36752, Lowndesboro, Alabama Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 36752, Lowndesboro, Alabama is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

33.67 percent of residents in 36752 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.55 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Prattville Baptist Hospital with a distance of 14.39 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Lowndesboro, Alabama (ZIP Code 36752)

Lowndesboro, Alabama, a serene community nestled within the heart of the state, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for residents seeking healthcare, particularly those managing hypertension. This write-up provides a comprehensive overview of transportation options and potential barriers to healthcare access within ZIP code 36752, culminating in a practical "Hypertension Score" assessment. This score aims to empower individuals, especially those considering moving to Lowndesboro, to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Lowndesboro is, inevitably, the ability to reach medical facilities. The primary mode of transportation is the personal vehicle. Driving times to healthcare providers are crucial, given the potential for health complications associated with untreated hypertension. The nearest significant medical centers are located in Montgomery, Alabama, approximately 30 miles east. This journey, primarily via **US-80 East**, typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the specific destination. Rural roads like **County Road 11** and **County Road 21** offer alternative routes, but these are often less direct and may involve unpaved sections, potentially impacting travel time and vehicle suitability.

Other healthcare options include clinics and hospitals in the surrounding areas of Hayneville and White Hall. These facilities are closer than Montgomery, but the quality of care and the range of services might be limited. Drive times to these locations, using roads such as **Alabama Highway 21** and **Alabama Highway 97**, range from 15 to 30 minutes. These shorter commutes can be beneficial for routine check-ups and medication refills, critical for managing hypertension. However, for specialized care or emergency situations, the longer drive to Montgomery remains a significant consideration.

Public transportation options within Lowndesboro are virtually nonexistent. The absence of a readily available public transit system presents a substantial hurdle for individuals without personal vehicles, especially those with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive. This lack of public transportation severely restricts healthcare access for vulnerable populations, highlighting a critical need for alternative solutions.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Montgomery area, offering a potential solution for those without personal vehicles. However, the availability of these services in Lowndesboro is significantly limited. Ride-share availability can be erratic, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of a ride-share to Montgomery can also be substantial, potentially creating a financial barrier to healthcare access.

Medical transportation services are another option for individuals needing assistance. Several medical transportation companies operate in the Montgomery area, providing non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) for appointments and other healthcare needs. These services typically require advance booking and can be costly. The availability of NEMT services in Lowndesboro, while present, may be limited, necessitating careful planning and coordination.

The availability of pharmacies in Lowndesboro is a crucial factor. Access to medication is paramount for managing hypertension. Residents can find pharmacies in the neighboring towns of Hayneville and White Hall, as well as in Montgomery. However, the travel time to these pharmacies and the availability of specific medications can vary. This necessitates careful planning and coordination, especially for individuals with complex medication regimens.

Healthcare access is not solely dependent on transportation. The availability of healthcare providers accepting new patients is another critical factor. The physician-to-population ratio in rural areas like Lowndesboro can be lower than in urban areas, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potential difficulty in finding a primary care physician. This scarcity can be a significant challenge for individuals newly diagnosed with hypertension or those needing regular follow-up care.

The healthcare landscape in Lowndesboro is further complicated by the socio-economic factors. Low-income individuals and families may face additional barriers to healthcare access, including the lack of health insurance, the inability to afford prescription medications, and limited access to healthy food options. These factors can exacerbate the challenges of managing hypertension and other chronic conditions.

The physical environment also plays a role. The lack of sidewalks and safe pedestrian infrastructure in some areas of Lowndesboro may limit the ability of individuals to walk or bike to healthcare facilities, further increasing the reliance on personal vehicles or other forms of transportation.

**Hypertension Score Assessment:**

To assess healthcare access for individuals with hypertension in Lowndesboro, we can develop a simplified "Hypertension Score" based on the factors discussed above. This score is a subjective assessment, not a scientific measurement.

**Factors to Consider:**

* **Distance to nearest hospital/specialist:** (e.g., Montgomery - 45 minutes to 1 hour).
* **Availability of public transportation:** (virtually none).
* **Availability of ride-sharing services:** (limited, potentially unreliable).
* **Cost and availability of medical transport:** (requires booking, potentially costly).
* **Availability of pharmacies:** (neighboring towns and Montgomery).
* **Access to primary care physicians:** (potential for limited availability).
* **Socio-economic factors:** (income, insurance coverage).

**Scoring:**

* **Excellent (High Score):** Easy access to multiple healthcare facilities within a short drive, reliable transportation options, readily available medication, and a supportive socio-economic environment.
* **Good (Moderate Score):** Access to healthcare facilities within a reasonable drive, limited public transportation, potential reliance on ride-sharing or medical transport, and availability of pharmacies.
* **Fair (Low Score):** Longer drive times to healthcare facilities, limited transportation options, potential for financial barriers to care, and challenges in accessing medication.
* **Poor (Very Low Score):** Long drive times to healthcare facilities, no public transportation, significant reliance on personal vehicles, high cost of transportation, limited access to medication, and socio-economic barriers.

**Applying the Score to Lowndesboro (36752):**

Based on the information presented, the "Hypertension Score" for Lowndesboro residents would likely fall in the "Fair" to "Low" range. The long drive times to major medical centers, the lack of public transportation, and the potential reliance on personal vehicles or costly ride-sharing services pose significant challenges. The limited availability of healthcare providers and the socio-economic factors further contribute to the complexity of healthcare access.

**Recommendations for Individuals Considering Moving to Lowndesboro:**

Individuals with hypertension, or those at risk, considering moving to Lowndesboro should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare access. They should:

* Assess their ability to drive or access reliable transportation.
* Research the availability of healthcare providers in the area, including primary care physicians and specialists.
* Consider the availability of pharmacies and the cost of medications.
* Factor in the potential cost of ride-sharing or medical transportation.
* Explore options for obtaining health insurance and accessing financial assistance programs.
* Prioritize regular check-ups and medication adherence.

By understanding the transportation challenges and potential barriers to healthcare access, individuals can make informed decisions and proactively manage their health in Lowndesboro. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a tool to assess the overall healthcare landscape, allowing residents to navigate the healthcare system effectively. The focus should be on building a supportive environment for individuals managing hypertension, ensuring they can access the care they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.