27872, Roxobel, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 27872, Roxobel, North Carolina is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.86 percent of residents in 27872 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.09 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Roanoke Chowan Hospital with a distance of 18.68 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Roxobel, NC (ZIP Code 27872)

The quiet embrace of Roxobel, North Carolina (ZIP code 27872), offers a slower pace of life, a welcome respite from the urban clamor. However, this tranquility presents a unique challenge: navigating the intricate web of transportation to access essential healthcare services, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up delves into the complexities of healthcare access within and around Roxobel, specifically focusing on transportation options and their impact on a "Hypertension Score," a metaphorical metric reflecting the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach medical care.

Understanding the transportation landscape is crucial for assessing the Hypertension Score. Roxobel, nestled in rural Bertie County, relies heavily on personal vehicles. The primary arteries for travel are **US-13**, **NC-42**, and **NC-308**. The absence of a robust public transit system elevates the significance of these roadways. Someone moving to Roxobel, especially with a pre-existing condition like hypertension, must meticulously consider these factors.

Drive times to medical facilities become a critical component of the Hypertension Score. The nearest hospital, **Vidant Bertie Hospital** in Windsor, is approximately a 20-minute drive via US-13. While seemingly manageable, this drive time can be significantly impacted by weather conditions, traffic, or the patient's physical state. For individuals experiencing a hypertensive crisis, every minute counts.

Specialty care, often requiring trips to larger medical centers, adds another layer of complexity. **Vidant Medical Center** in Greenville, a regional hub for advanced medical services, necessitates a drive of roughly an hour via US-13 and US-64. This extended travel time can be a deterrent, potentially delaying necessary treatment. The Hypertension Score, therefore, is negatively affected by these longer distances.

Public transportation options in Roxobel are severely limited. The absence of a local bus system or readily available public transit significantly impacts the Hypertension Score, especially for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle. This transportation void creates a significant barrier to healthcare access, forcing residents to rely on alternative methods.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not always reliable. Availability can fluctuate, and surge pricing can further strain budgets. For individuals on a fixed income, the cost of ride-sharing can be prohibitive, thus decreasing the Hypertension Score.

Medical transportation services, such as **First Medical Transportation** and **American Medical Response**, offer specialized transport for patients requiring assistance. These services can be a lifeline for those unable to drive or navigate public transportation. However, they come at a cost, and their availability may be limited, particularly during peak hours. The reliability and cost of these services directly impact the Hypertension Score.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features on any public transit, while a moot point in Roxobel, are crucial for those with mobility limitations. The lack of such provisions in the existing transportation infrastructure further compounds the challenges faced by individuals with hypertension and other health conditions.

The Hypertension Score also considers the availability of pharmacies and convenient access to medication refills. Roxobel has a few local pharmacies. These local options reduce the need for extensive travel, positively impacting the Hypertension Score.

Telehealth services offer a promising avenue for improving healthcare access in rural areas. Virtual consultations with physicians and remote monitoring of blood pressure can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits. The availability and affordability of telehealth services directly influence the Hypertension Score.

The overall Hypertension Score for Roxobel, NC (27872) is moderate, reflecting the challenges posed by the limited transportation options. While the proximity to a hospital is a positive factor, the reliance on personal vehicles, the lack of public transit, and the potential for extended travel times to access specialized care create significant hurdles.

For someone moving to Roxobel with hypertension, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is essential. This includes evaluating their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation, and the financial feasibility of ride-sharing or medical transport services.

The local community plays a vital role in supporting healthcare access. Community health initiatives, such as transportation assistance programs or partnerships with ride-sharing services, can significantly improve the Hypertension Score. Promoting awareness of telehealth options and providing resources to access these services is also crucial.

Improving the Hypertension Score requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes advocating for expanded public transportation options, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies, and promoting telehealth services. Investing in community health programs that address transportation barriers is also essential.

In conclusion, navigating healthcare access in Roxobel, NC (27872) requires careful consideration of transportation options. The Hypertension Score, reflecting the ease of access to care, is influenced by drive times, the absence of public transit, the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport, and the presence of local pharmacies and telehealth services. By understanding these factors and working collaboratively, the community can improve the Hypertension Score and ensure that residents with hypertension receive the timely and effective care they need. The journey to healthcare in Roxobel, while challenging, is a journey worth taking, one that requires a concerted effort to overcome the barriers of transportation and ensure that all residents can live healthier lives.