33647, Tampa, Florida Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 33647, Tampa, Florida is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.01 percent of residents in 33647 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.39 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Adventhealth Wesley Chapel with a distance of 4.99 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 33647

The decision to relocate is often a complex one, especially when considering healthcare access. For individuals managing hypertension, the ease with which they can reach medical appointments, pharmacies, and emergency care is paramount. This write-up provides a detailed assessment of healthcare accessibility for residents of ZIP Code 33647, focusing on transportation options and their impact on managing hypertension. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering moving to Tampa and prioritizing their health.

ZIP Code 33647, encompassing areas like New Tampa, presents a unique challenge. While offering suburban comforts, it also necessitates navigating a network of roads and public transportation to access comprehensive healthcare. The “Hypertension Score” evaluates the accessibility of healthcare resources, considering various transportation modalities and their potential impact on a resident's ability to manage their condition. The score will be based on drive times, public transit reliability, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport options.

**Drive Times and Road Network: The Foundation of Access**

The primary arteries for transportation within 33647 are Interstate 75 (I-75), Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, and Cross Creek Boulevard. I-75 provides a direct route to major hospitals and medical centers, but rush hour traffic can significantly extend travel times. Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, a major north-south thoroughfare, connects residents to various medical facilities and pharmacies, but its congestion during peak hours poses a challenge. Cross Creek Boulevard offers a more local route, but it can be slower due to traffic lights and lower speed limits.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are highly variable, depending on the time of day and the specific destination. During off-peak hours, a trip to AdventHealth Tampa, located south of 33647, might take 20-30 minutes via I-75. However, during rush hour, this commute could easily double, placing additional stress on individuals managing hypertension. Similarly, reaching Tampa General Hospital, another major healthcare provider, involves navigating I-75 and local roads, making drive times unpredictable.

**Public Transit: A Limited but Essential Option**

Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) provides public transportation within the Tampa Bay area. Several HART bus routes serve 33647, offering a potential alternative to driving. However, the frequency and coverage of these routes are limited, especially during evenings and weekends. This restriction can significantly impact healthcare access, especially for those without personal vehicles.

Bus routes such as the 27X and 31X, which run along Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, provide access to medical offices and pharmacies. The 39X route serves the New Tampa area and connects to the University of South Florida (USF), where several medical facilities are located. While HART buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair accessibility, the longer travel times and potential for delays can be problematic for individuals with hypertension. The reliability of public transit is a crucial factor, as missed appointments can lead to complications in managing the condition.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient option for transportation to healthcare appointments. Their availability in 33647 is generally good, providing a readily accessible alternative to driving or public transit. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as American Medical Response (AMR) and MedTrans, are available for individuals requiring specialized assistance. These services provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. While these services offer a vital resource, they often require prior scheduling and can be more expensive than ride-sharing.

**Pharmacies and Healthcare Facilities: Proximity Matters**

The proximity of pharmacies and healthcare facilities is a critical factor in healthcare access. 33647 has a good concentration of pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens, and Publix pharmacies, providing convenient access to medications. Several medical offices and clinics are located within the ZIP code, offering primary care and specialized services. However, access to major hospitals and specialized medical centers often requires travel outside of the immediate area.

**Hypertension Score Assessment**

The "Hypertension Score" for 33647, based on the factors discussed, is moderate. While the area offers a good selection of pharmacies and medical offices, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit pose challenges. Rush hour traffic on I-75 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard can significantly extend travel times, increasing stress levels for individuals with hypertension. Ride-sharing services provide a viable alternative, but the cost and availability of medical transport services can be a concern.

**Recommendations for Managing Hypertension in 33647**

For individuals with hypertension considering moving to Tampa and specifically 33647, careful planning is essential. Prioritizing healthcare access is crucial.

* **Choose a location with easy access to major roads:** Living near I-75 or Bruce B. Downs Boulevard can reduce drive times to healthcare facilities.
* **Explore ride-sharing options:** Familiarize yourself with Uber and Lyft services and factor their cost into your budget.
* **Consider the proximity of pharmacies:** Choose a residence near a pharmacy to ensure convenient access to medications.
* **Plan for potential delays:** Factor in extra travel time, especially during rush hour, to avoid stress and missed appointments.
* **Investigate medical transport services:** Research available medical transport options and understand their costs and scheduling procedures.
* **Utilize telehealth services:** Consider telehealth appointments for routine check-ups to reduce the need for travel.
* **Advocate for improved public transit:** Support efforts to expand and improve HART bus routes to enhance healthcare access for all residents.

**Conclusion: Prioritizing Health in the Suburbs**

Living in 33647 offers a suburban lifestyle, but managing hypertension requires a proactive approach to healthcare access. Understanding the transportation landscape, from drive times to public transit options, is crucial for making informed decisions. By carefully considering these factors and implementing the recommendations, individuals with hypertension can successfully navigate the healthcare system and maintain their health while enjoying the benefits of living in this Tampa suburb. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a reminder that healthcare access is a critical consideration when moving to Tampa and that proactive planning is key to successful health management.