41257, Stambaugh, Kentucky Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 41257, Stambaugh, Kentucky is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.43 percent of residents in 41257 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Paintsville Arh Hospital with a distance of 4.92 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 41257

Understanding healthcare access is paramount, especially for individuals managing chronic conditions like hypertension. This analysis examines the transportation landscape in ZIP Code 41257, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for residents seeking timely and reliable access to healthcare, particularly concerning those moving to Stambaugh, Kentucky. We'll delve into drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, culminating in a "Hypertension Score" that reflects the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities.

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in 41257 is the region's rural nature. The area, encompassing the town of Stambaugh, is characterized by winding roads and limited public transportation. This geographical reality significantly impacts the ability of residents to reach essential medical appointments, especially for those with mobility limitations or without personal vehicles.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

The most common mode of transportation in 41257 is the personal vehicle. The primary roadways impacting healthcare access include Kentucky Route 3 (KY-3), Kentucky Route 404 (KY-404), and Kentucky Route 1428 (KY-1428). The drive time to the nearest hospitals and clinics varies depending on the destination and the time of day.

For instance, a trip to Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center in Paintsville, a crucial healthcare provider, can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within 41257. This drive often involves navigating KY-3, a route that can experience congestion during peak hours. Accessing healthcare in larger cities like Ashland or Lexington necessitates considerably longer travel times, potentially exceeding an hour or more.

The condition of the roads also influences drive times. While KY-3 is generally well-maintained, some secondary roads within 41257 may have potholes or other issues that can slow travel and potentially pose risks to drivers, especially those with pre-existing health conditions.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in 41257 are severely limited. The Big Sandy Area Development District (BSADD) operates a public transit system in the region, but its services are often demand-response, meaning riders must schedule rides in advance. This system may provide transportation to medical appointments, but availability can be constrained, particularly for those requiring immediate care or with unpredictable schedules.

The BSADD system is designed to provide ADA-accessible vehicles, which is a crucial consideration for individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges. However, the limited frequency and geographic coverage of these services significantly restrict healthcare access for many residents.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are not readily available in 41257. This absence creates a significant barrier for those without personal vehicles, particularly in emergency situations or when scheduling transportation to appointments.

Medical transportation services are available, but their availability and cost can vary. These services often cater to individuals with specific medical needs, such as those requiring stretcher transport or specialized medical equipment. However, the cost of these services can be prohibitive for many residents, further exacerbating healthcare access disparities.

**Healthcare Facilities and Their Accessibility**

The primary healthcare facilities serving 41257 include the Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center in Paintsville and various clinics and physician offices in surrounding towns. The accessibility of these facilities is crucial. Factors like parking availability, wheelchair accessibility, and the availability of interpreters for non-English speakers all contribute to the overall patient experience.

The distance to these facilities and the reliability of transportation options directly impact the ability of residents to receive timely medical care. Individuals with hypertension require regular check-ups and medication management, making reliable transportation a necessity.

**The "Hypertension Score" for 41257**

Considering the challenges and opportunities, we can assign a "Hypertension Score" to 41257. This score reflects the ease with which residents can access healthcare, specifically focusing on factors relevant to hypertension management. The score will be based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing the most challenging access and 5 representing the easiest.

Based on the analysis, 41257 receives a Hypertension Score of **2**.

This score reflects the following:

* **Limited Public Transportation:** The lack of readily available public transit significantly hinders access.
* **Reliance on Personal Vehicles:** The dependence on personal vehicles creates challenges for those without them.
* **Long Drive Times:** Travel times to healthcare facilities can be lengthy, particularly for specialized care.
* **Absence of Ride-Sharing:** The lack of ride-sharing services exacerbates transportation challenges.
* **Medical Transportation Costs:** The potential cost of medical transportation services can be a barrier.

**Implications for Moving to Stambaugh**

For individuals considering moving to Stambaugh, understanding these transportation challenges is crucial, especially for those managing hypertension or other chronic conditions. Prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and consider the potential impact on their healthcare access.

**Recommendations and Conclusion**

Improving healthcare access in 41257 requires a multi-faceted approach. Increasing the frequency and coverage of public transportation, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services, and providing financial assistance for medical transportation are potential solutions.

Furthermore, promoting telehealth services and expanding the availability of mobile healthcare units can help bridge the gap in healthcare access. Community initiatives to support carpooling and volunteer driver programs could also be beneficial.

Ultimately, addressing the transportation challenges in 41257 is essential to ensure that all residents, including those managing hypertension, can receive the timely and appropriate healthcare they need. This analysis provides a critical starting point for understanding the complexities of healthcare access in the region and for developing effective strategies to improve the health and well-being of the community.