering a move to the area should research the specific services offered by each provider and assess their accessibility to ensure they can meet their healthcare needs.

**Arthritis Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The "Arthritis Score" for the 23605 ZIP code is not a numerical value but a holistic assessment. It considers the interplay of transportation options, healthcare access, and individual needs. The score emphasizes the importance of careful planning, researching transportation options, and evaluating the accessibility of healthcare facilities.

For individuals with arthritis, the ability to navigate the transportation landscape is essential for maintaining their health and well-being. This score provides a framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities presented by the 23605 ZIP code, empowering potential residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Moving to Newport News: A Considered Choice**

Moving to a new area, particularly with a chronic condition like arthritis, requires careful consideration. The 23605 ZIP code offers a mix of transportation options and healthcare facilities. However, the HRBT traffic, the frequency of public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing services are all factors that must be considered.

By understanding the nuances of transportation and healthcare access, individuals with arthritis can make informed decisions about whether the 23605 ZIP code is the right fit for their needs. This "Arthritis Score" serves as a valuable resource, providing the information necessary to navigate the healthcare landscape and ensure a smooth transition to a new community.