36373, Shorterville, Alabama Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 36373, Shorterville, Alabama is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

35.21 percent of residents in 36373 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.57 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southeast Health Medical Center with a distance of 25.90 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Shorterville, Alabama (ZIP Code 36373)

The journey to maintaining healthy blood pressure, particularly for those considering a move to Shorterville, Alabama (ZIP Code 36373), necessitates a thorough understanding of local transportation options. This is crucial when assessing healthcare access, as reliable transportation is a cornerstone of effective hypertension management. This write-up provides a "Hypertension Score" framework, evaluating the challenges and opportunities presented by the area’s transportation landscape.

The “Hypertension Score” is not a formal medical tool but a conceptual framework. It considers the practicalities of getting to medical appointments, refilling prescriptions, and accessing emergency care. It weighs factors like drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of ride-sharing services. This analysis will help prospective residents understand the realities of transportation in relation to healthcare access, aiding in informed decision-making about moving to Shorterville.

Shorterville, a small town in rural Alabama, presents unique transportation challenges. The area's reliance on personal vehicles is significant. Highway 431, the primary north-south artery, is often congested during peak hours, particularly near Dothan. County Road 56, another key route, offers alternative access but is subject to varying road conditions. These roads are vital for accessing healthcare facilities, including the Southeast Health Medical Center in Dothan, the nearest major hospital.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical component of the Hypertension Score. A longer commute can increase stress, potentially impacting blood pressure. From Shorterville, a typical drive to Southeast Health Medical Center via Highway 431 can range from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Smaller clinics and doctor's offices in nearby towns like Eufaula may offer shorter drive times, typically around 15 to 25 minutes, via County Road 56.

Public transportation options in Shorterville are limited. The absence of a dedicated public transit system poses a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles. This lack of accessibility can severely limit healthcare access, especially for those with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive. The absence of public transit significantly lowers the Hypertension Score for individuals relying on alternative transportation.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential solution, but their availability in rural areas can be inconsistent. The reliability of these services in Shorterville is questionable. The availability of ride-sharing services may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in emergencies. This uncertainty impacts the Hypertension Score, as dependable access to transportation is essential for consistent healthcare.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patient transport, offer another avenue. These services cater to individuals with medical needs, providing transportation to and from appointments. While these services are available, they often require advance booking and can be costly. The availability and cost of medical transport services influence the Hypertension Score, as they provide a vital lifeline for those unable to drive.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features on any available public transportation are crucial for individuals with disabilities. The absence of a public transit system in Shorterville means the ADA compliance is not a factor. However, the availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles within medical transport services becomes paramount. The availability of these services directly impacts the Hypertension Score for individuals with mobility challenges.

The impact of transportation on healthcare access extends beyond routine appointments. Emergency situations require immediate access to medical care. The reliance on personal vehicles or potentially delayed ride-sharing services in emergencies can be life-threatening. This underscores the importance of understanding the limitations of transportation options when considering a move to Shorterville.

Prescription refills are another critical aspect of hypertension management. The ability to easily access a pharmacy is essential for adhering to medication regimens. The drive times to pharmacies, located in Dothan or nearby towns, become a key consideration. The availability of pharmacy delivery services, while not always guaranteed, can mitigate some transportation challenges.

The overall Hypertension Score for Shorterville, Alabama (ZIP Code 36373) reflects the transportation challenges. The score is negatively impacted by the limited public transit, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, and the reliance on personal vehicles. The score is somewhat offset by the availability of medical transport services, though their cost and availability remain a concern.

For individuals with hypertension, or those at risk, carefully evaluating the transportation landscape is paramount. The drive times, the availability of alternative transportation options, and the cost of medical transport services must be considered. A thorough understanding of these factors is essential for ensuring consistent healthcare access and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

When considering moving to Shorterville, prospective residents should prioritize understanding the transportation challenges. The lack of readily available public transportation necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing (if available), or medical transport services. These factors significantly influence the Hypertension Score and should be carefully weighed against the benefits of living in this community.

The decision to move to Shorterville, or any rural area, requires a realistic assessment of healthcare access. The Hypertension Score framework provides a starting point for evaluating the transportation challenges and making informed decisions. The ability to consistently access medical care, including appointments, prescriptions, and emergency services, is crucial for managing hypertension effectively.