28428, Carolina Beach, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 28428, Carolina Beach, North Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.78 percent of residents in 28428 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is J Arthur Dosher Memorial Hospital with a distance of 9.89 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Carolina Beach (ZIP Code 28428)

Considering a move to the sun-kissed shores of Carolina Beach, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28428)? Beyond the allure of ocean breezes and sandy toes, it’s crucial to assess your access to essential healthcare, particularly if you manage hypertension. This write-up provides a comprehensive overview of transportation options and potential challenges in accessing medical care, offering a "Hypertension Score" assessment to guide your decision. The score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, providing a realistic picture of healthcare accessibility.

The primary concern for individuals with hypertension is timely and reliable access to medical appointments, prescription refills, and emergency care. Delays can have significant health consequences. Therefore, understanding the transportation landscape is paramount. Carolina Beach, while offering a relaxed coastal lifestyle, presents unique transportation considerations that directly impact healthcare access.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

Driving remains the dominant mode of transportation in this area. The primary route connecting Carolina Beach to Wilmington, the major healthcare hub, is **Carolina Beach Road** (also known as Highway 421). Traffic flow on Carolina Beach Road can vary significantly, especially during peak tourist seasons and rush hour. Expect drive times to Wilmington’s healthcare facilities, such as New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC), to fluctuate between 20 to 45 minutes.

Further inland, **College Road** (Highway 132) offers an alternative route, though it can also experience congestion. The distance to Wilmington from Carolina Beach is approximately 15 miles, but the actual travel time is highly dependent on traffic conditions. Other roads, such as **Downeast Lane**, **Albemarle Road**, and **Harper Avenue**, serve as local connectors, but they primarily facilitate travel within the immediate Carolina Beach area and are less relevant for accessing Wilmington's healthcare resources.

**Public Transportation:**

The Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority (Wave Transit) provides limited public transportation services in the Wilmington area. While Wave Transit does operate routes that extend into the Carolina Beach area, the frequency and coverage are limited, especially during evenings and weekends. The primary route serving Carolina Beach is Route 201, which connects to downtown Wilmington. However, the schedule is not designed to accommodate the needs of patients requiring frequent medical appointments.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration. Wave Transit strives to provide accessible buses, including ramps and wheelchair accommodations. However, the limited route frequency and potential for long travel times can be challenging for individuals with mobility issues or those managing hypertension. The lack of direct routes to major healthcare facilities from Carolina Beach is a significant drawback.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Carolina Beach area. However, their availability and cost can fluctuate, particularly during peak demand or off-peak hours. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments can be financially burdensome and unreliable.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like Firstat Nursing Services and MedTransport provide non-emergency medical transport. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. However, these services come at a cost, and availability needs to be confirmed in advance.

**Healthcare Access and Considerations:**

The primary healthcare facilities serving the Carolina Beach area are located in Wilmington. NHRMC, a comprehensive medical center, provides a wide range of services, including cardiology, endocrinology, and primary care. Numerous private practices and specialist offices are also located in Wilmington.

The distance and travel time to these facilities are the primary challenges for residents of Carolina Beach. Traffic congestion, particularly during tourist seasons, can significantly impact drive times. The limited public transportation options and the cost of ride-sharing or medical transport add to the complexity.

**Hypertension Score Assessment:**

To assess the healthcare accessibility for individuals with hypertension in Carolina Beach, we'll use a simple scoring system:

* **Drive Time:** 3 points (Excellent: <20 minutes, Good: 20-30 minutes, Fair: 30-45 minutes, Poor: >45 minutes)
* **Public Transportation:** 1 point (Excellent: Direct, frequent routes, Good: Limited but functional, Fair: Infrequent, Poor: Unavailable)
* **Ride-Sharing/Medical Transport:** 2 points (Excellent: Readily available, affordable, Good: Available, but potentially expensive, Fair: Limited availability, Poor: Unavailable)
* **Proximity to Primary Care:** 2 points (Excellent: Within Carolina Beach, Good: Within 10 miles, Fair: 10-20 miles, Poor: >20 miles)
* **Proximity to Emergency Care:** 2 points (Excellent: Within Carolina Beach, Good: Within 10 miles, Fair: 10-20 miles, Poor: >20 miles)

**Scoring Example:**

* **Drive Time:** Fair (30-45 minutes to Wilmington) - 1 point
* **Public Transportation:** Poor (Infrequent, indirect routes) - 0 points
* **Ride-Sharing/Medical Transport:** Good (Available, but potentially expensive) - 1 point
* **Proximity to Primary Care:** Fair (Primary care in Wilmington) - 1 point
* **Proximity to Emergency Care:** Fair (NHRMC in Wilmington) - 1 point

**Total Score: 4/10**

**Interpretation:**

A score of 4/10 indicates a moderate level of healthcare accessibility for individuals with hypertension in Carolina Beach. While access to healthcare is available, it requires careful planning and consideration of transportation options. The reliance on driving and the potential for traffic delays are significant factors.

**Recommendations:**

* **Assess your individual needs:** Consider the frequency of your medical appointments and the urgency of your healthcare requirements.
* **Plan for transportation:** Factor in travel time, traffic conditions, and the cost of transportation options.
* **Explore medical transport services:** If you have mobility limitations or require assistance, research and budget for medical transport services.
* **Consider proximity to pharmacies:** Ensure easy access to pharmacies for prescription refills.
* **Research local healthcare providers:** Identify primary care physicians and specialists in Wilmington who accept your insurance.
* **Factor in seasonal variations:** Tourist seasons can significantly impact traffic and transportation availability.
* **Consider the cost:** Ride-sharing and medical transport services can add up.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Carolina Beach offers a desirable coastal lifestyle. However, individuals managing hypertension must carefully consider the transportation challenges and potential delays in accessing healthcare. While healthcare is available in Wilmington, the distance and traffic conditions necessitate proactive planning. By assessing your individual needs, exploring available transportation options, and understanding the potential challenges, you can make an informed decision about whether Carolina Beach is the right fit for your healthcare needs. The Hypertension Score provides a framework for evaluating healthcare accessibility, empowering you to make a well-informed choice about moving to Carolina Beach and ensuring your health and well-being.