36370, Pansey, Alabama Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 36370, Pansey, Alabama is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.16 percent of residents in 36370 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.52 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southeast Health Medical Center with a distance of 12.77 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Pansey, Alabama (ZIP Code 36370)

The pursuit of optimal health, particularly for individuals managing hypertension, requires seamless access to healthcare. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape surrounding ZIP Code 36370 (Pansey, Alabama), examining the challenges and opportunities for residents seeking timely medical attention. Understanding these nuances is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move, particularly if they require consistent healthcare access. We will explore the existing transportation infrastructure, highlighting drive times, public transit options, ride-share services, and medical transport resources, all contributing to a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" for this specific location.

Pansey, a rural community in Houston County, Alabama, presents unique transportation considerations. The area is characterized by a car-dependent culture, with limited public transit infrastructure. This necessitates a careful examination of travel times, road conditions, and alternative transportation methods to gauge the ease with which residents can access vital healthcare services. The "Hypertension Score" will reflect the practical realities of getting to appointments, filling prescriptions, and receiving necessary medical care within a reasonable timeframe.

The primary arteries for transportation in and around Pansey are US Highway 84 and Alabama State Route 105. These roads, while providing essential links to larger towns and cities, can experience traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Drive times to key healthcare facilities, such as Southeast Health in Dothan (approximately 15 miles), become critical factors in the Hypertension Score. A delay of even a few minutes can be significant for individuals with hypertension, potentially impacting medication adherence and overall health outcomes.

Driving to Southeast Health from Pansey typically takes around 20-30 minutes under normal traffic conditions, primarily utilizing US-84 East. However, unexpected delays due to accidents or construction can easily extend this timeframe. Further, the condition of these roads, especially after inclement weather, can present challenges, impacting travel safety and potentially increasing stress levels for those with hypertension. The distance to other medical facilities, such as clinics and specialist offices, also influences the overall score, adding another layer of complexity.

Public transportation options in Pansey are extremely limited. The Dothan Transit System (DTS) provides bus service within the city of Dothan, but its routes do not directly serve Pansey. This lack of public transit significantly impacts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles, particularly the elderly, disabled, or low-income individuals. The absence of a reliable public transit system is a substantial negative factor in the Hypertension Score.

The Dothan Transit System operates routes within the city, but its reach does not extend into Pansey. This absence of public transit poses a significant challenge for residents who do not have access to personal vehicles, especially the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The lack of a public transit option is a significant negative factor in the Hypertension Score, as it limits healthcare access for a substantial portion of the population.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Dothan area, offering an alternative transportation option. However, the availability of these services in Pansey itself might be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Ride-share availability and cost also need to be considered. The cost of a ride-share to Dothan for a medical appointment can add a significant financial burden, potentially impacting the ability to consistently seek necessary care.

Medical transport services are available in the area, providing specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services typically include ambulances for emergencies and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) for scheduled appointments. However, these services come with associated costs, and their availability may be subject to scheduling constraints. The accessibility and affordability of medical transport services are vital components of the Hypertension Score, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance.

The availability of medical transport services, including ambulances for emergencies and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) for scheduled appointments, is crucial. However, these services come with associated costs, and scheduling constraints may exist. The accessibility and affordability of medical transport services are vital components of the Hypertension Score, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance.

For individuals considering moving to Pansey (36370), understanding the transportation landscape is essential. Those with hypertension need to evaluate the practicality of accessing healthcare facilities. The Hypertension Score reflects the ease with which residents can reach their doctors, pharmacies, and other medical providers. Factors like drive times, the reliability of ride-sharing, and the availability of medical transport all contribute to the overall score.

The "Hypertension Score" for Pansey, Alabama (36370) is significantly impacted by the lack of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles. Drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly Southeast Health in Dothan, are moderate but can be affected by traffic and road conditions. Ride-sharing services offer a potential alternative, but their availability and cost need to be considered. The availability of medical transport services is essential for those with specific needs.

The "Hypertension Score" is not just a numerical rating. It is a reflection of the lived experience of individuals managing hypertension in Pansey. It highlights the importance of proactive planning, including arranging transportation in advance, understanding potential delays, and considering the financial implications of healthcare access. For those with hypertension, a move to Pansey requires a careful assessment of their ability to maintain consistent and timely access to medical care.

Ultimately, the "Hypertension Score" for Pansey underscores the need for residents to be proactive in planning their healthcare access. This includes arranging transportation in advance, understanding potential delays, and considering the financial implications of healthcare access. For those with hypertension, a move to Pansey necessitates a careful evaluation of their ability to maintain consistent and timely access to medical care. The score serves as a reminder that transportation is not just about getting from point A to point B; it's about ensuring access to life-saving healthcare.