28358, Lumberton, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 28358, Lumberton, North Carolina is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.50 percent of residents in 28358 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southeastern Regional Medical Center with a distance of 3.07 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Lumberton, NC (ZIP Code 28358)

Moving to a new community, especially when managing a chronic condition like hypertension, demands a thorough understanding of healthcare access. This write-up provides a "Hypertension Score" assessment for residents of Lumberton, North Carolina (ZIP code 28358), focusing on transportation options to facilitate healthcare access. The score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-share services, and medical transport options, painting a picture of the ease or difficulty in reaching essential medical appointments.

Lumberton, the county seat of Robeson County, presents a unique transportation landscape. While the city offers a blend of rural charm and urban amenities, its healthcare access is significantly influenced by transportation limitations. Residents with hypertension require consistent medical care, including regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential specialist consultations. This analysis considers the practical realities of navigating the area to access these vital services.

**Drive Times: The Cornerstone of Healthcare Access**

The primary mode of transportation in Lumberton is the personal vehicle. Understanding drive times to key healthcare providers is crucial. The primary thoroughfare, Interstate 95 (I-95), provides north-south connectivity, but heavy traffic and potential delays, especially during peak hours, can impact appointment adherence.

From many residential areas within 28358, reaching Southeastern Regional Medical Center, the primary hospital, typically takes between 5-15 minutes, depending on traffic and specific location. This journey often involves navigating local roads like North Pine Street, Godwin Avenue, and Elizabethtown Road. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during school drop-off/pick-up times and rush hour.

Accessing specialist clinics, located both within and outside Lumberton, necessitates longer drive times. For instance, a cardiologist in Fayetteville, approximately 30 miles north, could require a 45-60 minute drive via I-95. This extended travel time adds to the overall burden of managing hypertension, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those experiencing symptoms.

Furthermore, the availability of parking at healthcare facilities is a critical consideration. Southeastern Regional Medical Center offers ample parking, but during peak hours, finding a convenient spot can be challenging. The time spent searching for parking adds to the overall travel time and can exacerbate stress levels, which is counterproductive for individuals managing hypertension.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Lumberton are limited. The Robeson County Transportation Authority (RCTA) provides bus services, but these routes are infrequent and primarily focused on serving specific areas and destinations.

The primary bus route serving the 28358 ZIP code is Route 1, which travels along North Pine Street and connects to downtown Lumberton and the hospital. However, the frequency of this route is limited, with buses running approximately every hour. The RCTA offers ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. However, the limited route network and infrequent schedules make public transit a less viable option for many residents, particularly those with mobility challenges or complex medical needs.

The RCTA also offers demand-response services, which require advance booking and are designed for individuals with disabilities or those living in areas not served by fixed routes. This service can be a valuable resource for some, but its availability is limited, and it may not always be feasible for urgent appointments.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Supplementing the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Lumberton. However, their availability can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in less populated areas. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments requires careful planning and may involve higher transportation costs.

Medical transport services provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained staff to assist patients. Several medical transport providers operate in the Lumberton area, including First Medical Transport and MedStar Ambulance Service. These services can be essential for individuals who are unable to drive or utilize public transportation. However, medical transport services can be expensive and may require pre-authorization from insurance providers.

**The Hypertension Score: A Synthesis**

Considering the factors outlined above, the "Hypertension Score" for accessing healthcare in Lumberton (28358) is moderately challenging. While the proximity of Southeastern Regional Medical Center offers relatively easy access for many residents, the limitations of public transit, the potential for traffic delays, and the reliance on personal vehicles create barriers to consistent and timely healthcare access.

The score reflects the need for careful planning, particularly for individuals with limited mobility, those without access to a personal vehicle, or those requiring specialist care outside of Lumberton. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides supplementary options, but their cost and availability must be considered.

**Recommendations for Residents**

For individuals with hypertension moving to Lumberton, careful consideration of transportation options is crucial. Prioritizing healthcare providers within close proximity is advisable. Explore the RCTA bus routes and demand-response services to assess their suitability. Familiarize yourself with ride-sharing availability and costs. Investigate medical transport options, particularly if mobility limitations exist.

Furthermore, consider the impact of traffic patterns on appointment scheduling. Allow ample time for travel, especially during peak hours. Advocate for improved public transportation services within the community.

Ultimately, navigating healthcare access in Lumberton requires proactive planning and a realistic assessment of available transportation resources. By understanding the challenges and leveraging available options, residents can effectively manage their hypertension and maintain their health. The choices for transportation are a critical component of the equation for healthcare access.