40461, Paint Lick, Kentucky Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 40461, Paint Lick, Kentucky is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.56 percent of residents in 40461 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.68 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baptist Health Richmond with a distance of 11.54 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Paint Lick, KY (ZIP Code 40461)

Paint Lick, Kentucky, nestled in the heart of Garrard County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. For residents managing hypertension, the ability to efficiently and reliably reach medical appointments is paramount. This write-up, focusing on ZIP code 40461, explores the transportation options available, providing a “Hypertension Score” assessment based on factors influencing healthcare accessibility. This is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Paint Lick, ensuring they understand the practicalities of managing their health.

The foundation of this assessment is the understanding that timely access to medical care is critical for hypertension management. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and specialist appointments are essential. The following analysis examines the available transportation options and their impact on healthcare accessibility, ultimately contributing to the “Hypertension Score.”

**Roadways and Drive Times:**

The primary arteries serving Paint Lick are State Route 52 and US Highway 127. These roads, while offering direct routes to nearby healthcare facilities, can be subject to traffic, particularly during peak hours. The drive time to the closest hospital, Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center in Danville, is approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within the ZIP code. This route generally utilizes US-127 North and then US-127 Bypass, a well-maintained road.

For specialist appointments or access to more comprehensive services, residents may need to travel to Lexington, Kentucky, a drive of approximately one hour and 15 minutes to one hour and 30 minutes via US-127 North and then US-64 East. This longer journey necessitates careful planning, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those experiencing acute hypertension episodes. The condition of these roads is generally good, though weather conditions can impact travel times.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in Paint Lick are limited. The Bluegrass Area Development District (BADD) provides demand-response transportation services within Garrard County. These services, while offering a potential lifeline for individuals without personal vehicles, require advance booking and are subject to availability. The BADD vehicles are equipped with ADA features, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited frequency and potential for longer travel times due to multiple pick-ups and drop-offs can pose challenges for those needing prompt medical attention.

The absence of fixed-route bus services within the immediate vicinity of Paint Lick significantly impacts healthcare access. This necessitates reliance on other forms of transportation, potentially increasing the burden on individuals managing hypertension. The lack of a robust public transportation network is a significant factor in the overall “Hypertension Score.”

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Danville and Lexington areas, offering an alternative to driving or relying on public transportation. However, availability in Paint Lick itself may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in adverse weather conditions. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies or specialized medical transport providers, are available for individuals requiring assistance with non-emergency medical transportation. These services, while offering a valuable resource, can be costly and may require pre-authorization from insurance providers.

**Healthcare Access Points:**

The primary healthcare access point for residents of Paint Lick is the Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center in Danville. This hospital offers a range of services, including primary care, cardiology, and emergency care. Other options include local clinics and physician offices, which may offer more convenient access to routine check-ups and medication management. The proximity to Danville is a positive factor in the overall “Hypertension Score.”

**The “Hypertension Score” Assessment:**

The “Hypertension Score” for Paint Lick, KY (ZIP Code 40461) reflects the interplay of these transportation factors. While the proximity to Danville and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offer some advantages, the limitations of public transportation and the potential for longer travel times to specialized care in Lexington create challenges.

**Factors Contributing to the Score:**

* **Proximity to Danville:** Positive impact due to shorter drive times to a hospital and various medical services.
* **Limited Public Transportation:** Negative impact due to the lack of fixed-route bus services and the reliance on demand-response services with potential for longer travel times.
* **Ride-Share Availability:** Moderate impact, as availability may be limited in Paint Lick, and costs can be a barrier.
* **Medical Transportation Services:** Positive impact, offering a specialized option for those needing assistance, but with potential cost considerations.
* **Road Conditions:** Generally good, but weather conditions can impact travel times.

**Overall Assessment:**

Based on these factors, the “Hypertension Score” for Paint Lick, KY (ZIP Code 40461) is moderate. While residents have access to healthcare facilities in Danville and can utilize ride-sharing or medical transportation services, the limited public transportation options and the potential for longer travel times to specialized care in Lexington create challenges for managing hypertension.

**Recommendations for Residents:**

Individuals with hypertension considering moving to Paint Lick should carefully assess their transportation needs and access to healthcare. Planning for regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential specialist appointments is crucial. Familiarizing themselves with the local transportation options, including ride-sharing availability and medical transport services, is essential.

**Conclusion:**

Navigating healthcare access in Paint Lick, KY (ZIP Code 40461) requires careful consideration of the available transportation options. While the proximity to Danville offers a significant advantage, the limitations of public transportation and the potential for longer travel times necessitate proactive planning. Understanding these factors is essential for individuals managing hypertension and for those considering moving to Paint Lick, ensuring they can effectively manage their health and access the care they need. The “Hypertension Score” highlights the importance of transportation in healthcare access, particularly for those with chronic conditions.