35469, Knoxville, Alabama Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 35469, Knoxville, Alabama is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.90 percent of residents in 35469 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Greene County Hospital with a distance of 15.99 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 35469

Understanding the challenges of **healthcare access** in any community requires a nuanced approach, particularly when considering chronic conditions like hypertension. This write-up focuses on ZIP code 35469, offering a detailed analysis of **transportation** options available for residents seeking medical care, with a specific lens on their impact on managing hypertension. We’ll explore the practicalities of getting to appointments, considering drive times, public transit, and alternative modes of travel, ultimately providing a framework for assessing the "Hypertension Score" within this area.

The ability to consistently attend medical appointments, access prescription refills, and engage in preventative care is paramount for effectively managing hypertension. Factors like distance, travel time, and the availability of reliable **transportation** directly impact a patient's ability to adhere to their treatment plan. This, in turn, affects their overall health outcomes.

ZIP code 35469, located in the Tuscaloosa, Alabama area, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities in terms of **healthcare access**. The area's geography, population density, and existing infrastructure shape the landscape of medical **transportation**. We'll delve into these aspects to assess the feasibility of reaching various healthcare facilities, including primary care physicians, specialists, pharmacies, and hospitals.

**Driving the Distance: Navigating the Roads**

For many residents of 35469, personal vehicles are the primary mode of **transportation**. The efficiency of this method, however, is heavily influenced by the local road network. The primary artery connecting 35469 to Tuscaloosa, where many healthcare facilities are concentrated, is US-82. Traffic conditions on US-82 can vary, particularly during peak commuting hours, potentially adding significant time to travel.

Traveling from various points within 35469 to the DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, a major healthcare provider, can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the specific origin point and traffic flow. Other healthcare facilities, such as the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, also necessitate a drive along US-82, with similar timeframes.

Smaller roads like County Road 20 and County Road 21 offer alternative routes, but they often involve navigating rural areas with potentially slower speeds and fewer traffic controls. These routes may be beneficial for avoiding congestion on US-82, but they could also increase travel time. For individuals with hypertension, the stress of navigating heavy traffic or the anxiety of potential delays can exacerbate their condition.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public **transportation** options within 35469 are limited. The Tuscaloosa Area Rapid Transit System (TART) provides bus service throughout the city and surrounding areas, but its reach into 35469 is not extensive. The availability of bus routes, their frequency, and their accessibility features are critical factors in determining their usefulness for residents with hypertension.

Route 10, for example, may offer some level of service to areas near 35469, but the frequency of service, especially during off-peak hours, might not align with the needs of patients requiring regular medical appointments. Furthermore, the presence of ADA-compliant features, such as ramps and designated seating, is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations, which can be a common comorbidity with hypertension.

The TART website and local transit authorities should be consulted for the most up-to-date information on routes, schedules, and ADA accessibility. However, the current public transit infrastructure in 35469 suggests that it may not be a viable option for many residents, particularly those with mobility issues or who live in more remote areas.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. Their availability and affordability in 35469 are important considerations. While these services can provide on-demand **transportation**, the cost can be a barrier for some individuals, especially those with limited incomes.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to cater to patients with medical needs, can be another option. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and local providers offer non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services are often more expensive than ride-sharing but can provide a higher level of support and assistance.

The availability of these services, their coverage area within 35469, and the associated costs should be thoroughly investigated. The ability to pre-book rides, especially for regular appointments, is a crucial factor for patients managing hypertension.

**The Hypertension Score: A Framework for Assessment**

To develop a "Hypertension Score" for 35469, several factors need to be considered and weighted:

* **Drive Time:** Average travel time to major healthcare facilities (e.g., DCH Regional Medical Center, Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center) during peak and off-peak hours.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** Availability, frequency, and ADA compliance of bus routes serving the area.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability and Cost:** The presence of ride-sharing services and their average cost to key destinations.
* **Medical Transport Options:** Availability, cost, and services offered by medical **transportation** providers.
* **Patient Demographics:** Consider the age, income levels, and mobility limitations of the population within 35469.
* **Pharmacy Access:** Distance to pharmacies and availability of prescription delivery services.

Each of these factors should be assigned a numerical value, with higher scores indicating better **transportation** access and lower scores indicating greater challenges. The overall "Hypertension Score" would then reflect the cumulative impact of these factors on a patient's ability to manage their condition.

**Moving to Knoxville: A Consideration**

The experience of managing hypertension in 35469 provides valuable insights for individuals considering **moving to Knoxville** or any other location. When evaluating a new area, it is essential to research the local **transportation** infrastructure, the availability of healthcare facilities, and the accessibility of services.

The availability of public transit, the efficiency of the road network, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** options should all be carefully considered. Additionally, the proximity of pharmacies, the availability of prescription delivery, and the ease of accessing specialist care are crucial factors.

By understanding the **transportation** landscape and its impact on **healthcare access**, individuals can make informed decisions about where to live, ensuring they can effectively manage their health and well-being.