27919, Belvidere, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 27919, Belvidere, North Carolina is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.05 percent of residents in 27919 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Chowan Hospital with a distance of 16.01 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Belvidere, NC (ZIP Code 27919)

Considering a move to the serene landscapes of Belvidere, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27919)? Beyond the tranquility, it's crucial to understand the practicalities of daily life, especially access to essential healthcare. This analysis focuses on a critical aspect: the ability to reach medical facilities, a key factor in managing hypertension, a condition requiring consistent care. We’ll examine the available **transportation** options and their impact on **healthcare access**, giving you a realistic picture of what to expect. This information is particularly relevant for individuals considering **moving to Belvidere** and seeking to maintain their health.

Belvidere, a rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The nearest comprehensive medical facilities are located in neighboring towns, requiring careful consideration of travel times and available transportation. The “Hypertension Score” here isn’t a medical metric, but a measure of the ease with which residents can access healthcare, especially for those managing hypertension.

**Driving the Distance: Highways and Roads**

The primary mode of transport in Belvidere is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. Understanding drive times to medical facilities is paramount. The most direct route to larger hospitals and specialist clinics involves navigating a network of roads.

To reach Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City, a critical hub for specialized care, the journey primarily utilizes US-17. This highway, a major north-south artery, offers a relatively smooth drive, typically taking around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The scenic route, using NC-343, offers a more leisurely drive, but adds approximately 15-20 minutes to the travel time.

For appointments in Edenton, a shorter trip of approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on the specific location, utilizes NC-32. This road, while less congested than US-17, can experience slower speeds due to its two-lane configuration. It is crucial to factor in potential delays due to weather or local events.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public **transportation** options in Belvidere are extremely limited. The absence of a robust public transit system significantly impacts **healthcare access**, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. This lack of options underscores the importance of considering alternative transport solutions.

There is no fixed-route bus service operating directly within Belvidere or connecting it to surrounding towns. This reality presents a significant barrier to healthcare for those reliant on public transport. The nearest bus routes, operated by Albemarle Regional Transportation Authority (ARTA), primarily serve Elizabeth City and the surrounding areas. These routes do not extend into Belvidere.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial factor to consider when evaluating public transit. However, given the limited availability of public transit in the area, this is not a primary concern.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence in Belvidere may be limited. Availability can fluctuate depending on driver density and demand, potentially leading to longer wait times or higher fares. Reliance on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments may not be the most reliable solution.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a more structured approach to healthcare access. Several companies operate in the area, providing non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) services. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment.

Some reputable NEMT providers in the region include:

* **First Medical Transport:** Offers non-emergency medical transport services, including wheelchair and stretcher transportation.
* **Medicaid Transportation:** Provides transportation for eligible Medicaid recipients. Eligibility criteria and service availability may vary.

These services are often booked in advance, requiring planning for appointments. Costs vary depending on the distance, level of assistance required, and insurance coverage.

**Considering the Hypertension Score: A Holistic View**

The “Hypertension Score” for Belvidere, based on the available **transportation** options, reflects the challenges faced by residents seeking consistent healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles, combined with limited public transit and potential variability in ride-sharing availability, necessitates careful planning.

For individuals managing hypertension, consistent access to medical care is non-negotiable. This includes regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential specialist appointments. The drive times to healthcare facilities, while manageable, require careful consideration of traffic conditions and potential delays.

**The Impact on Moving to Belvidere**

For those considering **moving to Belvidere**, a thorough assessment of these **transportation** factors is essential. Individuals with hypertension should prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities or the availability of reliable **transportation** options.

The lack of robust public transit necessitates exploring alternative solutions, such as:

* **Car Ownership:** The most reliable option, allowing for flexible scheduling and direct access to healthcare providers.
* **Family and Friends:** Relying on the assistance of family members or friends for appointments.
* **Medical Transport Services:** Utilizing NEMT providers for scheduled appointments.
* **Telehealth:** Leveraging telehealth services for routine check-ups and medication management, if available.

**Conclusion: Planning for Healthcare Access**

In conclusion, while Belvidere offers a peaceful and attractive lifestyle, the limitations in **transportation** options present a significant consideration for those managing hypertension. The “Hypertension Score” reflects the need for proactive planning and a reliance on personal vehicles or alternative **transportation** solutions.

For anyone contemplating **moving to Belvidere**, a comprehensive understanding of the **healthcare access** landscape is paramount. Prioritizing proximity to healthcare facilities, exploring medical **transportation** options, and planning for potential delays are crucial steps in ensuring consistent and effective care.