02746, New Bedford, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 02746, New Bedford, Massachusetts is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.55 percent of residents in 02746 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southcoast Hospitals Group with a distance of 11.58 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 02746

For individuals residing in or considering moving to New Bedford, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02746), understanding healthcare access, particularly for managing conditions like hypertension, is crucial. This analysis, a "Hypertension Score" if you will, explores the transportation landscape, considering drive times, public transit, and ride-sharing options, to assess the ease with which residents can access essential medical care. This is especially important for those managing hypertension, a condition requiring regular check-ups and medication refills.

The geographical layout of New Bedford plays a significant role. ZIP Code 02746 encompasses a significant portion of the city, and its proximity to key healthcare facilities is a primary factor. The city’s main arteries, including Route 6, Route 18, and the I-195, dictate the flow of traffic and, consequently, the time it takes to reach medical appointments. The efficiency of these routes is paramount for individuals needing timely access to care.

Driving times to healthcare providers in New Bedford can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. During peak hours, navigating Route 6, a major east-west thoroughfare, can be a challenge. The same applies to Route 18, which runs north-south through the heart of the city. I-195, while offering a faster route to some facilities, can also experience congestion, especially near the downtown exits.

For example, a drive from the north end of 02746 to St. Luke's Hospital, a primary healthcare hub, could take anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Similarly, reaching Southcoast Health's various clinics and offices scattered throughout the city necessitates careful planning, considering the routes and potential delays. This highlights the importance of understanding local traffic patterns when assessing healthcare access.

Public transportation offers an alternative for those without personal vehicles. The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides bus service throughout New Bedford, including routes that serve key healthcare facilities. Route 1, for instance, often provides access to St. Luke's Hospital. Route 7 and Route 10 also provide access to medical facilities, although with varying levels of frequency.

The SRTA strives to offer accessible transportation options. All fixed-route buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other ADA-compliant features, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. However, the frequency of service, especially during evenings and weekends, might pose a challenge for those needing immediate or urgent care.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become increasingly prevalent in New Bedford. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit, particularly for those who may have difficulty navigating the bus system or who need a more direct route. The availability and cost of these services can vary, and it's essential to factor these variables into the overall "Hypertension Score."

Medical transportation services also cater to individuals requiring specialized assistance. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, specifically designed for medical appointments. While these services can be more expensive than public transit or ride-sharing, they can offer peace of mind and a higher level of support for those with mobility limitations or other needs. Companies like MedStar Transportation and other local providers operate in the area, offering a range of options for patients.

The choice of transportation impacts the overall "Hypertension Score." Individuals with easy access to a car and a short commute time to their healthcare provider will naturally score higher. Those reliant on public transit may face longer travel times and potential accessibility challenges, thus impacting their score. The cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services also plays a role, as financial constraints can limit access to care.

For someone moving to New Bedford, understanding these transportation dynamics is critical. Researching the proximity of potential residences to healthcare facilities, assessing the availability of public transit options, and investigating the cost and availability of ride-sharing services should be part of the relocation planning. This proactive approach will ensure that healthcare access is not a barrier to managing hypertension or other health conditions.

The "Hypertension Score" is not just about distance and travel time; it is also about the reliability and convenience of transportation options. Regular medical appointments, medication refills, and potential emergency situations require a dependable transportation system. This is a crucial consideration for individuals managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

Consider the scenario of a resident living in the far reaches of ZIP Code 02746, needing to reach a specialist at a clinic on the other side of the city. The journey might involve a bus ride, potentially requiring a transfer, or a ride-sharing service, which could be subject to surge pricing. The time and cost associated with this trip directly affect the ease with which this individual can manage their hypertension.

Conversely, a resident living closer to a major healthcare facility, with easy access to Route 6 or Route 18, and the option of using ride-sharing services, would likely have a higher "Hypertension Score." Their access to care is significantly enhanced by the convenience and efficiency of their transportation options.

The "Hypertension Score" in 02746 is not a static measure; it is a dynamic assessment that changes based on individual circumstances and preferences. Factors like age, physical limitations, financial resources, and personal comfort levels all influence the perceived ease of healthcare access.

In conclusion, the "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 02746 highlights the importance of understanding the local transportation landscape. By considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation providers, residents can assess their ability to access healthcare and manage their hypertension effectively. This knowledge empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare and their overall well-being, especially for those moving to New Bedford.