33050, Marathon, Florida Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 33050, Marathon, Florida is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

88.20 percent of residents in 33050 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 28.71 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Fishermen's Community Hospital with a distance of 3.58 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Marathon, FL (ZIP Code 33050)

The sun-drenched island paradise of Marathon, Florida, nestled within ZIP code 33050, beckons with its promise of laid-back living and breathtaking ocean views. However, the allure of this idyllic locale demands a practical assessment, especially when considering the crucial aspect of healthcare access, particularly for residents managing hypertension. This write-up delves into the realities of navigating the transportation landscape to access essential medical services, ultimately informing a "Hypertension Score" tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities within this specific community. The score will reflect the ease or difficulty of accessing care, factoring in drive times, public transit availability, and alternative transportation options.

For individuals managing hypertension, consistent access to medical care, including regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential specialist appointments, is paramount. The transportation infrastructure in Marathon, and the broader Florida Keys, significantly impacts this access. The primary thoroughfare, **Overseas Highway (US-1)**, serves as the lifeline connecting Marathon to the mainland and other Keys. While offering stunning coastal views, this single road is also prone to traffic congestion, particularly during peak tourist seasons and in the event of accidents or road closures.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical component of our Hypertension Score. Within Marathon itself, the **Fishermen's Community Hospital** provides essential services, including primary care and emergency care. Reaching this facility from various points within the ZIP code typically involves a drive of under 15 minutes. However, access to specialized care, such as cardiology, nephrology, or endocrinology, often necessitates travel to facilities located further afield.

The nearest major medical center, **Baptist Health South Florida's Mariners Hospital** in Tavernier, is approximately 50 miles away, translating to a drive time of around one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes under normal traffic conditions. This journey requires navigating the **Overseas Highway (US-1)**, a route that can become significantly longer during periods of heavy traffic. For those requiring specialized treatments or consultations unavailable locally, this commute time can be a substantial barrier to care.

Further afield, **Jackson Memorial Hospital** in Miami, a renowned tertiary care center, is approximately 125 miles away, a drive of roughly two and a half to three hours, again contingent on traffic. This extended travel time significantly impacts the Hypertension Score, as it can deter individuals from seeking timely medical attention, especially during emergencies or for routine follow-up appointments. Considering the potential for fluctuating blood pressure and the need for quick intervention, this long-distance travel poses a notable challenge for individuals managing hypertension.

Public transportation options within Marathon are limited, presenting another hurdle to healthcare access. The **Key West Transit** system operates a bus route that extends through Marathon, but its frequency and coverage are limited, particularly for reaching facilities outside the immediate area. The buses are ADA-accessible, offering ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities, a crucial consideration for those with mobility limitations. However, relying solely on public transit for medical appointments can be time-consuming and may require multiple transfers, significantly impacting the overall Hypertension Score.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in Marathon, offering an alternative transportation option. However, their availability can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or during periods of high demand. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments, potentially creating a financial barrier to healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, such as **Ambulance,** and **MedTrans**, offer specialized transport for individuals with medical needs. These services provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. While these services are valuable, they can be expensive and may require prior arrangements, making them less convenient for spontaneous medical needs.

The decision to move to Marathon, a decision many are considering, requires careful consideration of these transportation factors. While the island lifestyle offers undeniable appeal, the limitations in healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing chronic conditions like hypertension, must be weighed. The availability of convenient and affordable transportation is essential for maintaining consistent medical care.

Therefore, a comprehensive Hypertension Score for ZIP code 33050 must factor in the following:

* **Drive times:** The distance and travel time to both local and regional healthcare facilities.
* **Public transit availability:** The frequency, coverage, and accessibility of public transportation options.
* **Ride-sharing and medical transport:** The availability, cost, and reliability of ride-sharing services and medical transport providers.
* **Traffic conditions:** The impact of traffic congestion, particularly on the **Overseas Highway (US-1)**, on travel times.
* **Accessibility:** The ADA-compliance of transportation options.

Considering these factors, the Hypertension Score for Marathon (ZIP code 33050) would likely reflect a moderate level of accessibility. While local healthcare options exist, the reliance on a single highway and the limited public transit options create challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides alternative solutions, but these come with their own limitations.

Ultimately, individuals considering a move to Marathon, especially those managing hypertension, should carefully assess their transportation needs and the availability of healthcare services. Proactive planning, including establishing a relationship with local healthcare providers and exploring transportation options, is crucial for ensuring consistent and accessible medical care. The Hypertension Score serves as a valuable tool for understanding the realities of healthcare access in this unique island community, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.