28425, Burgaw, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 28425, Burgaw, North Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.49 percent of residents in 28425 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.67 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pender Memorial Hospital with a distance of 0.61 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Burgaw (ZIP Code 28425)

Considering a move to the charming town of Burgaw, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28425)? Beyond the picturesque courthouse square and friendly community, understanding healthcare access is crucial, especially if you're managing hypertension. This write-up provides a detailed overview of transportation options to healthcare facilities, offering a "Hypertension Score" assessment based on drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing services. This information is vital for making informed decisions about your health and well-being.

Burgaw, nestled in Pender County, presents a unique challenge. While offering a slower pace of life, it also necessitates careful consideration of how easily you can access essential medical care. The "Hypertension Score" aims to quantify this accessibility, factoring in travel time and convenience, crucial elements for those managing chronic conditions.

The primary healthcare provider for Burgaw residents is Pender Memorial Hospital, located within the town limits. This proximity is a significant advantage, providing immediate access to emergency services and a range of specialist consultations. However, specialized care and advanced treatments may necessitate travel to Wilmington, the county seat, approximately 30 miles away.

**Driving Times and Roadways: The Backbone of Healthcare Access**

Driving remains the dominant mode of transportation in Burgaw. The primary artery connecting Burgaw to Wilmington is US-17, a major north-south highway. The drive to New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington typically takes between 40 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. This timeframe is a critical factor in our "Hypertension Score" calculation. Delays due to traffic, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact the time it takes to reach medical appointments or emergency care.

Other routes include NC-53, which provides access to areas west of Burgaw, and various county roads that connect to smaller communities. These roads, while offering scenic routes, may not always be the most efficient for healthcare travel. The condition of these roads and their potential for congestion also play a role in the overall accessibility assessment.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Vital Considerations**

Public transportation in Burgaw is limited. The Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority (Wave Transit) does not directly serve Burgaw. This absence significantly impacts the "Hypertension Score," as it limits options for those who cannot drive or prefer not to. Individuals relying on public transit face considerable challenges in accessing healthcare facilities, particularly those in Wilmington.

However, Pender County does offer a limited demand-response transportation service for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This service, while vital, requires advance booking and may have limitations in terms of availability and scheduling. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance of this service is essential for ensuring accessibility for all residents.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in the Burgaw area, though availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in less populated areas. This variability impacts the "Hypertension Score," as it introduces uncertainty into the transportation equation. Relying on ride-sharing requires advance planning and may be subject to surge pricing, adding to the financial burden of healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies, provide a more specialized option for patients needing assistance with travel to and from medical appointments. These services often offer door-to-door assistance and are equipped to handle individuals with mobility limitations. However, these services come at a cost, which must be factored into the overall healthcare accessibility assessment.

**Calculating the "Hypertension Score": A Holistic Approach**

The "Hypertension Score" considers the following factors:

* **Drive Time to Pender Memorial Hospital:** This is the most accessible healthcare facility, contributing positively to the score.
* **Drive Time to Wilmington Healthcare Facilities:** Longer drive times negatively impact the score, especially for routine appointments and specialist consultations.
* **Availability of Public Transit:** The lack of readily available public transit significantly lowers the score.
* **Reliability of Ride-Sharing Services:** Inconsistent availability and potential surge pricing negatively affect the score.
* **Cost and Availability of Medical Transportation:** The cost of these services impacts the score, particularly for individuals with limited financial resources.
* **ADA Compliance of Transportation Services:** This ensures accessibility for all, contributing positively to the score.

The "Hypertension Score" will be a numerical value, with a higher score indicating better healthcare access. The score will be adjusted based on the individual's specific needs and circumstances, such as mobility limitations or reliance on public transit.

**Moving to Burgaw: A Proactive Approach to Healthcare**

For individuals with hypertension considering a move to Burgaw, understanding these transportation challenges is paramount. Proactive planning is essential. This includes:

* **Establishing a relationship with a primary care physician at Pender Memorial Hospital.**
* **Exploring the availability and cost of medical transportation services.**
* **Familiarizing yourself with ride-sharing options and their reliability.**
* **Considering the potential for longer travel times to specialist appointments in Wilmington.**
* **Assessing the availability of support services for managing hypertension, such as home healthcare or medication delivery.**

By carefully considering these factors and understanding the "Hypertension Score," potential residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensure a smooth transition to Burgaw. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape effectively is a crucial element in maintaining good health and well-being in this charming, yet geographically dispersed, community.