48179, South Rockwood, Michigan Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 48179, South Rockwood, Michigan is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.20 percent of residents in 48179 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Beaumont Hospital - Trenton with a distance of 5.42 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in South Rockwood (ZIP Code 48179)

Considering a move to the charming village of South Rockwood, Michigan (ZIP Code 48179)? This assessment provides a "Hypertension Score" – a composite measure of your ability to access timely healthcare, particularly for managing hypertension, a condition requiring consistent monitoring and treatment. This score considers the transportation landscape, crucial for those needing regular medical appointments, medication refills, and potential emergency care. Understanding this intricate web of options is paramount for residents prioritizing their health.

The score is not a definitive medical recommendation, but a practical guide to navigating the transportation complexities affecting healthcare access. It weighs factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options, all vital for managing hypertension effectively. The ultimate goal is to empower you with knowledge, enabling informed decisions about your health and well-being in South Rockwood.

**The Transportation Tapestry: Highways and Roads**

South Rockwood, a community nestled in Monroe County, relies heavily on vehicular transportation. The primary artery is I-75, a major north-south interstate, offering relatively swift access to larger medical facilities. However, rush hour traffic on I-75 can be a significant impediment, especially when heading north towards Detroit or south towards Toledo. Expect travel times to fluctuate dramatically during peak hours.

US-24 (Telegraph Road) provides a more local route, running parallel to I-75. While offering more direct access to local businesses and services, it is prone to congestion, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times. This road is a crucial connector to local pharmacies and urgent care facilities, making it an essential route for hypertension management.

Local roads like S Huron River Drive and Carleton-Rockwood Road offer scenic routes, but they are less direct and often slower than the major highways. These roads are helpful for reaching local clinics and pharmacies within the village and surrounding areas.

**Drive Times: A Crucial Metric**

The drive time to healthcare facilities is a critical component of our Hypertension Score. For routine check-ups and medication refills, proximity to a primary care physician is paramount. Within South Rockwood, access to local clinics is generally manageable. However, specialized care, such as cardiology or endocrinology, often necessitates travel to larger medical centers.

The nearest major hospital, Beaumont Hospital, Trenton, is approximately a 20-30 minute drive via I-75, depending on traffic. This is a reasonable travel time for routine appointments. However, during an emergency, every minute counts. The distance to the emergency room becomes a critical factor.

For specialized care, the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor (approximately an hour’s drive) and Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit (approximately a 45-60 minute drive) are options. These longer travel times highlight the importance of planning and understanding potential delays.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in South Rockwood are limited, posing a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) provides some service, but routes and frequency are restricted.

SMART Route 140, the primary route serving the area, provides access to Monroe and Detroit. However, the schedule is often infrequent, with limited evening and weekend service. This route can be helpful for accessing medical appointments, but it requires careful planning and may involve lengthy travel times.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible vehicles are available on SMART routes, providing essential support for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the availability of these vehicles and the overall route coverage may not fully meet the needs of all residents.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Supplementary Solutions**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another layer of transportation options, especially for those who cannot drive or prefer not to. Availability can vary, and surge pricing during peak hours or times of high demand can impact costs.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a more specialized approach. Brands like CareRide and MedRide provide non-emergency medical transportation, often with wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services are particularly valuable for individuals with mobility issues or those requiring assistance with medical equipment. However, these services typically require pre-booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing.

**The Hypertension Score: A Composite View**

The Hypertension Score for South Rockwood reflects the interplay of these transportation factors. A high score indicates relatively easy access to healthcare, while a low score suggests greater challenges.

The score considers the following:
* **Drive Times:** Proximity to primary care physicians, hospitals, and specialized medical facilities.
* **Public Transit:** Availability, frequency, and ADA accessibility of SMART routes.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Availability and cost-effectiveness of Uber and Lyft.
* **Medical Transportation:** Availability and cost of specialized medical transport services.

**Conclusion: Prioritizing Healthcare Access**

Moving to South Rockwood offers a peaceful lifestyle, but healthcare access requires careful consideration. While the village itself has local clinics and pharmacies, specialized care often necessitates travel. The limited public transit options emphasize the importance of personal vehicles or reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport services.

For individuals managing hypertension, the Hypertension Score provides a valuable framework for assessing the transportation challenges and planning for effective healthcare management. By understanding the available options and potential limitations, residents can make informed decisions about their health and well-being, ensuring access to the care they need. Moving to South Rockwood can be a positive experience, especially with careful planning regarding transportation and healthcare access.