47584, Spurgeon, Indiana Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 47584, Spurgeon, Indiana is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.99 percent of residents in 47584 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ascension St Vincent Warrick with a distance of 15.23 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Spurgeon, Indiana (ZIP Code 47584)

Spurgeon, Indiana, nestled in the heart of rural Daviess County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare access. The prevalence of hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant concern across the United States, and factors like transportation limitations can exacerbate the issue. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape in ZIP code 47584, offering a "Hypertension Score" assessment to understand the ease with which residents can access vital medical care, specifically focusing on the management of hypertension.

The score will consider drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services. We aim to paint a vivid picture of the realities faced by individuals managing their health in this community, offering insights for those considering moving to Spurgeon and highlighting potential areas for improvement in healthcare access.

**The Hypertension Score Framework:**

Our score will be based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing the most challenging access and 5 representing the most accessible. The score will be broken down into the following categories:

* **Drive Time Accessibility (Weight: 40%):** This assesses the time it takes to reach the nearest primary care physician, cardiologist, pharmacy, and hospital.
* **Public Transportation Accessibility (Weight: 25%):** This evaluates the availability, frequency, and ADA compliance of public transit options.
* **Ride-Share and Medical Transport Accessibility (Weight: 20%):** This considers the presence and reliability of ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) and specialized medical transport.
* **Overall Healthcare Infrastructure (Weight: 15%):** This assesses the density of healthcare providers and the availability of specialized care within a reasonable distance.

**Drive Time Accessibility:**

Spurgeon's geographical location dictates a reliance on personal vehicles for most transportation needs. The primary routes connecting Spurgeon to healthcare facilities are State Road 57 and State Road 50. The nearest primary care physicians are likely located in Washington, Indiana, approximately a 10-15 minute drive via State Road 57.

Reaching a cardiologist necessitates a longer journey. The closest cardiology practices are situated in Washington or Vincennes, Indiana. The drive to Washington, primarily via State Road 57, could take 15-20 minutes, while the trip to Vincennes, involving State Road 57 and then US-50, could take 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Pharmacies are readily accessible in Washington, requiring a similar drive time as the primary care physician. However, access to a full-service hospital is crucial for managing hypertension complications. Daviess Community Hospital in Washington is the closest option, again accessible via State Road 57, with a drive time of approximately 10-15 minutes.

The drive-time component receives a score of 3.5. While access to primary care, pharmacies, and the hospital is relatively quick, the increased drive time to a cardiologist presents a barrier.

**Public Transportation Accessibility:**

Public transportation options in Daviess County are limited. The primary provider is the Daviess County Transportation System, which offers demand-response services. These services necessitate advance booking, and routes are not fixed, making them less ideal for individuals requiring regular appointments for hypertension management.

Information on the availability of ADA-compliant vehicles is essential, as it directly impacts the ability of individuals with mobility limitations to access healthcare. The lack of readily available public transit options, coupled with the need for pre-booking, significantly reduces the accessibility score.

The public transportation component receives a score of 1.5. The limited service and the absence of fixed routes make it a less viable option for consistent healthcare access.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Accessibility:**

The availability of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in Spurgeon is uncertain. Rural areas often have limited or no ride-share coverage. Medical transport services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies, may be available for scheduled appointments, but their cost and availability need to be considered.

The reliance on medical transport can be a significant financial burden, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions requiring frequent check-ups. This lack of readily available and affordable transportation options poses a challenge to healthcare access.

The ride-share and medical transport component receives a score of 2.0. The potential absence of ride-sharing services and the reliance on potentially expensive medical transport services limit accessibility.

**Overall Healthcare Infrastructure:**

Washington, Indiana, serves as the primary healthcare hub for the region. The presence of Daviess Community Hospital, a range of primary care physicians, and pharmacies offers a reasonable level of healthcare infrastructure. However, the availability of specialized care, such as cardiology, requires travel.

The proximity to a hospital and primary care physicians is a positive factor. The overall healthcare infrastructure component receives a score of 3.0. The availability of essential services is balanced by the need for travel to access specialized care.

**Final Hypertension Score and Implications for Moving to Spurgeon:**

Based on the above analysis, the overall Hypertension Score for transportation access in ZIP code 47584 is approximately 2.75. This score suggests that while basic healthcare needs can be met within a reasonable distance, access to specialized care and consistent transportation options are significant challenges.

For individuals considering moving to Spurgeon, this score should be a crucial consideration, especially for those with hypertension or other chronic conditions. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the potential cost of medical transport services necessitate careful planning and financial considerations.

Individuals with hypertension must prioritize the following:

* **Regular Medical Appointments:** Establishing a relationship with a primary care physician and cardiologist is essential.
* **Medication Adherence:** Ensuring timely access to medications and maintaining a consistent medication schedule is crucial.
* **Transportation Planning:** Developing a reliable transportation plan, including personal vehicles, and considering the availability and cost of medical transport services.
* **Support Systems:** Building a support network of family, friends, or community resources to assist with transportation needs.

The challenges highlighted in this analysis underscore the importance of addressing transportation barriers to healthcare access in rural communities. Investing in public transportation, promoting ride-sharing services, and ensuring the availability of affordable medical transport options are critical steps toward improving health outcomes for residents of Spurgeon and similar communities.