01969, Rowley, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 01969, Rowley, Massachusetts is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.55 percent of residents in 01969 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Anna Jaques Hospital with a distance of 7.11 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rowley, MA (ZIP Code 01969)

Rowley, Massachusetts, a town steeped in history and natural beauty, offers a tranquil lifestyle for its residents. However, when considering a move, especially for those managing hypertension, understanding the accessibility of healthcare becomes paramount. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape surrounding Rowley, focusing on healthcare access, and calculating a "Hypertension Score" to assess the ease with which residents can reach vital medical services.

The foundation of our analysis lies in the premise that consistent and timely access to healthcare, particularly for those with chronic conditions like hypertension, is crucial for effective management and overall well-being. Factors like drive times, public transportation availability, and alternative transport options significantly impact this access. This assessment will help prospective residents, especially those considering moving to Rowley, understand the realities of navigating the local healthcare system.

**Drive Times: The Road to Wellness**

The primary arteries connecting Rowley to essential healthcare facilities are Interstate 95 (I-95) and Route 1. Traveling south on I-95, the journey to Beverly Hospital in Beverly, a major regional healthcare provider, typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Route 1, while offering a more direct route, often experiences heavier traffic, potentially extending the drive time, particularly during peak hours.

Heading north on I-95 provides access to Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport, another significant healthcare hub. This drive generally takes about 15-20 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Route 1A, a scenic alternative, can also be utilized, though it may add travel time due to its more winding nature and slower speed limits.

For specialized care, Boston, with its renowned medical institutions, becomes a consideration. The drive to Boston via I-95 and connecting highways can range from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic congestion. This longer commute necessitates careful planning, especially for those requiring frequent appointments or experiencing acute health concerns.

**Public Transportation: A Limited but Viable Option**

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provides public transportation options, albeit limited, in the Rowley area. The Newburyport/Rowley Commuter Rail line offers a direct route to Boston’s North Station. The Rowley station is conveniently located, providing a relatively stress-free commute to the city.

However, relying solely on the Commuter Rail for healthcare access presents challenges. The train schedule may not align perfectly with medical appointment times, and transfers to other modes of transportation (subway, bus) are often necessary to reach specific hospitals or clinics. Furthermore, the availability of accessible features for individuals with mobility limitations is crucial. The Rowley station is ADA-accessible, but the accessibility of connecting transportation options must be carefully considered.

The MBTA bus system offers limited service within the immediate vicinity. Bus routes 451 and 452 provide connections to surrounding towns, but their frequency and coverage may not be sufficient for reliable healthcare access. These routes are also ADA-accessible.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Rowley area, providing an alternative to driving or relying on public transportation. However, surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can significantly increase costs. Ride-sharing also may not be readily available during inclement weather or in the early morning or late evening hours.

Medical transportation services, such as MedRide and CareWell Transportation, specialize in providing non-emergency medical transportation. These services are particularly beneficial for individuals who cannot drive or have difficulty using public transportation. They offer door-to-door service and can accommodate specific medical needs. However, these services often require advance booking and may be subject to availability and cost considerations.

**Calculating the Hypertension Score**

To assess healthcare accessibility, we'll create a "Hypertension Score" based on the following factors:

* **Drive Time to Nearest Hospital (Weighted 30%):** Shorter drive times receive higher scores.
* **Public Transportation Availability (Weighted 25%):** Frequency, accessibility, and directness of routes are considered.
* **Ride-Share/Medical Transport Availability (Weighted 25%):** Availability, cost, and reliability are factored in.
* **Specialty Care Access (Weighted 20%):** Proximity to specialized medical facilities and ease of access are evaluated.

**Scoring Methodology:**

Each factor will be scored on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most accessible and 1 being the least. The weighted scores are then combined to produce the final Hypertension Score.

**Applying the Score to Rowley (ZIP Code 01969):**

* **Drive Time:** Rowley scores a 4 due to relatively short drive times to nearby hospitals like Anna Jaques and Beverly Hospital.
* **Public Transportation:** The town scores a 3 due to the presence of the Commuter Rail, though bus service is limited.
* **Ride-Share/Medical Transport:** The town scores a 3, reflecting the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, albeit with potential limitations.
* **Specialty Care:** Rowley scores a 3, given the need to travel to Boston or larger towns for specialized care.

**Final Hypertension Score:**

(4 x 0.30) + (3 x 0.25) + (3 x 0.25) + (3 x 0.20) = 3.25

**Interpretation:**

A Hypertension Score of 3.25 suggests that Rowley offers reasonably good access to healthcare, particularly for routine medical needs. However, individuals with hypertension should carefully consider the potential for longer commutes to specialized care and the limitations of public transportation.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision**

Moving to Rowley presents an appealing prospect for those seeking a quieter lifestyle. However, for individuals managing hypertension, a thorough understanding of healthcare access is essential. While the town offers reasonable access to general medical care, the need to travel to Boston or other larger towns for specialized services and the limitations of public transportation should be carefully considered. Prospective residents should weigh these factors against their individual healthcare needs and preferences when making their decision. This "Hypertension Score" serves as a starting point for a more in-depth assessment, encouraging potential residents to proactively investigate their healthcare options before making the move.