Hypertension Score

04783, Stockholm, Maine Hypertension Score Travel Score

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Travel Score in 04783, Stockholm, Maine

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 04783, Stockholm, Maine is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.44 percent of residents in 04783 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.83 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cary Medical Center with a distance of 18.43 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 04783, Stockholm, Maine

Hypertension Score 61
People Score 70
Provider Score 54
Hospital Score 68
Travel Score 16

Closest Hospital - CARY MEDICAL CENTER

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 04783 Stockholm Maine
No Cars 4.12 4.12 2.13
1 Car 17.53 17.53 18.39
2 Cars 38.66 38.66 45.49
3 or More Cars 39.69 39.69 34.00

Vehicular Access in 04783, Stockholm, Maine

Travel Score Review of 04783, Stockholm, Maine

## Hypertension Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 04783

Navigating the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 04783, a rural expanse in northern Maine, requires a comprehensive understanding of transportation options. This write-up, designed to assess the "Hypertension Score" – a proxy for ease of healthcare access for individuals managing hypertension – will delve into the realities of commuting to medical appointments, factoring in drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. The goal is to paint a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities for residents seeking timely and consistent healthcare.

The primary artery for travel within and beyond 04783 is US Route 1, a two-lane highway that meanders along the eastern edge of the state. Access to healthcare facilities often necessitates journeys on this road. However, the distance to specialized care can be considerable. For instance, the nearest major hospital, Cary Medical Center in Caribou, is approximately a 30-minute drive from the center of 04783, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Further, a trip to Northern Light AR Gould Hospital in Presque Isle, offering a broader range of specialist services, could stretch to 45 minutes.

The presence of seasonal variations significantly impacts drive times. During the harsh winters, snow and ice can transform roads into treacherous passages, adding considerable time to commutes and potentially deterring individuals from seeking necessary medical attention. Conversely, summer months bring an influx of tourists, increasing traffic congestion and extending travel durations. These fluctuating conditions necessitate careful planning and flexibility for residents managing hypertension, who require consistent access to medication and monitoring.

Public transportation options in 04783 are limited. The Aroostook Regional Transportation System (ARTS) provides demand-response service, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This service, while available, may not always align with the urgent needs of individuals experiencing hypertensive crises or requiring immediate medical attention. Furthermore, the availability of ARTS is often constrained by operational hours and geographical coverage. While ARTS vehicles are ADA-accessible, the need for advance booking can be a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for those with unpredictable medical needs.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are virtually non-existent in this rural area. The sparse population and limited demand make it economically unviable for these companies to operate. This absence leaves residents reliant on personal vehicles, family members, or medical transportation services. This situation is a stark contrast to the ease of transportation experienced by those moving to Stockholm, where public transit and ride-sharing are far more readily available.

Medical transportation services, designed specifically for transporting patients to and from medical appointments, are available in 04783. These services, often operated by private companies or non-profit organizations, offer a crucial lifeline for individuals without personal transportation or who are unable to drive. However, these services often require pre-booking, and their availability may be limited, particularly during evenings, weekends, and holidays. The cost of these services can also be a significant burden for individuals with fixed incomes or limited financial resources.

The "Hypertension Score" for 04783 is significantly influenced by these transportation challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, the absence of ride-sharing, and the reliance on pre-booked medical transportation create potential barriers to healthcare access. The long distances to healthcare facilities, coupled with seasonal weather variations, further exacerbate these challenges.

The impact of these transportation limitations on individuals managing hypertension can be profound. Missed appointments, delayed medication refills, and infrequent monitoring can lead to uncontrolled blood pressure, increasing the risk of serious health complications, including stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease. The stress and anxiety associated with navigating these transportation challenges can also contribute to elevated blood pressure levels, creating a vicious cycle.

The availability of healthcare providers within 04783 itself is also a factor. The presence of local primary care physicians and clinics is crucial for providing routine check-ups, medication management, and patient education. However, the limited availability of specialists, such as cardiologists and nephrologists, necessitates travel to larger medical centers, further increasing the importance of reliable transportation.

The healthcare landscape in 04783 is a complex interplay of geographic realities, transportation limitations, and healthcare resource availability. The "Hypertension Score" reflects this complexity, highlighting the challenges faced by residents in accessing timely and consistent healthcare. Addressing these transportation barriers is crucial for improving health outcomes and ensuring that individuals with hypertension receive the care they need to live healthy lives.

To improve the "Hypertension Score," several interventions are needed. Investing in and expanding the capacity of ARTS could increase its availability and responsiveness. Subsidizing or providing financial assistance for medical transportation services could alleviate the financial burden on patients. Encouraging the development of telemedicine services could reduce the need for in-person appointments, especially for routine follow-ups.

Furthermore, community-based initiatives that promote carpooling, ride-sharing among neighbors, and volunteer driver programs could provide additional transportation options. Educating residents about the available transportation resources and assisting them in navigating the healthcare system could improve access.

The goal is to create a healthcare environment where transportation is not a barrier to care. By addressing the transportation challenges in 04783, the community can improve the "Hypertension Score," enhance healthcare access, and ultimately improve the health and well-being of its residents. This is a critical step in creating a community where individuals with hypertension can thrive, even in the face of geographic and logistical hurdles. The contrast with the ease of transportation in places like Stockholm underscores the need for proactive solutions in 04783.

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Health Scores Near 04783, Stockholm, Maine

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