35160, Talladega, Alabama Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 35160, Talladega, Alabama is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.53 percent of residents in 35160 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.52 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Citizens Baptist Medical Center with a distance of 1.77 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 35160

Moving to a new community is an exciting prospect, but it’s crucial to understand the practical realities of daily life, especially concerning healthcare. This write-up focuses on healthcare access for residents of ZIP Code 35160, Talladega, Alabama, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. We'll analyze the transportation landscape, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options to determine a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease with which residents can reach essential medical appointments and services. This score will help potential residents understand the potential challenges and opportunities of healthcare access in this area.

The ability to consistently and reliably access healthcare is paramount for individuals managing hypertension. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency care are critical for controlling blood pressure and preventing complications. Transportation limitations can significantly impact a patient's ability to adhere to their treatment plan, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes. Therefore, a thorough understanding of transportation options is essential when evaluating healthcare access.

ZIP Code 35160 primarily encompasses the city of Talladega and surrounding areas. This is a region characterized by a mix of urban and rural landscapes, influencing transportation infrastructure and options. The primary highways serving the area are Interstate 20 (I-20), which runs east-west, and US Highway 78, which also runs east-west, and US Highway 280, which runs north-south. These major thoroughfares provide access to healthcare facilities in Talladega and nearby cities like Birmingham and Anniston.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical factor. The Talladega Health and Rehabilitation Center, a prominent facility, is centrally located within the ZIP Code. Accessing this facility from various locations within 35160 is generally straightforward, with drive times typically ranging from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the specific location and traffic conditions. The drive to the Talladega County Health Department, located in the heart of Talladega, is also relatively short, usually taking less than 10 minutes.

However, for specialized care or services not available locally, residents may need to travel to Birmingham, approximately 60 miles west, or Anniston, about 30 miles east. The drive to Birmingham, utilizing I-20, can take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. The drive to Anniston, also via I-20, is considerably shorter, typically taking around 30 to 45 minutes. These longer drive times necessitate careful planning, especially for individuals with hypertension who may experience health complications while traveling.

Public transportation options in Talladega are limited. The Talladega Area Council on Aging (TACOA) offers a demand-response transportation service, primarily for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This service, while potentially helpful, requires advance booking and may have limited availability. Details on routes, schedules, and ADA accessibility features are difficult to ascertain. The lack of a robust public transit system presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles, potentially limiting their access to healthcare.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Talladega, but their availability and reliability may vary. The frequency of service and the potential for longer wait times, especially during peak hours or in less populated areas, need consideration. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments. The availability of these services is a welcome addition, but they are not a guaranteed solution for all transportation needs.

Medical transport services are available in the area. These services cater specifically to individuals who require assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and other local providers offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services often require advance booking and may have specific eligibility criteria. The cost of medical transport can be substantial, posing a financial burden for some patients.

Considering all these factors, we can construct a preliminary "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 35160. The score will be a subjective assessment, based on the availability, reliability, and affordability of transportation options.

**Factors considered:**

* **Drive Times:** Short drive times to local healthcare facilities are a positive factor. Longer drive times to specialized care in Birmingham or Anniston are a negative factor.
* **Public Transit:** The limited availability of public transit is a significant negative factor. The demand-response service offered by TACOA is a small positive factor, but its limitations must be considered.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The availability of ride-sharing services is a moderate positive factor, but their reliability and cost are potential drawbacks.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability of medical transport services is a positive factor, but the cost and eligibility requirements are potential limitations.

**Preliminary "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 35160:**

Based on this analysis, the preliminary "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 35160 is moderate. While residents have access to local healthcare facilities with relatively short drive times, the limited public transit options and potential reliance on ride-sharing or medical transport services present challenges. Individuals managing hypertension must carefully consider these factors when evaluating healthcare access in this area.

Moving to Talladega requires careful planning, especially for individuals with hypertension. Understanding the transportation landscape is crucial for ensuring consistent and reliable access to healthcare. Further investigation into the specific availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services is recommended. Potential residents should also explore the possibility of establishing relationships with local healthcare providers and pharmacies to facilitate medication refills and appointment scheduling.

This "Hypertension Score" provides a starting point for assessing healthcare access in ZIP Code 35160. It highlights the importance of considering transportation options when making decisions about healthcare and living in a new community. Further research and individual assessment are always recommended to make informed choices about healthcare access and overall well-being.