41848, Roxana, Kentucky Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 41848, Roxana, Kentucky is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 41848 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Whitesburg Arh Hospital with a distance of 6.22 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Roxana, Kentucky (ZIP Code 41848)

The quaint community of Roxana, Kentucky, nestled in the Appalachian foothills, offers a serene lifestyle. However, for residents managing hypertension, securing timely healthcare access is a critical consideration. This write-up provides a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" assessment, evaluating transportation options and healthcare accessibility within and around ZIP code 41848. This analysis is particularly relevant for individuals contemplating moving to Roxana, ensuring they understand the practicalities of managing their health in this locale.

The "Hypertension Score" considers several factors: drive times to healthcare facilities, availability and reliability of public transportation, ride-share options, and medical transport services. Each element contributes to the overall ease or difficulty of accessing necessary medical care, a crucial aspect for those with hypertension requiring regular monitoring and treatment.

**Drive Times: The Road to Wellness**

Roxana's geographical location presents a significant factor in healthcare access. The nearest hospitals and specialized clinics are often a drive away, making personal transportation paramount. Driving distances and travel times are heavily influenced by the region's winding roads and mountainous terrain.

The primary route for accessing healthcare from Roxana involves navigating **Kentucky Route 1428**, a vital artery connecting the community to larger towns. Heading west, residents can reach the Whitesburg Appalachian Regional Hospital (ARH) at approximately 15 miles, translating to a 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic and road conditions. This hospital offers comprehensive medical services, including cardiology and internal medicine, crucial for hypertension management.

Further afield, the Pikeville Medical Center, a larger facility with more specialized services, is about a 50-mile journey, primarily via **US Route 119** and **US Route 23**. This drive typically takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic flow. While offering a broader range of specialists, the extended travel time can pose a challenge for those requiring frequent appointments or experiencing acute hypertensive crises.

Smaller clinics and physician offices may be found in nearby towns like Jenkins and Neon, accessible via **KY-343** and **KY-931**. These routes, though shorter in distance, can still involve 20-30 minute drives, dependent on traffic and road conditions. These local options often provide primary care services, essential for ongoing hypertension management and medication refills.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Network**

Public transportation options in Roxana and the surrounding areas are limited. The lack of a robust public transit system poses a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive.

The Kentucky River Area Development District (KRADD) provides some transportation services, primarily focused on serving elderly and disabled residents. However, the routes and schedules are often limited, requiring advance booking and may not always align with medical appointment times. These services may offer ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. Specific route numbers and schedules are not readily available online, requiring direct contact with KRADD for detailed information.

The limitations of public transportation highlight the importance of alternative options for those with hypertension. The infrequent service and potential for lengthy wait times can exacerbate the challenges of managing a chronic condition. For those considering moving to Roxana, the absence of a reliable public transit system warrants careful consideration.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in some parts of Kentucky, but their presence in Roxana is not guaranteed. Availability is often contingent on driver density, which can be sparse in rural areas. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments could prove unreliable.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), provide a crucial lifeline for those unable to drive themselves. These services offer transportation to and from medical appointments, including those for hypertension management. However, they often require pre-booking and may involve associated costs.

Companies like First Transit and Logisticare are common providers of NEMT services in Kentucky. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, accommodating individuals with mobility limitations. The availability and cost of these services should be thoroughly investigated when evaluating healthcare access in Roxana.

**The "Hypertension Score" and Moving to Roxana**

The "Hypertension Score" for Roxana, Kentucky (41848) reflects a mixed picture. While the community offers a tranquil environment, healthcare access presents challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles for accessing hospitals and clinics, coupled with limited public transportation options, creates potential difficulties for individuals managing hypertension.

The drive times to healthcare facilities, while manageable, require careful planning. The absence of readily available ride-sharing services necessitates exploring medical transport options. The limited public transit options further emphasize the need for reliable personal transportation or access to medical transport services.

For individuals considering moving to Roxana with hypertension, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is crucial. Evaluating the feasibility of driving, the availability and cost of medical transport services, and the accessibility of local clinics is essential. Proactive planning, including establishing relationships with local healthcare providers and understanding the available transportation resources, is vital for successful hypertension management in this beautiful, yet geographically isolated, community. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a reminder that while Roxana offers a peaceful life, proactive planning is essential for securing reliable healthcare access.