27704, Durham, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 27704, Durham, North Carolina is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.19 percent of residents in 27704 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.13 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Duke Regional Hospital with a distance of 1.63 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in 27704

The journey to managing hypertension within Durham's 27704 ZIP code demands a multifaceted assessment, considering not just the availability of healthcare, but also the practicalities of reaching it. This "Hypertension Score" delves into the transportation landscape, a crucial determinant of healthcare access, particularly for those managing chronic conditions. Moving to Durham requires careful consideration of these factors.

This score considers the accessibility of medical appointments, pharmacies, and support services, all interwoven with the existing transportation infrastructure. It acknowledges that for residents of 27704, the path to healthcare is often not a simple one. The goal is to provide a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities within this dynamic environment.

The heart of the matter lies in the commute. For those relying on personal vehicles, travel times are significantly impacted by traffic patterns. Interstate 85, the major artery, experiences heavy congestion during peak hours. Access to Duke University Hospital, a primary destination for specialized care, often involves navigating the labyrinthine roads around Erwin Road and Duke University Road.

The drive from the northern reaches of 27704 to Duke Hospital, depending on the exact location, can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes during off-peak hours. During rush hour, this commute can easily stretch to 45 minutes or even an hour, a significant burden for individuals requiring regular medical attention or facing urgent health needs.

Similarly, access to the Durham VA Medical Center, located further south, necessitates navigating the bustling US-15/501 corridor. This route, while generally less congested than I-85, still experiences slowdowns, especially near the intersection with I-40.

Beyond private vehicles, public transportation plays a vital role. The Durham Area Transit Authority (DATA) offers a network of bus routes serving the 27704 area. Route 11, running along Guess Road, provides a direct link to the Duke Medical Center. Route 5, traversing Chapel Hill Road, connects residents to the VA Medical Center.

However, public transit presents its own set of challenges. Frequency of service can be a limiting factor, particularly during evenings and weekends. While DATA strives to maintain ADA compliance, ensuring accessibility for all riders, the reality is that navigating bus stops and transferring between routes can be difficult for individuals with mobility limitations.

Furthermore, the time commitment associated with public transit is often greater than driving. A bus trip to Duke Hospital from the northern reaches of 27704 can easily take 45 minutes to an hour, significantly longer than the drive, even during peak traffic.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative. They provide on-demand transportation, potentially reducing wait times and offering door-to-door service. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant barrier for some, especially for frequent medical appointments. The price of a ride to Duke Hospital or the VA Medical Center can quickly accumulate, adding to the financial strain of managing a chronic condition.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, provide another option. Companies like First Medical Transportation and Care Ride specialize in non-emergency medical transport, offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. While these services can be a valuable resource, they often require advance booking and may have limited availability.

Pharmacies are another critical component of healthcare access. Within 27704, several pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens, and local independent pharmacies, are conveniently located. However, the ease of access to these pharmacies depends on proximity and transportation options.

The presence of grocery stores with pharmacies, such as Harris Teeter and Food Lion, provides an added layer of convenience. This allows individuals to combine their pharmacy visits with their grocery shopping, streamlining their errands and reducing the number of trips required.

The availability of specialized healthcare providers, such as cardiologists and endocrinologists, is also a key consideration. While Duke Health and other healthcare providers offer a wide range of specialists, access to these providers is dependent on appointment availability and the ability to travel to their offices.

The presence of community health centers, such as Lincoln Community Health Center, is crucial for providing accessible and affordable healthcare to underserved populations. These centers often offer a range of services, including primary care, chronic disease management, and pharmacy services, making them a valuable resource for residents of 27704.

The availability of support services, such as support groups and educational programs, is also an important factor. These services can provide valuable resources and support for individuals managing hypertension, helping them to better understand their condition and manage their health.

In evaluating the "Hypertension Score" for 27704, it's essential to consider the individual needs and circumstances of each resident. For those with mobility limitations or limited access to transportation, the challenges of accessing healthcare are significantly greater. For those with financial constraints, the cost of transportation can be a major barrier.

The score should also take into account the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery. Telehealth services, for example, can provide a valuable alternative to in-person appointments, particularly for follow-up visits and medication management.

Furthermore, the score should consider the efforts being made to improve transportation options and healthcare access. The ongoing expansion of DATA's bus network and the implementation of new transportation initiatives can have a positive impact on healthcare access for residents of 27704.

Ultimately, the "Hypertension Score" for 27704 should serve as a guide, highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with accessing healthcare in this community. It should encourage residents to actively assess their own transportation needs and to explore the available resources. Moving to Durham requires a comprehensive understanding of these factors to ensure that individuals can effectively manage their health and well-being. The goal is to empower residents to navigate the transportation landscape and to make informed decisions about their healthcare.