28448, Kelly, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 28448, Kelly, North Carolina is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

19.20 percent of residents in 28448 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.34 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Columbus Regional Healthcare System with a distance of 22.46 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Kelly, NC (ZIP Code 28448)

The quiet coastal community of Kelly, North Carolina, nestled in ZIP code 28448, presents a unique landscape for residents managing hypertension. Understanding the intricacies of healthcare access, especially concerning transportation, is crucial for maintaining optimal health. This write-up provides a "Hypertension Score" assessment, evaluating the challenges and opportunities for individuals in Kelly, focusing on commute times, transportation options, and overall healthcare access. This information is particularly relevant for those contemplating moving to Kelly, seeking to understand the realities of healthcare availability.

The primary concern for residents in Kelly revolves around the distance to adequate healthcare facilities. The nearest hospitals and specialized clinics are situated in larger towns, necessitating transportation. This geographical reality directly impacts the "Hypertension Score" by influencing the timeliness of medical appointments, the ease of obtaining medications, and the ability to respond quickly to health emergencies.

**Drive-Time Dynamics:**

Driving remains the most common mode of transportation for healthcare access in Kelly. The primary arteries connecting Kelly to healthcare providers are North Carolina Highway 211 and North Carolina Highway 87. Expect travel times to vary depending on the destination and traffic conditions.

For instance, a trip to Bladen County Hospital in Elizabethtown, the closest acute care facility, via NC-211, typically takes around 20-30 minutes, assuming moderate traffic. However, during peak hours or in the event of an accident, this commute can easily extend.

Accessing Wilmington, home to New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC), a larger and more specialized facility, demands a significantly longer drive. The journey, primarily via NC-87 and US-74/76, can consume approximately 45-60 minutes, potentially longer during rush hour. This extended travel time adds considerable stress, especially for individuals with hypertension who require regular monitoring and immediate care when necessary.

Smaller towns like White Lake, offering urgent care facilities, provide a slightly shorter drive, usually around 15-20 minutes via NC-211. However, these facilities might not possess the specialized equipment or expertise required for complex hypertension management.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Kelly are extremely limited, which negatively impacts the "Hypertension Score." The absence of a robust public transit system presents a significant barrier for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly those with mobility limitations or those unable to drive due to health conditions.

The local transit authority might offer demand-response services, requiring advance booking. However, these services are often subject to scheduling constraints and may not be readily available for urgent medical needs. The lack of fixed-route buses or readily accessible public transportation substantially increases the challenges associated with healthcare access.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their reliability and availability can be inconsistent, especially in rural areas like Kelly. The "Hypertension Score" is negatively affected by the potential for long wait times or the inability to secure a ride, particularly during off-peak hours or in emergencies.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by companies specializing in non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), provide a crucial lifeline for individuals requiring assistance. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, ensuring patients reach their appointments safely and comfortably. However, the cost of these services can be a significant financial burden, potentially impacting the "Hypertension Score" by limiting access for those with limited financial resources.

**Healthcare Access: Beyond Transportation:**

Beyond transportation, the "Hypertension Score" also considers other factors impacting healthcare access. The availability of primary care physicians and specialists in the Kelly area is limited. This often necessitates traveling to larger towns for routine check-ups and specialized care, further emphasizing the importance of reliable transportation.

The availability of pharmacies and the ease of obtaining medications are also critical. While Kelly may have local pharmacies, the range of medications and the availability of specialized services might be limited compared to larger towns.

**Impact on the "Hypertension Score":**

The "Hypertension Score" for Kelly, NC (28448) is negatively impacted by several factors. The long drive times to healthcare facilities, the limited public transit options, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transportation all contribute to a lower score. This means that individuals with hypertension in Kelly face significant challenges in accessing timely and consistent healthcare.

For those considering moving to Kelly, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is essential. Individuals without reliable transportation should carefully evaluate the feasibility of managing their hypertension in this location.

**Recommendations and Considerations:**

Individuals with hypertension residing in Kelly should proactively establish a robust healthcare plan. This includes identifying primary care physicians and specialists in advance, understanding the available transportation options, and planning for potential emergencies.

Consider establishing relationships with local pharmacies to ensure timely medication refills and access to necessary support. Explore the availability of telehealth services, which can provide remote consultations and monitoring, potentially reducing the need for frequent travel.

If personal transportation is unavailable, explore the availability of NEMT services and factor the associated costs into the healthcare budget. Maintain a list of emergency contacts and understand the local emergency medical services (EMS) response times.

**Conclusion:**

The "Hypertension Score" for Kelly, NC (28448) highlights the critical link between transportation and healthcare access. While the community offers a peaceful and desirable lifestyle, the geographical realities and limited transportation options present significant challenges for individuals managing hypertension. Prospective residents and current residents must carefully consider these factors and proactively plan for their healthcare needs. A comprehensive understanding of the available resources and a proactive approach to healthcare management are essential for maintaining optimal health and well-being in Kelly. Moving to Kelly requires a thorough understanding of these limitations and a commitment to proactive healthcare management.