47427, Coal City, Indiana Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 47427, Coal City, Indiana is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

26.10 percent of residents in 47427 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.25 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Greene County General Hospital with a distance of 13.20 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 47427 (Coal City, Indiana)

The quest for optimal health, especially concerning conditions like hypertension, necessitates reliable healthcare access. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape within ZIP code 47427, focusing on its impact on individuals managing hypertension. We will explore the available modes of transportation, assess their accessibility, and ultimately contribute to a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching necessary medical care. This information is particularly relevant for anyone considering moving to Coal City, Indiana, and seeking to understand the healthcare environment.

Coal City, nestled in the heart of rural Indiana, presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare access. The primary mode of transportation here is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. The vastness of the surrounding landscape and the limited public transit options underscore the importance of individual mobility. For those managing hypertension, this reliance on personal vehicles can present both advantages and disadvantages. The flexibility of a car allows for immediate access to appointments, but the financial burden of vehicle ownership, maintenance, and fuel costs must be considered.

The primary arteries connecting Coal City to healthcare providers are State Road 42 and State Road 157. These highways are crucial lifelines, connecting residents to larger towns and cities where specialized medical services are more readily available. Driving to Bloomington, home to Indiana University Health (IU Health) Bloomington Hospital, the nearest major healthcare provider, typically takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the specific destination within the city. The journey involves navigating State Road 42 east, a relatively well-maintained two-lane highway.

For those without personal vehicles, the options become significantly limited. Public transportation in this area is sparse. The Bloomington Transit (BT) system does not directly serve Coal City. Residents would need to find alternative transportation to Bloomington, and then utilize the BT system. This adds considerable time and complexity to accessing healthcare. The lack of readily available public transit underscores the need for alternative transportation solutions, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those unable to drive.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Bloomington area. However, their presence in Coal City itself can be inconsistent. Availability depends on driver density and demand, which may be limited in a rural setting. Reliance on ride-sharing can also be expensive, especially for frequent medical appointments. This adds another layer of complexity to managing hypertension, where regular check-ups and medication refills are crucial.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like FirstCare Medical Transportation and other regional providers may serve the Coal City area. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, availability and cost vary, and advance booking is often required.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance of transportation options is a critical consideration for individuals with disabilities. While Bloomington Transit buses are ADA-compliant, the lack of direct service to Coal City limits their utility. Ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers are also required to adhere to ADA regulations, but the availability of accessible vehicles can vary.

Healthcare access is a multifaceted issue. The physical distance to healthcare providers is only one aspect. The availability of transportation, its affordability, and its accessibility for individuals with disabilities all contribute to the overall healthcare experience. For those with hypertension, the ability to consistently and reliably access medical care is paramount.

Considering the transportation landscape in 47427, we can begin to formulate a "Hypertension Score." This score will reflect the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare for individuals managing hypertension. Factors considered include drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing reliability, medical transportation options, and the overall cost of transportation.

Given the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential inconsistencies of ride-sharing, the "Hypertension Score" for 47427 would likely be moderate. While residents can access healthcare, the journey is often dependent on personal mobility and financial resources. The lack of readily available public transportation and the potential challenges of ride-sharing services for those with disabilities lower the score.

For someone considering moving to Coal City with a pre-existing condition like hypertension, the transportation factor needs careful consideration. The potential need for frequent medical appointments, medication refills, and specialized care necessitates a reliable transportation plan. This could involve maintaining a personal vehicle, budgeting for ride-sharing services, or exploring the availability of medical transportation providers.

The future of healthcare access in 47427 could be improved through several initiatives. Increased investment in public transportation, including expanding the Bloomington Transit system to serve Coal City, would significantly enhance healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. Partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial. Finally, promoting the availability and affordability of medical transportation services is crucial.

The "Hypertension Score" is not a static number. It is a reflection of the current transportation infrastructure and the challenges faced by individuals managing their health. By understanding these challenges and working towards solutions, we can improve healthcare access and create a healthier community for all residents of 47427. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape is a key component of effectively managing hypertension and maintaining a good quality of life.