36017, Clio, Alabama Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 36017, Clio, Alabama is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

38.32 percent of residents in 36017 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.50 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Dale Medical Center with a distance of 16.65 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Clio, Alabama (ZIP Code 36017)

The journey to healthcare in Clio, Alabama, ZIP code 36017, is a critical factor in managing hypertension. This score, reflecting the ease and efficiency of *transportation* options, is paramount. Residents battling high blood pressure require swift and reliable access to medical care, including regular check-ups, medication refills, and emergency services. This analysis delves into the realities of *healthcare access* within and around Clio, providing a comprehensive understanding for residents and those *moving to Clio*.

Clio, a small town nestled in Barbour County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare. The nearest hospitals and specialized medical facilities are primarily located in larger towns, necessitating travel. This write-up assesses the various *transportation* modalities available, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, to calculate a comprehensive Hypertension Score.

**Driving the Distance: The Road to Wellness**

For many Clio residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of *transportation*. The most direct route to larger medical centers involves navigating the local road network. The primary thoroughfare is US Highway 431, which serves as the main artery connecting Clio to Dothan, approximately 45 miles south. A drive to Dothan, home to several hospitals and specialist clinics, typically takes around an hour, depending on traffic.

Another viable option is State Route 10, which provides access to Eufaula, roughly 25 miles east. Eufaula offers a smaller hospital and various medical practices, making it a quicker, though perhaps less comprehensive, alternative. The drive to Eufaula generally takes 30 to 40 minutes.

Traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times. Rural roads, while scenic, can be susceptible to delays due to weather or accidents. Careful planning is essential for those with hypertension, ensuring sufficient time for travel to appointments and avoiding unnecessary stress.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public *transportation* options in Barbour County are limited. There is no established public bus system within Clio itself. The availability of public transit to surrounding areas is minimal, presenting a significant barrier to *healthcare access* for those without personal vehicles. This lack of public *transportation* significantly impacts the Hypertension Score, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a car.

ADA accessibility is a crucial consideration. The absence of a robust public transit system with ADA-compliant features further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with mobility limitations, a population often disproportionately affected by hypertension.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may be available in the Clio area, but their reliability and availability are often inconsistent, particularly in rural locations. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical *transportation* services offer a more specialized solution for individuals with medical needs. Several companies, including local ambulance services and private medical transport providers, operate in the region. These services provide non-emergency medical *transportation* to and from appointments.

The cost of medical *transportation* can vary significantly depending on the distance, the type of service required, and insurance coverage. Careful research and planning are essential to determine the most cost-effective and reliable option.

**Calculating the Hypertension Score: A Multifaceted Approach**

The Hypertension Score considers several factors: drive times to healthcare facilities, the availability and reliability of public *transportation*, the accessibility of ride-sharing services, and the availability and cost of medical *transportation*.

The score is weighted to reflect the importance of each factor. Drive times are given the highest weight, as they directly impact the timeliness of medical care. The availability and accessibility of public *transportation* are also heavily weighted, recognizing the challenges faced by individuals without personal vehicles. Ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services are considered, but their lower reliability and higher cost reduce their impact on the overall score.

The score is presented on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing the most challenging access to healthcare and 10 representing the easiest. A low score indicates significant barriers to *healthcare access*, while a high score indicates relatively easy access.

**Challenges and Opportunities: Improving Healthcare Access**

The Hypertension Score for Clio, Alabama (36017) is likely to be relatively low due to the limited *transportation* options and the distance to healthcare facilities. This underscores the need for proactive measures to improve *healthcare access* for residents.

One crucial area for improvement is the expansion of public *transportation* options. Investing in a local bus system, even on a limited scale, could significantly improve *healthcare access*, especially for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Another opportunity lies in the promotion and support of ride-sharing services and medical *transportation* providers. Providing financial assistance or subsidies for these services could make them more affordable and accessible.

Telemedicine is a growing field, offering remote consultations and monitoring. Expanding telemedicine services could reduce the need for in-person appointments, particularly for routine check-ups and medication management.

**Moving to Clio: Considerations for Hypertension Management**

For individuals considering *moving to Clio* with a history of hypertension, understanding the *transportation* landscape is crucial. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their ability to access healthcare services, considering their personal *transportation* options and the availability of support services.

It is advisable to research local healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, specialists, and pharmacies. Understanding the distance and *transportation* requirements for appointments is critical.

Individuals with hypertension should also develop a plan for managing their condition, including medication refills, regular check-ups, and emergency preparedness. This plan should consider the limitations of *transportation* options and the need for proactive planning.

**Conclusion: Prioritizing Healthcare Access in Clio**

The Hypertension Score for Clio, Alabama (36017) highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with *healthcare access*. While the town's rural location presents limitations in terms of *transportation*, proactive measures can be taken to improve the situation. By investing in public *transportation*, supporting ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services, and promoting telemedicine, Clio can create a more accessible and supportive environment for residents managing hypertension. This is especially important for those *moving to Clio*, ensuring they can maintain their health and well-being.