33442, Deerfield Beach, Florida Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 33442, Deerfield Beach, Florida is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.26 percent of residents in 33442 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Broward Health North with a distance of 2.53 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Deerfield Beach (ZIP Code 33442)

Considering a move to Deerfield Beach (ZIP code 33442) and concerned about managing hypertension? Understanding the ease of **healthcare access** is paramount. This write-up provides a "Hypertension Score" assessment, focusing on **transportation** options to medical facilities, vital for maintaining consistent care. The score will consider drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. The goal is to empower you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your well-being.

Deerfield Beach, a vibrant coastal community, offers a blend of residential areas and commercial hubs. This assessment focuses on the practical aspects of accessing healthcare, essential for residents managing chronic conditions like hypertension. The availability of efficient **transportation** options directly impacts the ability to adhere to treatment plans, attend appointments, and obtain necessary medications.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Arteries of Access**

The primary roadways in and around Deerfield Beach are crucial for **healthcare access**. The Florida's Turnpike (SR 91) provides a swift north-south corridor, offering the quickest routes to hospitals and specialist offices located further afield. However, rush hour congestion can significantly impact drive times. I-95, another major artery, parallels the Turnpike, offering an alternative route, yet often experiences heavier traffic.

Local roads like Hillsboro Boulevard, Sample Road, and Federal Highway (US 1) serve as vital connectors, linking residential areas to medical facilities. Drive times on these roads fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. During peak hours, expect delays, especially at intersections.

For instance, driving from the eastern side of Deerfield Beach to Boca Raton Regional Hospital, a major healthcare provider, via the Turnpike could take approximately 20-30 minutes during off-peak hours. However, during rush hour, this drive could easily extend to 45 minutes or more. Similarly, traveling to Broward Health North in Pompano Beach, using I-95, could take 15-25 minutes in lighter traffic, potentially doubling during peak times.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Network**

Broward County Transit (BCT) offers a public **transportation** network serving Deerfield Beach. Several bus routes provide access to healthcare facilities. Route 73, for example, runs along Federal Highway, connecting to various medical offices and clinics. Route 81 serves Hillsboro Boulevard, another critical artery, providing access to healthcare providers along its path.

BCT buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts and priority seating, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations. However, bus schedules and frequency can impact **healthcare access**. Waiting times between buses, especially during evenings and weekends, can be significant, potentially adding to the overall travel time.

For those reliant on public transit, planning appointments strategically, considering bus schedules, and factoring in potential delays are essential. Real-time tracking applications can help monitor bus locations and provide estimated arrival times.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: On-Demand Solutions**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer convenient **transportation** options for **healthcare access**. These services provide on-demand rides to medical appointments, eliminating the need for personal vehicles or reliance on public transit schedules. The availability of ride-sharing services in Deerfield Beach is generally good, with relatively short wait times.

However, ride-sharing costs can accumulate, particularly for frequent appointments. Considering the financial implications of relying on ride-sharing is important, especially for individuals on fixed incomes or those requiring multiple appointments per week.

Medical transport services cater specifically to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and First Medical Transport offer non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. These services often require advance booking and may be covered by insurance, depending on the individual's plan and medical necessity.

**Hypertension Score Considerations**

To determine the "Hypertension Score" for Deerfield Beach (33442), we must consider these factors:

* **Drive Time Variability:** The fluctuating nature of drive times, especially during peak hours, significantly impacts **healthcare access**. The score will consider average drive times to key healthcare facilities, factoring in potential delays.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** The availability and frequency of BCT bus routes to medical facilities are crucial. The score will assess the coverage and convenience of public transit options.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Availability:** The reliability and cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing and medical transport services will be evaluated.
* **Proximity to Healthcare Providers:** The physical distance to hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies plays a vital role. The score will consider the concentration of healthcare providers within and around Deerfield Beach.

**Scoring Methodology**

The "Hypertension Score" will be graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 representing excellent **healthcare access** and 1 representing poor access. The score will be determined based on a weighted average of the factors mentioned above.

* **Drive Time:** (30% weight) - Shorter and more consistent drive times contribute to a higher score.
* **Public Transit:** (25% weight) - Frequent and accessible public transit options enhance the score.
* **Ride-Sharing/Medical Transport:** (25% weight) - The availability, affordability, and reliability of these services influence the score.
* **Proximity to Healthcare:** (20% weight) - The concentration of healthcare providers near residential areas positively impacts the score.

**Conclusion: Empowering Informed Decisions for Moving to Deerfield Beach**

This "Hypertension Score" write-up provides a framework for understanding **healthcare access** in Deerfield Beach (33442). It highlights the importance of considering **transportation** options when managing hypertension. By carefully evaluating drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare and overall well-being. This information is particularly valuable for those **moving to Deerfield Beach**, ensuring they can seamlessly integrate into the community while maintaining consistent access to the medical care they need.