23708, Portsmouth, Virginia Arthritis Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Arthritis Score in 23708, Portsmouth, Virginia is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 23708 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 0.81 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Nmc Portsmouth with a distance of 0.20 miles from the area.

## Arthritis Score: Navigating Healthcare in Portsmouth, VA (ZIP Code 23708)

Considering a move to Portsmouth, Virginia (ZIP code 23708) and managing arthritis? This assessment provides a "Arthritis Score" based on healthcare access, specifically focusing on transportation options. The score, ranging from 1 (least accessible) to 5 (most accessible), considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing services. This information aims to help you understand the practicality of accessing essential medical care, a crucial consideration for anyone living with arthritis.

The Arthritis Score for 23708 is a **3**.

Portsmouth, a city steeped in maritime history, presents a unique set of transportation challenges and opportunities for those seeking healthcare. The city's layout, with its waterways and bridges, significantly impacts travel times. While Portsmouth boasts a relatively compact footprint, getting to specialized medical care, particularly for arthritis, requires careful planning. This analysis examines the available transportation options, offering insights into their practicality for individuals with mobility limitations.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

Driving remains a primary mode of transportation in Portsmouth. The city is crisscrossed by several key roadways. Interstate 264 (I-264), the primary east-west artery, provides access to Norfolk and Virginia Beach, where specialized rheumatology practices are often located. However, traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can dramatically increase travel times. The journey from central Portsmouth to these neighboring cities can easily exceed 30 minutes during rush hour.

U.S. Route 17 (US-17), also known as George Washington Highway, serves as a major north-south thoroughfare, connecting Portsmouth to Suffolk and Chesapeake. While it offers access to some local medical facilities, it may not always provide the most direct route to specialized arthritis care. Local roads like High Street, Effingham Street, and Victory Boulevard are often used for navigating within the city, but their narrow lanes and traffic signals can be challenging for those with mobility issues.

For individuals living in the western parts of 23708, accessing healthcare facilities in the city's eastern regions or across the water in Norfolk often necessitates crossing the Elizabeth River via the High-Rise Bridge or the Downtown Tunnel. These crossings can be particularly vulnerable to traffic bottlenecks, adding significant time to the commute. Consider these delays when planning appointments, especially during inclement weather.

**Public Transportation:**

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) provides public transportation within Portsmouth and the surrounding Hampton Roads region. Several bus routes serve 23708, offering a potential alternative to driving. However, the frequency of these routes, particularly during evenings and weekends, can be limited. This necessitates careful scheduling and planning.

HRT buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and priority seating. This makes them accessible to individuals with mobility limitations. However, navigating bus stops, especially those without shelters or adequate seating, can present challenges, particularly during inclement weather. Transferring between routes to reach specialized care facilities can also be time-consuming and physically demanding.

The Tide, a light rail system, does not currently extend into Portsmouth, limiting the public transit options available within the city. This further emphasizes the importance of understanding the bus routes and their limitations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in Portsmouth, offering a convenient alternative to driving or public transportation. These services can be particularly useful for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to navigate traffic. However, the availability of these services, especially during off-peak hours or in certain areas of the city, can be unpredictable.

Medical transportation services, such as Care Ride and MedRide, are available for individuals requiring assistance with non-emergency medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with getting in and out of vehicles. However, these services typically require advance booking and may have associated costs.

**Healthcare Access and Considerations for Arthritis:**

The availability of rheumatologists and other specialists is a critical factor for individuals with arthritis. While Portsmouth has some primary care physicians and general medical facilities, specialized care often requires travel to Norfolk or Virginia Beach. This is where the transportation considerations become paramount.

The drive times, potential traffic congestion, and limitations of public transportation can significantly impact healthcare access. Individuals with arthritis may experience pain and fatigue, making long commutes or navigating complex public transit routes particularly challenging.

When moving to Portsmouth, carefully consider the location of potential housing relative to healthcare facilities. Prioritize locations with easy access to major roadways or reliable public transportation. Research the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation options in the specific area.

**Conclusion:**

The Arthritis Score of 3 reflects the mixed bag of transportation options available in 23708. While driving offers the most flexibility, traffic congestion can be a significant deterrent. Public transportation provides an alternative, but its limitations in frequency and route coverage should be considered. Ride-sharing services offer convenience but are subject to availability. Medical transportation services provide a specialized solution, but require planning and incur costs.

Moving to Portsmouth with arthritis requires careful planning. Evaluate your individual needs, considering your ability to drive, your tolerance for public transit, and your budget for ride-sharing or medical transportation. By carefully assessing these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether Portsmouth is the right place to call home and ensure you have the healthcare access you need.