06013, Burlington, Connecticut Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 06013, Burlington, Connecticut is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.24 percent of residents in 06013 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.84 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bristol Hospital with a distance of 5.57 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Burlington, CT (ZIP Code 06013)

Understanding the ease of accessing healthcare is crucial, especially for those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. This write-up provides a detailed analysis of transportation options within ZIP code 06013, Burlington, CT, to determine a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the challenges and opportunities in reaching essential medical appointments. This score will help residents and potential newcomers, particularly those considering moving to Burlington, assess their ability to manage hypertension effectively.

The foundation of healthcare access lies in reliable transportation. For residents of Burlington, the primary mode of transportation is the personal vehicle. The town’s layout, characterized by a blend of residential areas and rural landscapes, necessitates reliance on cars for most errands, including medical visits. Interstate 84, a major east-west artery, is accessible via Route 69, offering a quick connection to larger medical facilities in surrounding towns like Farmington and Hartford. However, this convenience is contingent on the driver's ability to operate a vehicle and the availability of a car.

Driving times to healthcare providers vary depending on location and traffic conditions. The closest medical offices, including primary care physicians and specialists, are generally accessible within a 10–20-minute drive. These offices often cluster along Route 69 and Route 4, the main thoroughfares in Burlington. For more specialized care, such as cardiology or nephrology, residents may need to travel to Farmington, which typically takes 20–30 minutes via Route 4 or Route 69 to I-84. Hartford, with its concentration of major hospitals and medical centers, is approximately a 30–45-minute drive, again primarily using I-84.

Public transportation options in Burlington are limited, posing a significant challenge for individuals without access to a personal vehicle. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) operates bus routes in the broader region, but these services are infrequent and do not directly serve Burlington. Residents may need to travel to neighboring towns like Bristol or Plainville to access the CTtransit bus network. This often involves a combination of walking, driving, or relying on a ride-sharing service to reach the bus stop, adding considerable time and complexity to the journey.

The nearest CTtransit bus route serving the area is Route 102, which runs between Bristol and Southington. This route, while offering some connection to the broader transit network, requires a transfer in Bristol for those seeking to reach Hartford. The accessibility of these buses for individuals with disabilities is a critical consideration. CTtransit buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other ADA-compliant features. However, the infrequent service and potential for long travel times can still present difficulties for individuals with mobility limitations.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option, particularly for those unable to drive or utilize public transit. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, and they are not always readily accessible in less populated areas. The cost of a ride-sharing trip to a medical appointment, especially to a facility in Hartford, can be substantial, potentially creating a financial barrier to healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility issues or those requiring specialized assistance, are another consideration. Several companies operate in the region, offering non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with boarding and disembarking the vehicle. The cost of NEMT services is often covered by Medicaid or private insurance, but prior authorization may be required.

The availability of medical transportation services is an important factor in the "Hypertension Score." Individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive due to their medical condition may rely heavily on these services. The reliability and affordability of these services can significantly impact their ability to attend medical appointments and manage their hypertension effectively.

Burlington's location, while offering a peaceful environment, presents challenges in terms of healthcare access. The town's reliance on personal vehicles, limited public transit options, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing services and medical transportation create barriers for some residents. The "Hypertension Score" will reflect these factors, taking into account driving times, public transit accessibility, the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation, and the cost of these transportation options.

The "Hypertension Score" will be a composite measure, considering the following factors: the average drive time to the nearest primary care physician, the drive time to a major hospital with specialized cardiology services, the frequency and accessibility of public transportation options, the availability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the availability and cost of medical transportation services. Each factor will be weighted based on its impact on healthcare access.

For example, a high score for driving times would indicate relatively short travel times to medical facilities, while a low score would reflect longer travel times. The availability and frequency of public transportation would also significantly impact the score, with a lack of public transit leading to a lower score. The presence of reliable and affordable ride-sharing and medical transportation options would improve the score, while limited availability or high costs would decrease it.

The final "Hypertension Score" will provide a comprehensive assessment of the ease of accessing healthcare in Burlington. This score will be particularly valuable for individuals with hypertension who are considering moving to the area, as it will help them assess their ability to manage their condition effectively. It will also be a useful tool for current residents to understand the challenges and opportunities they face in accessing healthcare.

In conclusion, Burlington, CT (ZIP code 06013) presents a mixed picture regarding healthcare access for individuals managing hypertension. While the town offers a relatively close proximity to medical providers, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create challenges for some residents. The "Hypertension Score" will quantify these factors, providing a valuable tool for residents and potential newcomers to assess their ability to manage their health effectively within this community. The integration of these transportation considerations is essential for a complete understanding of healthcare access, particularly for those considering moving to Burlington.