35135, Riverside, Alabama Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 35135, Riverside, Alabama is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.63 percent of residents in 35135 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.81 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Vincent's St Clair with a distance of 5.99 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Riverside, AL (ZIP Code 35135)

Considering a move to the charming town of Riverside, Alabama (ZIP code 35135)? This analysis explores the crucial element of healthcare access, specifically focusing on the management of hypertension, a common health concern. We'll delve into the available transportation options, from driving times to public transit and ride-sharing services, to determine a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease with which residents can reach essential medical care. This score aims to provide a realistic picture of healthcare access, a critical factor for anyone considering relocating and managing their health.

Riverside, nestled in St. Clair County, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, the availability and accessibility of healthcare services are paramount. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, demands regular monitoring and medication, making convenient access to medical facilities a necessity. This write-up will assess the transportation landscape, considering various factors to determine the ease of reaching healthcare providers.

**Driving the Distance: Highway Access and Road Conditions**

The most common mode of transportation in Riverside is the personal vehicle. The primary route for accessing healthcare in nearby cities like Pell City and Birmingham involves navigating major highways and local roads. From Riverside, the primary artery is Interstate 20 (I-20), which provides direct access to Pell City, approximately a 15-20 minute drive, depending on traffic. This drive typically involves a smooth and well-maintained highway, ensuring a relatively quick and comfortable journey.

For more specialized care, Birmingham, a larger metropolitan area, is about an hour's drive west via I-20. This route necessitates navigating a more complex highway system, including I-459 and I-65, potentially encountering heavier traffic, especially during peak hours. While the highways are generally in good condition, the longer drive time and potential traffic congestion can impact the convenience of reaching medical appointments.

Local roads also play a crucial role in healthcare access. Roads like Stemley Bridge Road and Co Rd 24 provide access to local clinics and pharmacies. These roads, while generally less congested than the interstate, can be narrow and winding in some areas, potentially affecting travel times and requiring careful driving. The condition of these roads can also vary, impacting the overall travel experience.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Riverside and St. Clair County are limited. The availability of bus routes and other public transit services is significantly less developed compared to larger urban areas. Currently, there are no established public bus routes that directly serve Riverside or provide convenient access to healthcare facilities in surrounding cities. This lack of public transit significantly impacts the "Hypertension Score," particularly for individuals who do not drive or have limited access to a personal vehicle.

The absence of a robust public transit system poses challenges for those relying on alternative transportation. Individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to drive are left with limited options for accessing medical care. This lack of accessibility can create significant barriers to receiving timely and consistent healthcare, particularly for those managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Riverside area, offering an alternative to driving. However, their availability and cost can vary. During peak hours or in less populated areas, wait times for a ride-sharing service can be longer, and the cost can be higher. This factor needs consideration when evaluating the feasibility of relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), offer a specialized solution for individuals who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and other needs. While these services can be valuable, they often require pre-booking and may involve additional costs. The availability of NEMT providers in Riverside is an important factor to consider.

**ADA Accessibility: Ensuring Inclusive Healthcare Access**

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial aspect of healthcare access. The availability of accessible transportation options, including vehicles equipped with ramps or lifts, is essential. When evaluating transportation options, it's important to consider the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance of public transit vehicles and ride-sharing services.

While the lack of public transit in Riverside presents a challenge, ride-sharing services often offer accessible vehicles upon request. Medical transportation services also typically provide accessible transportation options. Ensuring that individuals with disabilities can easily access healthcare facilities is a key component of a high "Hypertension Score."

**Calculating the Hypertension Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The "Hypertension Score" for Riverside (ZIP code 35135) is determined by assessing the ease of access to healthcare facilities, considering the available transportation options. This score reflects the combined impact of driving times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and the availability of medical transportation services.

The limited public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services negatively impact the score. The drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly to specialized care in Birmingham, also contribute to the overall assessment. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services provides some mitigation, but the cost and potential wait times need consideration.

**Moving to Riverside: Weighing the Healthcare Landscape**

For individuals with hypertension, the healthcare access landscape in Riverside is a crucial consideration when deciding whether to move to the area. While the town offers a peaceful lifestyle, the limited public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services necessitate careful planning for medical appointments.

Individuals who drive and are comfortable with navigating highways and local roads will likely find healthcare access manageable. However, those who do not drive or have mobility limitations may face greater challenges. In these cases, the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services become critical factors.

The "Hypertension Score" for Riverside, while not a single numerical value, reflects the need for careful consideration of transportation options and their impact on healthcare access. Before making a move, prospective residents should research the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services and assess the feasibility of driving to medical appointments. This proactive approach will help ensure that residents can effectively manage their hypertension and maintain their health while enjoying the benefits of living in Riverside.