28412, Wilmington, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 28412, Wilmington, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.71 percent of residents in 28412 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center with a distance of 5.30 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 28412

Considering a move to Wilmington, North Carolina, and specifically ZIP code 28412? This analysis provides a "Hypertension Score," a localized assessment of transportation options and their impact on healthcare access for individuals managing hypertension. Effective management of this chronic condition hinges on consistent access to medical appointments, medication refills, and potentially, specialized care. This score weighs the ease of getting to healthcare facilities, factoring in drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options.

ZIP code 28412 encompasses a significant portion of Wilmington, offering a diverse residential landscape. However, its transportation infrastructure presents unique challenges, particularly for those without personal vehicles or facing mobility limitations. The "Hypertension Score" aims to illuminate these complexities, empowering informed decisions for those seeking to relocate or already residing in this area.

**Driving the Healthcare Landscape:**

The primary thoroughfares in 28412, including **Market Street (US-17/US-74/US-76)**, **College Road**, and **Oleander Drive**, are crucial for navigating to healthcare providers. Drive times, however, are significantly influenced by traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. The proximity of healthcare facilities to major roads offers advantages, but the volume of traffic can easily negate these benefits.

For example, a drive from the northern reaches of 28412, near the intersection of **College Road** and **New Centre Drive**, to **New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC)**, located on **17th Street**, can range from 10-20 minutes under ideal conditions. During rush hour, this commute could easily extend to 30 minutes or more. Similarly, accessing smaller clinics and specialist offices scattered throughout the area necessitates careful route planning and consideration of traffic patterns.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

The public transit system in Wilmington, operated by Wave Transit, offers a network of bus routes. However, its coverage within 28412 is somewhat limited, and its frequency can be infrequent, particularly on weekends and evenings. The routes that do serve the area, such as **Route 101 (Market Street)**, **Route 102 (College Road)**, and **Route 201 (Oleander Drive)**, are vital for those without personal transportation.

Unfortunately, the availability of buses that are ADA-accessible, equipped with ramps or lifts, is limited, which poses significant challenges for individuals with mobility impairments. Furthermore, the extended travel times associated with bus travel, often involving transfers, can make healthcare appointments a time-consuming and potentially exhausting endeavor.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option in 28412. They provide on-demand access to healthcare facilities, eliminating the need to rely solely on public transit or personal vehicles. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, particularly for frequent appointments or those on fixed incomes.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are also available. These services often offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist individuals with mobility challenges. Companies like **FirstLight Home Care** and **Care Patrol** are examples of medical transport providers in the area.

**Assessing the Hypertension Score:**

The "Hypertension Score" for 28412 is determined by evaluating the following factors:

* **Drive Time to Healthcare Facilities:** This considers the average drive time to major hospitals, clinics, and specialist offices during peak and off-peak hours.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** This assesses the frequency, coverage, and ADA-accessibility of bus routes serving the area.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability and Cost:** This evaluates the availability of Uber and Lyft services and the estimated cost of transportation to healthcare appointments.
* **Medical Transport Options:** This considers the availability and cost of medical transport services.
* **Proximity to Pharmacies:** This assesses the ease of access to pharmacies for medication refills.

The score is represented on a scale, with a higher score indicating better access to healthcare.

**Challenges and Considerations:**

The primary challenge for residents of 28412 is the reliance on personal vehicles for accessing healthcare. The limited public transit options and the cost of ride-sharing services can create barriers for those without cars or with financial constraints. Traffic congestion further complicates matters, increasing drive times and potentially causing missed appointments.

For individuals with hypertension, timely access to healthcare is crucial. Missed appointments, delayed medication refills, and difficulty accessing specialized care can lead to uncontrolled blood pressure and increased health risks.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

Several strategies could improve healthcare access for residents of 28412:

* **Expanding Public Transit:** Increasing the frequency and coverage of bus routes, particularly during evenings and weekends, would significantly benefit those relying on public transportation.
* **Enhancing ADA Accessibility:** Ensuring that all bus routes are fully ADA-accessible would address the needs of individuals with mobility impairments.
* **Promoting Ride-Sharing Subsidies:** Implementing programs that subsidize ride-sharing costs for low-income individuals could make this option more affordable.
* **Supporting Medical Transport Services:** Providing financial assistance to medical transport providers would make these services more accessible to those who need them.
* **Encouraging Telehealth:** Promoting the use of telehealth services, such as virtual appointments and remote monitoring, could reduce the need for in-person visits.

**Conclusion: Navigating Healthcare in 28412**

Relocating to Wilmington, specifically 28412, presents a nuanced picture regarding healthcare access for individuals managing hypertension. While the area boasts a range of healthcare providers, transportation challenges, including traffic congestion, limited public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing, can create barriers.

The "Hypertension Score" highlights these complexities, providing a framework for understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this analysis, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and proactively address potential challenges. The implementation of the recommendations outlined above could significantly improve healthcare access and support the well-being of residents in 28412, especially those managing chronic conditions like hypertension.