47120, Fredericksburg, Indiana Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 47120, Fredericksburg, Indiana is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

17.94 percent of residents in 47120 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ascension St Vincent Salem with a distance of 12.08 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Fredericksburg, Indiana (ZIP Code 47120)**

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. In Fredericksburg, Indiana, a rural community nestled in Washington County (ZIP code 47120), assessing healthcare access, particularly for residents managing hypertension, requires a nuanced understanding of the available transportation options. This write-up aims to provide a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" for Fredericksburg, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transportation, all critical components of **healthcare access**.

Fredericksburg's location, approximately 60 miles northwest of Louisville, Kentucky, presents unique challenges. While the community boasts a close-knit atmosphere, the nearest comprehensive medical facilities are situated in larger towns, necessitating reliable **transportation** for routine check-ups, specialist appointments, and emergency care. The "Hypertension Score" will reflect the ease or difficulty residents face in reaching these vital services.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of **transportation** for Fredericksburg residents is the personal vehicle. The most direct route to healthcare often involves navigating the region's well-maintained roads and highways. For residents seeking care at the Washington County Memorial Hospital in Salem, a drive of approximately 15-20 minutes is typical, primarily utilizing State Road 60. This route offers relatively smooth travel, although potential delays may arise during peak traffic hours or due to seasonal weather conditions.

Accessing more specialized care necessitates longer journeys. Louisville, Kentucky, offers a wide array of medical specialists and hospitals. The most common route involves taking State Road 60 to Interstate 64 West. The drive to downtown Louisville, home to major hospitals like the University of Louisville Hospital and Norton Hospital, can range from 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Interstate 64, a major east-west thoroughfare, can experience significant congestion, especially during rush hour.

Another option is to head north on State Road 135 to access Columbus, Indiana, and the Columbus Regional Hospital. The drive is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

A significant factor impacting drive times is the rural nature of the area. Limited public **transportation** options make the personal vehicle almost a necessity. This reality underscores the importance of reliable vehicles and the financial burden associated with vehicle ownership, maintenance, and fuel costs, particularly for residents on fixed incomes or with limited financial resources, a common reality for those managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

**Public Transit Options:**

The availability of public **transportation** in Fredericksburg is limited. The Washington County Transit system provides demand-response service, meaning residents must schedule rides in advance. This service is crucial for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive due to age or disability. However, the limited operating hours and the need for advance booking can pose challenges, especially for urgent medical needs.

The Washington County Transit system offers ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access the service. The system operates on a fixed route with stops at key locations, including the Washington County Memorial Hospital. This route offers a valuable service for residents needing to attend appointments.

The lack of robust public **transportation** options significantly impacts the "Hypertension Score." Residents reliant on public transit may face longer travel times and increased difficulty in accessing timely medical care.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the broader Louisville area, but their presence in Fredericksburg is often limited. Availability may vary depending on the time of day and the demand for services. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments requires careful planning and the potential for increased costs.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a more specialized solution. Several companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT) to and from medical appointments. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance during travel. However, NEMT services can be expensive and may not be covered by all insurance plans.

**Medical Transportation Brands:**

* **First Medical Transport:** Offers NEMT services in the region.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Provides ambulance and NEMT services.
* **Care Ambulance Service:** Provides NEMT services.

These medical **transportation** services play a vital role in bridging the gap in **healthcare access**, especially for those with mobility challenges. However, the cost and availability of these services contribute to the overall "Hypertension Score."

**"Hypertension Score" Considerations:**

The "Hypertension Score" for Fredericksburg, Indiana (ZIP code 47120) must consider several factors. Drive times to healthcare facilities are a primary concern. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for traffic delays, and the financial burden of vehicle ownership all negatively impact the score. The limited public **transportation** options further exacerbate these challenges. The availability of ride-sharing services is inconsistent, and the cost of medical **transportation** can be prohibitive.

**Healthcare Access** is not merely about the physical distance to a doctor's office; it encompasses the entire journey, including the ease and affordability of **transportation**. For residents managing hypertension, timely access to medical care is crucial for managing their condition and preventing complications. A high "Hypertension Score" would reflect a community where residents can easily and affordably access the healthcare they need. In Fredericksburg, the score is negatively impacted by the **transportation** challenges, underscoring the need for strategies to improve **healthcare access**.

**Moving to Fredericksburg:**

For individuals considering **moving to Fredericksburg**, the availability of **transportation** and **healthcare access** should be a key consideration. Those with chronic conditions, particularly hypertension, should carefully evaluate the available **transportation** options and the proximity of healthcare facilities. Understanding the limitations of public transit, the potential costs of ride-sharing and medical **transportation**, and the impact of drive times on their ability to attend appointments is essential.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the "Hypertension Score" and enhance **healthcare access** in Fredericksburg, several strategies are recommended. Expanding the operating hours and service area of the Washington County Transit system would be beneficial. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to ensure greater availability in the area could also prove valuable. Providing financial assistance to residents for medical **transportation** costs, perhaps through local programs or insurance coverage, could alleviate the financial burden. Finally, promoting telehealth services and remote patient monitoring could help reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, particularly for routine check-ups. By addressing these **transportation** and access challenges, Fredericksburg can improve the health and well-being of its residents, especially those managing chronic conditions like hypertension.