Health Scores Near 36559, Montrose, Alabama
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The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 36559, Montrose, Alabama is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
0.00 percent of residents in 36559 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.29 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Thomas Hospital with a distance of 3.41 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 36559, Montrose, Alabama
| Hypertension Score | 89 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 99 |
| Provider Score | 56 |
| Hospital Score | 55 |
| Travel Score | 47 |
| Housholds with Cars (%) | 36559 | Montrose | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Cars | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.85 |
| 1 Car | 0.00 | 0.00 | 18.18 |
| 2 Cars | 0.00 | 0.00 | 39.34 |
| 3 or More Cars | 100.00 | 100.00 | 40.63 |
Vehicular Access in 36559, Montrose, Alabama
**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36559**
Nestled along the Alabama Gulf Coast, the community of Montrose, within ZIP code 36559, offers a charming blend of coastal living and Southern hospitality. However, when considering healthcare access, particularly for residents managing hypertension, the transportation landscape becomes a critical factor. Evaluating the ease of reaching medical facilities is paramount in assessing the quality of life and the ability to effectively manage chronic conditions. This write-up delves into the transportation challenges and opportunities within 36559, providing a "Hypertension Score" based on commute times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services.
The "Hypertension Score" considers the time and effort required for residents to access healthcare appointments, emphasizing the impact of these factors on individuals managing high blood pressure. Frequent check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency visits are crucial for hypertension management, and the ease of transportation directly affects adherence to these vital healthcare needs. The score is not a numerical value but rather a qualitative assessment based on the following criteria: drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transportation services.
**Drive Times and Roadways**
The primary roadways serving Montrose are US Highway 98 and County Road 64. Access to healthcare facilities in nearby cities, such as Fairhope and Daphne, necessitates navigating these roads. The drive to Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, a major healthcare provider, typically takes approximately 15-20 minutes under normal traffic conditions. However, during peak hours or inclement weather, this commute can extend considerably, potentially impacting individuals with hypertension who require timely medical attention.
The journey to larger hospitals in Mobile, such as Providence Hospital or Mobile Infirmary, involves a longer commute, typically ranging from 30-45 minutes via US-98 and Interstate 10. This extended travel time poses a greater challenge, especially during medical emergencies. Residents considering moving to Montrose should carefully evaluate the impact of these drive times on their healthcare access, particularly if they have pre-existing conditions like hypertension.
**Public Transit: Limited Options**
Public transportation options within 36559 are extremely limited. The Baldwin County Area Transportation System (BCATS) provides some service, but its routes and frequency are not designed to cater specifically to healthcare access needs. BCATS primarily focuses on providing transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Public transit options are not a reliable solution for many residents, particularly those requiring frequent medical appointments.
The lack of robust public transit options significantly impacts individuals with hypertension who may not be able to drive or who prefer not to drive. The absence of readily available public transportation necessitates reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transportation, which can increase the cost and complexity of healthcare access. This highlights the need for improved public transit infrastructure to support the healthcare needs of the community.
**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation**
Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area and offer an alternative to personal vehicles. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, particularly during peak hours or in areas with limited demand. For individuals with hypertension, the reliability and affordability of ride-sharing services are critical factors in determining their ability to attend medical appointments.
Medical transportation services, such as American Medical Response (AMR) and other private providers, offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, medical transportation can be expensive and may require prior scheduling, limiting their flexibility for urgent care needs.
**Impact on the "Hypertension Score"**
The transportation landscape within 36559 presents significant challenges for individuals managing hypertension. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit options, can create barriers to healthcare access. The drive times to healthcare facilities, especially during peak hours, can be a concern. The availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services further impact the ease of accessing medical care.
The "Hypertension Score" for 36559 reflects these challenges. The score would be considered moderate, as residents have access to healthcare facilities via personal vehicles and ride-sharing services. However, the limited public transit options and the potential cost and availability constraints of alternative transportation services impact the overall score. This score underscores the need for improved transportation infrastructure and services to support the healthcare needs of the community, particularly for individuals managing chronic conditions like hypertension.
**Recommendations for Improvement**
To improve the "Hypertension Score" and enhance healthcare access for residents of 36559, several recommendations are warranted. Investing in expanding the BCATS service, including more frequent routes and increased accessibility, would be beneficial. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also improve access.
Furthermore, promoting awareness of available medical transportation services and ensuring their affordability would be crucial. Encouraging the development of telehealth services, allowing for remote consultations and monitoring, could also reduce the need for frequent in-person visits. These initiatives would create a more accessible and supportive healthcare environment for residents of 36559, particularly those managing hypertension and considering moving to Montrose.
**Conclusion**
The ability to access healthcare is a fundamental aspect of well-being, and transportation plays a crucial role in this access. For residents of 36559 managing hypertension, the transportation challenges present a significant consideration. The "Hypertension Score" reflects the need for improved transportation infrastructure and services to support the healthcare needs of the community. By addressing these challenges, the community can enhance the quality of life for all residents, ensuring that healthcare access is not a barrier to their well-being.
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