27519, Cary, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 27519, Cary, North Carolina is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.07 percent of residents in 27519 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wakemed, Cary Hospital with a distance of 6.85 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Cary, NC (ZIP Code 27519)

Considering a move to Cary, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27519)? Your health, especially managing hypertension, is paramount. Understanding the ease of **transportation** to **healthcare access** points is crucial. This write-up provides a "Hypertension Score" assessment, evaluating the accessibility of medical facilities for individuals with hypertension within this ZIP code, focusing on drive times, public transit, and alternative **transportation** options.

The "Hypertension Score" is a subjective assessment, considering factors like proximity to hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, alongside the availability and convenience of various **transportation** modes. It's designed to help prospective residents understand the practicalities of managing their health in Cary.

**Driving the Roads to Wellness:**

Cary's road network is generally well-maintained, but traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can impact **healthcare access**. The primary arteries for reaching medical facilities include US-1, I-40, and I-440. Navigating these highways during rush hour can significantly increase travel times.

For example, reaching the WakeMed Cary Hospital, a major healthcare provider, from various points within 27519 requires careful planning. From the western side, a drive via NC-55 and then onto US-1 can be a relatively quick 10-15 minute trip during off-peak hours. However, during the morning and evening commutes, this could easily stretch to 30 minutes or more.

Similarly, accessing Duke Health facilities in nearby Durham or Raleigh might involve longer drives, often requiring travel on I-40. This is a major thoroughfare, and delays are common. The ability to use GPS navigation, and real-time traffic updates, is crucial to minimizing travel time and stress.

Smaller roads like Cary Parkway, Kildaire Farm Road, and High House Road provide alternative routes, but they also experience congestion, particularly near shopping centers and schools. Choosing the optimal route, especially when experiencing a hypertensive crisis, is vital.

**Public Transit: A Viable Option?**

The GoCary public transit system offers a network of bus routes within the town. While these routes provide a valuable service, their coverage and frequency might pose challenges for individuals with hypertension.

Several bus routes serve the 27519 ZIP code, including routes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. These routes connect residential areas with key destinations like Cary Towne Center, the Cary Senior Center, and various medical offices. However, the frequency of these routes, particularly during evenings and weekends, can be limited, potentially impacting **healthcare access**.

ADA accessibility is a crucial feature of GoCary buses. All buses are equipped with ramps or lifts, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. However, the need to navigate bus stops and wait times, especially in inclement weather, could be a concern for those managing hypertension. The system is constantly evolving and expanding its services, but it is important to check the GoCary website for up-to-date route information and schedules.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Bridging the Gap:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Cary, offering an alternative to driving or relying on public transit. These services provide on-demand **transportation** to medical appointments, pharmacies, and other healthcare-related destinations. The convenience of ride-sharing can be particularly beneficial for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to drive.

However, the cost of ride-sharing can accumulate, especially for frequent medical appointments. Additionally, surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can further increase expenses. It's crucial to factor in the cost when considering ride-sharing as a primary mode of **transportation** for healthcare needs.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by companies like FirstLight Home Care or Senior Helpers, specialize in providing non-emergency medical **transportation**. These services often offer door-to-door assistance, including help with getting in and out of vehicles and accompanying patients to appointments. They can be a good option for those with mobility issues or who need extra support.

**Pharmacies: Medication Accessibility:**

Access to pharmacies is a critical component of managing hypertension. Several pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens, and local independent pharmacies, are located within and around the 27519 ZIP code. These pharmacies offer prescription filling services, medication counseling, and other health-related products.

The proximity of pharmacies to residential areas and medical facilities is generally good. However, it's essential to consider the pharmacy's hours of operation, especially for urgent medication needs.

**Hypertension Score Assessment:**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Hypertension Score" for **healthcare access** in 27519 can be considered moderate. While the road network is generally good, traffic congestion can impact drive times. Public transit provides a viable, but limited, option. Ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services offer additional flexibility, but come with associated costs.

For individuals with well-controlled hypertension, the available **transportation** options should be sufficient. However, for those with more complex needs or mobility challenges, careful planning and consideration of alternative **transportation** modes are crucial.

**Moving to Cary: Considerations for Hypertension Management:**

If you are **moving to Cary** and managing hypertension, consider these points:

* **Proximity to Healthcare Providers:** Evaluate the proximity of your chosen residence to hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.
* **Traffic Patterns:** Familiarize yourself with traffic patterns, especially during peak hours, and plan your travel accordingly.
* **Public Transit Options:** Explore GoCary bus routes and schedules to determine their suitability for your needs.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** Assess the availability and cost of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transportation Services:** Investigate the availability and cost of medical **transportation** services.
* **Pharmacy Access:** Identify nearby pharmacies and their hours of operation.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** Have a plan for accessing medical care in case of a hypertensive crisis, including readily available **transportation** options.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about **moving to Cary** and ensure that you have adequate **healthcare access** to effectively manage your hypertension. The key is proactive planning and an understanding of the **transportation** landscape.