33579, Riverview, Florida Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 33579, Riverview, Florida is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

29.45 percent of residents in 33579 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.68 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hca Florida South Shore Hospital with a distance of 6.42 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 33579

The sun-drenched expanses of Riverview, Florida, in ZIP Code 33579, beckon with the promise of suburban tranquility. Yet, beneath the surface of new developments and family-friendly parks lies a crucial consideration for prospective residents: healthcare access, particularly for those managing hypertension. This write-up explores the complexities of navigating the transportation landscape to reach vital medical services, culminating in a 'Hypertension Score' assessment. This score aims to provide a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities for individuals seeking quality healthcare within this growing community.

For individuals managing hypertension, consistent and timely access to healthcare is paramount. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and specialist appointments are essential components of effective management. The ease with which these needs can be met significantly impacts quality of life and overall health outcomes. In Riverview, the ability to efficiently traverse the distances to medical facilities becomes a critical factor in assessing the livability of the area.

The primary mode of transportation in Riverview, as in much of suburban Florida, is the personal vehicle. Driving times to healthcare facilities are therefore a central aspect of our analysis. Several major roadways serve the area, including Interstate 75 (I-75), the primary north-south artery, and the Selmon Expressway (SR 618), offering a quicker route to downtown Tampa. The primary east-west thoroughfare is US Highway 301, a busy road that can experience significant congestion during peak hours.

Navigating these roadways to access healthcare requires careful planning. For instance, a drive to the Tampa General Hospital (TGH) South Tampa campus, a major healthcare provider, from the heart of Riverview, might take approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions on I-75 or the Selmon Expressway. The commute to AdventHealth Riverview, a local hospital, is significantly shorter, typically around 10-15 minutes via US 301. However, the reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of considering traffic patterns and the potential for delays, particularly during rush hour.

Public transportation options in 33579 are limited but present. Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) provides bus service, offering routes that connect Riverview to surrounding areas, including downtown Tampa and Brandon. While these routes provide a valuable service, they may not be ideal for individuals with hypertension due to longer travel times and potential for transfers.

The primary HART routes serving Riverview include the 19 and 39. The 19 travels along US 301 and the 39 travels along Big Bend Road. Both routes provide connections to the Marion Transit Center, a major hub for transfers to other routes. However, the frequency of these routes and the distance to medical facilities from bus stops can pose challenges. Additionally, the availability of ADA-accessible features on HART buses is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to personal vehicles and public transportation. These services provide a convenient option for door-to-door transportation to healthcare appointments. The availability and cost of ride-sharing services in Riverview are generally good, though surge pricing during peak hours or times of high demand can increase the expense. This factor should be considered, especially for individuals on a fixed income.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer another option. Companies like Firstat Nursing Services and MedRide provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services often cater to individuals with mobility challenges or those who require assistance during their journey. While providing a valuable service, these options can be more costly than ride-sharing or public transportation.

Considering all the factors, the 'Hypertension Score' for transportation and healthcare access in 33579 is a composite measure. It reflects the accessibility of healthcare facilities, the efficiency of transportation options, and the potential challenges faced by individuals managing hypertension.

**Scoring Criteria:**

* **Drive Time to Major Healthcare Facilities:** This considers the average drive time to hospitals, clinics, and specialist offices, factoring in traffic conditions. Shorter drive times receive higher scores.
* **Public Transportation Accessibility:** This assesses the availability, frequency, and convenience of HART bus routes, including the distance from bus stops to medical facilities and the availability of ADA features. More accessible and convenient routes receive higher scores.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation Availability:** This evaluates the availability, cost, and reliability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation options. Higher availability and affordability receive higher scores.
* **Overall Healthcare Facility Density:** This considers the number and types of healthcare facilities within a reasonable distance of Riverview, providing a measure of the overall healthcare infrastructure. A higher density of facilities receives a higher score.

**Hypertension Score Assessment:**

Based on the analysis, the 'Hypertension Score' for transportation and healthcare access in 33579 is a moderate score. While the area benefits from the presence of local hospitals and the availability of ride-sharing services, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transportation present challenges.

* **Drive Time:** The drive times to local hospitals, such as AdventHealth Riverview, are generally favorable, contributing positively to the score. However, longer drive times to major facilities in Tampa, especially during peak hours, detract from the score.
* **Public Transportation:** The HART bus routes offer a limited but viable option for some residents. The longer travel times and potential for transfers, however, limit the positive impact on the score.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:** The availability of ride-sharing services provides a convenient alternative, contributing positively to the score. The cost of these services, particularly during peak hours, and the potential need for medical transportation for some individuals, slightly detract from the score.
* **Overall Healthcare Facility Density:** The presence of local hospitals and clinics, along with access to major healthcare facilities in the Tampa area, contributes positively to the score.

**Recommendations for Improving the Hypertension Score:**

* **Enhance Public Transportation:** Increase the frequency and coverage of HART bus routes, particularly those serving healthcare facilities. Consider implementing express routes to reduce travel times.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing Subsidies:** Explore partnerships with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized transportation to healthcare appointments for individuals with hypertension.
* **Improve Road Infrastructure:** Invest in traffic management systems and road improvements to reduce congestion on major roadways, particularly during peak hours.
* **Encourage Telehealth Services:** Promote the use of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments, especially for routine check-ups and medication management.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Riverview, Florida, in 33579 presents a compelling lifestyle for many. However, for individuals managing hypertension, careful consideration of healthcare access and transportation options is essential. While the area offers a range of healthcare facilities and transportation choices, the 'Hypertension Score' highlights the need for continued efforts to improve accessibility and ensure that all residents can easily access the healthcare they need. The ongoing development of the community and the implementation of the recommendations will ultimately contribute to a healthier and more accessible environment for everyone.