35648, Lexington, Alabama Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 35648, Lexington, Alabama is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

31.71 percent of residents in 35648 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.65 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is North Alabama Medical Center with a distance of 18.71 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Lexington, Alabama (ZIP Code 35648)

For those considering a move to Lexington, Alabama (ZIP Code 35648), understanding the accessibility of healthcare is paramount, especially when managing conditions like hypertension. This "Hypertension Score" provides a comprehensive overview of transportation options to medical facilities, enabling informed decisions about healthcare access and overall well-being. It considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, ultimately painting a picture of the realities of navigating healthcare in this community.

The primary healthcare provider serving Lexington is North Alabama Medical Center (NAMC) in Muscle Shoals, approximately 15 miles west. This distance translates into a drive of around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific route. The most direct route involves taking Highway 72 West, a major thoroughfare, and then transitioning onto US-43 North. This is generally a smooth drive, but it can experience congestion during peak hours, particularly around the intersection of Highway 72 and US-43.

Another option is to take County Road 20, which merges onto US-43. While this route may offer slightly less traffic, it could add a few minutes to the overall travel time. For those residing in the northern part of the ZIP code, the drive might involve navigating local roads like County Road 22 or County Road 31 before connecting to the main highways.

Public transportation options are limited in this area. The City of Florence, located west of Lexington, operates a public transit system, but its routes do not directly serve Lexington. Residents relying on public transit would need to arrange for a ride to Florence and then connect to a bus route. This significantly increases travel time and complexity, making it an impractical option for many, especially those with mobility issues or chronic conditions like hypertension.

The absence of a robust public transit system necessitates reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transportation. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area, offering an alternative to driving. However, availability can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in remote areas. The cost of these services can also be a factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services are available for those who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation options. These services, often provided by specialized companies or ambulance services, are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. They typically require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing. The availability of these services and the insurance coverage for them should be carefully investigated.

Considering the transportation landscape, individuals with hypertension should carefully evaluate their ability to access healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options necessitate a proactive approach. Planning for appointments, considering traffic patterns, and exploring ride-sharing or medical transport options are crucial.

Moving to Lexington involves more than just finding a home; it includes integrating into a community and ensuring access to essential services. For individuals with hypertension, this means understanding the practicalities of getting to medical appointments. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a guide, highlighting the need for careful planning and consideration of all available transportation options.

The drive to NAMC, while manageable, requires awareness of potential traffic delays. The lack of public transit underscores the importance of having a reliable mode of transportation. Ride-sharing services offer a convenient alternative, but their availability and cost should be considered. Medical transport services provide a crucial lifeline for those who cannot drive.

For those with hypertension, the "Hypertension Score" highlights the need for proactive planning. Establishing a relationship with a local healthcare provider, understanding the transportation options, and preparing for potential delays are essential steps. This proactive approach helps ensure that healthcare access is not a barrier to a healthy and fulfilling life in Lexington.

Furthermore, exploring the availability of telehealth services can be beneficial. Telehealth allows for virtual consultations with healthcare providers, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. This can be particularly helpful for managing chronic conditions like hypertension, where regular monitoring and medication adjustments are often necessary.

In conclusion, while Lexington offers a pleasant living environment, the transportation infrastructure presents challenges for healthcare access, particularly for those with hypertension. Careful planning, a reliable mode of transportation, and an awareness of available resources are key to ensuring seamless healthcare access. This "Hypertension Score" provides a framework for understanding these realities and making informed decisions about moving to Lexington and managing hypertension effectively.