38664, Robinsonville, Mississippi Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 38664, Robinsonville, Mississippi is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.30 percent of residents in 38664 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.76 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baptist Memorial Hospital Desoto with a distance of 20.57 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Robinsonville, MS (ZIP Code 38664)

The ability to effectively manage hypertension, a prevalent health concern, is inextricably linked to access to healthcare. In Robinsonville, Mississippi (ZIP Code 38664), a rural community, the journey to receive care for this condition is significantly influenced by the available transportation options. This analysis, a "Hypertension Score" assessment, explores the challenges and opportunities faced by residents in accessing necessary medical services, with a focus on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering moving to Robinsonville and for current residents seeking to optimize their healthcare management.

The primary obstacle to healthcare access in Robinsonville is its geographical isolation. The nearest comprehensive medical facilities are located outside the ZIP code, necessitating travel. The primary arteries for vehicular transportation are Mississippi Highway 61, a major north-south route, and Mississippi Highway 3, which provides an east-west connection. Other essential roads include Robinsonville Road, which connects the community to Highway 61, and Old Highway 61, offering alternative access.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the destination. The closest urgent care clinic is approximately a 15-20 minute drive via Highway 61. However, for specialized care, such as cardiology or endocrinology, residents must travel further. The nearest hospital, offering a broader range of services, is located in Tunica Resorts, approximately a 25-30 minute drive via Highway 61. Memphis, Tennessee, a major metropolitan area with numerous medical centers, is about an hour's drive via Highway 61 North.

The condition of the roads can impact drive times. While Highway 61 is generally well-maintained, local roads can be subject to potholes and other hazards, especially after inclement weather. Traffic, though typically light, can be a factor during peak hours or when events are taking place in Tunica Resorts. These considerations underscore the importance of reliable personal transportation for managing hypertension effectively in Robinsonville.

Public transportation options are extremely limited in this rural area. There is no established public bus system operating within ZIP Code 38664 or connecting it directly to healthcare facilities. This lack of public transportation presents a significant barrier for residents who do not own a vehicle, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities. The absence of a readily available public transit network necessitates reliance on alternative transportation methods.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance of any potential public transit options is a critical consideration. Without a formal public transit system, ADA-compliant transportation is virtually nonexistent, making it difficult for individuals with mobility limitations to access healthcare. This lack of accessible transportation compounds the challenges faced by those managing hypertension, who may experience related physical limitations.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Memphis metropolitan area, but their presence in Robinsonville is sporadic and unreliable. Availability is contingent on driver presence and demand, making it difficult to schedule appointments with certainty. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden for individuals with limited incomes, potentially deterring them from seeking necessary medical care.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for transporting patients to medical appointments, offer a more reliable option, but they come with their own set of considerations. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, including those specializing in non-emergency medical transportation. These services typically require advance booking and can be expensive, particularly for individuals without adequate insurance coverage. The availability of these services may also be limited, especially during peak hours or on weekends.

The financial implications of transportation are a significant factor in healthcare access. The cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, ride-sharing fares, and medical transport services can place a considerable strain on household budgets. For individuals with hypertension, who may require frequent medical appointments and medication refills, these costs can become a barrier to consistent care.

The impact of transportation challenges on healthcare access is particularly relevant for managing hypertension. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications are essential for controlling the condition. Missed appointments, difficulty obtaining medications, and limited access to health education due to transportation barriers can negatively impact patient outcomes. This underscores the importance of addressing the transportation needs of residents in Robinsonville.

The "Hypertension Score" in Robinsonville, therefore, is significantly impacted by the limited transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of public transit, the sporadic availability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport services create a complex landscape for healthcare access.

For those considering moving to Robinsonville, a thorough assessment of transportation needs is crucial. Individuals with hypertension should carefully evaluate their ability to manage the travel requirements associated with their healthcare. Proximity to Highway 61 and the ability to maintain a reliable vehicle are critical factors.

Existing residents must proactively seek solutions. Exploring local community resources, such as volunteer driver programs or church-based transportation initiatives, can help bridge the transportation gap. Advocating for improved transportation infrastructure, including the potential for public transit or ride-sharing partnerships, is also essential.

The "Hypertension Score" in Robinsonville can be improved by addressing the transportation challenges. Initiatives that enhance healthcare access, such as telehealth programs, mobile health clinics, and medication delivery services, can mitigate the impact of transportation barriers. Ultimately, a multi-faceted approach, involving individual responsibility, community support, and policy changes, is needed to ensure that residents of Robinsonville have equitable access to the healthcare they need to manage their hypertension effectively.