23707, Portsmouth, Virginia Arthritis Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Arthritis Score in 23707, Portsmouth, Virginia is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.44 percent of residents in 23707 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 1.74 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center with a distance of 0.21 miles from the area.

## Arthritis Score: Navigating Healthcare in 23707

The quest for accessible healthcare, particularly when mobility is compromised by arthritis, necessitates a thorough understanding of transportation options. This 'Arthritis Score' for ZIP Code 23707, Portsmouth, Virginia, meticulously assesses the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals seeking medical attention, focusing on the practicalities of getting from home to doctor’s appointments. Considering factors like drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing services, we aim to provide a clear picture of healthcare access for those considering moving to Portsmouth or already residing within the area.

The 23707 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of Portsmouth, presents a diverse landscape of residential areas and varying levels of healthcare accessibility. The presence of arthritis necessitates a close examination of transportation infrastructure, including highway access, public transit routes, and alternative mobility solutions. The goal is to determine the ease with which individuals with arthritis can reach their healthcare providers, ensuring that the physical limitations imposed by the condition do not become insurmountable barriers.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

Driving remains a primary mode of transportation for many residents of 23707. However, the reliance on personal vehicles brings its own set of challenges, especially for those experiencing arthritis. The primary roadways impacting healthcare access include Interstate 264 (I-264), the major east-west artery connecting Portsmouth to Norfolk and other Hampton Roads cities. Traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly extend travel times, exacerbating discomfort for individuals with arthritis.

Accessing healthcare facilities located in the western part of Portsmouth, such as those near Portsmouth Boulevard, might involve navigating city streets like Frederick Boulevard and Airline Boulevard. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can be subject to heavy traffic, especially during rush hour. The condition of the roads, including potholes and uneven surfaces, can also pose difficulties for drivers and passengers with arthritis.

Traveling east towards Norfolk or Chesapeake requires navigating I-264 and the tunnels and bridges. The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) and the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (MMMBT) can be significant bottlenecks, adding considerable time to the commute. The physical act of driving, including steering, braking, and maneuvering in traffic, can be particularly challenging for those with arthritis.

Drive times to key healthcare facilities within and outside the 23707 ZIP code vary depending on the location and the time of day. For example, a trip to Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, located in Portsmouth, might take 10-20 minutes during off-peak hours, but could easily double during rush hour. Similarly, a visit to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, or a specialist in Chesapeake, could take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions on I-264.

**Public Transportation:**

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) provides public transportation services within Portsmouth and the surrounding areas. HRT operates a network of bus routes that serve various parts of the city, including the 23707 ZIP code. However, the accessibility of these routes for individuals with arthritis requires careful consideration.

Bus routes serving 23707 include the 10, 11, and 14, among others. These routes connect residential areas with major healthcare facilities, shopping centers, and other essential destinations. However, the frequency of service, particularly during evenings and weekends, can be limited, potentially making it difficult to schedule appointments or return home promptly.

HRT buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps or lifts for wheelchair users and priority seating for individuals with disabilities. However, the physical demands of using public transportation, such as navigating bus stops, waiting in inclement weather, and boarding and disembarking the bus, can be challenging for those with arthritis.

The availability of accessible bus stops and the distance from residential areas to bus stops are also important considerations. Some areas within 23707 may have limited bus service or require long walks to reach a bus stop, making public transportation less convenient for individuals with mobility limitations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option for individuals with arthritis. These services provide on-demand transportation, eliminating the need to rely on public transit schedules or the limitations of driving. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier, especially for frequent medical appointments.

The availability of ride-sharing services in 23707 is generally good, but surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can significantly increase the cost. Additionally, the physical demands of entering and exiting a ride-sharing vehicle, particularly for those with limited mobility, can be challenging.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by companies like CareRide and MedRide, are specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door transportation and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations, including those using wheelchairs or other assistive devices.

Medical transportation services typically require advance booking and may have specific eligibility requirements. The cost of these services can vary depending on the distance traveled and the level of assistance required. While medical transportation can be a valuable resource for individuals with arthritis, it is essential to research available providers and understand their pricing and service policies.

**Conclusion: The Arthritis Score**

The 'Arthritis Score' for 23707 reflects a mixed bag of transportation challenges and opportunities for individuals with arthritis. While driving offers flexibility, traffic congestion and physical demands can be significant obstacles. Public transportation provides an affordable option, but limited service frequency and the physical challenges of using buses must be considered. Ride-sharing services offer convenience, but at a potential cost. Medical transportation services provide specialized assistance but require advance planning and may be costly.

For those considering moving to Portsmouth, or for current residents, the accessibility of healthcare is a critical factor. Understanding the transportation landscape, from highway access to public transit routes, is paramount. Individuals with arthritis should carefully assess their transportation needs and preferences, considering factors such as mobility limitations, financial constraints, and the frequency of medical appointments.

Ultimately, the 'Arthritis Score' emphasizes the need for a personalized approach to healthcare access. By carefully evaluating the available transportation options and proactively planning for medical appointments, individuals with arthritis can navigate the challenges and ensure they receive the care they need. The ideal scenario is a community that proactively considers accessibility, offering robust public transit, readily available ride-sharing options, and medical transportation services that are both affordable and reliable. This is the ultimate goal for anyone seeking to improve healthcare access in 23707.