39647, Mc Call Creek, Mississippi Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 39647, Mc Call Creek, Mississippi is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

82.07 percent of residents in 39647 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.00 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is King's Daughters Medical Center-Brookhaven with a distance of 13.01 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 39647**

ZIP Code 39647, encompassing the rural community of Mc Call Creek, Mississippi, presents a unique landscape for assessing healthcare access, particularly concerning hypertension management. This analysis delves into the transportation challenges and opportunities impacting residents' ability to receive timely and effective care, ultimately contributing to a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching vital medical resources. The score will consider drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of the barriers and bridges to healthcare.

The cornerstone of this assessment lies in understanding the geographical realities of Mc Call Creek. The community's relative isolation necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles for most transportation needs. The primary arteries connecting Mc Call Creek to healthcare facilities are Mississippi Highway 98 and Mississippi Highway 84. These roads, while providing essential links, can be subject to delays due to traffic, weather conditions, and the occasional road closures, potentially impacting access to crucial medical appointments and treatments.

Drive times to healthcare facilities form a critical component of the Hypertension Score. The nearest hospitals and clinics are located in Brookhaven, approximately a 20-30 minute drive, depending on traffic and the specific location within Mc Call Creek. More specialized care, such as cardiology or nephrology, may necessitate travel to larger cities like Jackson, a drive that can extend to over an hour and a half. These extended travel times can pose significant challenges for individuals managing hypertension, especially during acute episodes or for regular check-ups.

Public transportation options in 39647 are limited. There is no established public bus service operating within the immediate area. This lack of public transit significantly restricts healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles, those unable to drive due to medical conditions, or those facing financial constraints. The absence of accessible public transportation disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, potentially exacerbating health disparities.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader region, but their presence in Mc Call Creek is sporadic and unreliable. Availability is often contingent on driver proximity and demand, making it difficult to guarantee transportation to scheduled medical appointments. This uncertainty can create anxiety and increase the risk of missed appointments, negatively impacting hypertension management.

Medical transport services, including ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance. Ambulance services are readily available for emergencies, but the cost can be prohibitive for non-emergency situations. NEMT services, often provided by private companies or through insurance programs, offer a more affordable option for scheduled appointments. However, availability and scheduling can be a challenge, particularly in rural areas.

The availability of medical transport services is essential for individuals with hypertension who may experience complications or require regular monitoring. Delays in accessing these services can have serious consequences, underscoring the importance of a robust and reliable medical transport infrastructure.

The Hypertension Score will also consider the availability of telehealth services. Telehealth, utilizing video conferencing and remote monitoring technologies, offers a potential solution to overcome geographical barriers. The ability to consult with healthcare providers remotely can reduce the need for frequent travel and improve access to care, particularly for routine check-ups and medication management. However, the effectiveness of telehealth is contingent on reliable internet access, which may be limited in some areas of Mc Call Creek.

Furthermore, the cost of transportation must be factored into the equation. The expenses associated with driving, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and parking fees, can place a significant financial burden on individuals, particularly those with limited incomes. The cost of ride-sharing services and medical transport further compounds these expenses, potentially leading to delayed or avoided healthcare visits.

The availability of pharmacies and the ease of prescription refills also influence the Hypertension Score. Access to medication is crucial for managing hypertension, and any obstacles in obtaining prescriptions or refilling them promptly can undermine treatment adherence. The presence of local pharmacies and the availability of mail-order prescriptions are essential considerations.

The overall Hypertension Score for ZIP Code 39647 reflects a complex interplay of factors. The rural nature of the community, coupled with limited public transportation options, presents significant challenges to healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for long drive times, and the sporadic availability of ride-sharing services contribute to a less-than-ideal environment for hypertension management.

However, the potential for telehealth services and the availability of medical transport offer some mitigation. The score will also account for the presence of local pharmacies and the ease of prescription refills.

In conclusion, the Hypertension Score for Mc Call Creek, Mississippi, will likely reflect the transportation challenges faced by residents seeking healthcare. The score will highlight the need for strategies to improve healthcare access, such as expanded public transportation options, increased availability of ride-sharing services, and enhanced telehealth infrastructure. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring that residents of Mc Call Creek can effectively manage their hypertension and maintain their overall health and well-being. Moving to Mc Call Creek requires a thorough understanding of these healthcare access limitations, especially for individuals with chronic conditions like hypertension.