28456, Riegelwood, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 28456, Riegelwood, North Carolina is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.56 percent of residents in 28456 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pender Memorial Hospital with a distance of 23.49 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Riegelwood (ZIP Code 28456)

The journey to adequate healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like hypertension, involves more than just a doctor's appointment. It necessitates an understanding of the complex interplay between health needs and the available transportation options. This analysis, focused on ZIP code 28456 (Riegelwood, North Carolina), aims to create a "Hypertension Score," a composite measure reflecting the ease with which residents can access necessary healthcare services, specifically considering the challenges posed by hypertension. This score will incorporate factors like drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options. It aims to illuminate the realities of healthcare access for those living in Riegelwood, and to inform individuals considering moving to the area.

The Hypertension Score will be a multi-faceted assessment, considering the following key elements: drive times to healthcare facilities, public transportation accessibility, ride-share availability, and the presence of specialized medical transport services. Each component will be weighted based on its perceived impact on healthcare access, and the overall score will reflect the degree of difficulty in obtaining timely and appropriate medical care. This score will serve as a valuable tool for residents and prospective newcomers, providing a realistic view of the healthcare landscape in Riegelwood.

Drive times represent a significant factor in healthcare access, especially for individuals with hypertension who require regular check-ups and potential emergency care. Riegelwood, a predominantly rural community, presents specific challenges in this regard. The primary thoroughfare connecting Riegelwood to the wider region is US-74, also known as Andrew Jackson Highway. This highway provides access to Wilmington, the nearest city with comprehensive healthcare facilities.

The drive to Wilmington, approximately 30 miles away, can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic conditions. This time frame assumes optimal conditions. The journey typically involves navigating US-74 East, which can experience congestion during peak hours, particularly near the city limits. Delays are possible due to accidents or road construction.

Alternative routes, such as NC-87, offer a potentially shorter, but more winding and slower, route. However, this route is not recommended for emergencies due to its lack of direct access to major hospitals. The time spent on the road can significantly impact the effectiveness of hypertension management, especially during acute episodes. This is a critical consideration for individuals with uncontrolled blood pressure.

Public transportation options in Riegelwood are limited. The Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority (Wave Transit) provides bus service in the Wilmington area, but its reach into Riegelwood is minimal. There are no direct bus routes connecting Riegelwood to Wilmington. This lack of public transportation presents a significant barrier for individuals without personal vehicles, limiting their access to healthcare facilities.

The absence of public transportation disproportionately affects those who are elderly, low-income, or have disabilities, who may be unable to drive or afford the cost of alternative transportation. The lack of public transit also discourages individuals from moving to Riegelwood.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. However, their availability in Riegelwood is not guaranteed. While these services may operate in the Wilmington area, their presence in Riegelwood can be sporadic, and the cost of a ride to Wilmington can be substantial. This is especially true during off-peak hours or when demand is high.

The reliability and affordability of ride-sharing services are crucial factors in assessing healthcare access. The potential for delays or unavailability can significantly impact a patient's ability to attend appointments or seek urgent medical care. The availability of ride-sharing services is a major consideration for those moving to Riegelwood.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or medical needs, are available in the region. Companies like First Flight Medical Transport and Med-Trans Corporation offer ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation services. These services are essential for individuals who cannot drive themselves or utilize other forms of transportation.

However, the cost of medical transport can be prohibitive, and the availability of these services may be limited, particularly in rural areas. The time it takes to arrange and dispatch medical transport can also delay access to care. These services are vital for those with hypertension, but the availability and cost are a serious concern.

The Hypertension Score for Riegelwood will be calculated based on the weighted average of these factors. Drive times will be given the highest weight, reflecting their direct impact on healthcare access. Public transportation availability will also be heavily weighted, considering its impact on vulnerable populations. Ride-sharing and medical transport services will be weighted based on their reliability, cost, and availability.

The final score will be presented on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing the easiest access to healthcare and 10 representing the most difficult. This score will provide a clear and concise assessment of the challenges faced by residents of Riegelwood in accessing healthcare services, particularly for managing hypertension.

This analysis is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access in Riegelwood. It is crucial for individuals considering moving to Riegelwood, and for current residents who are managing their hypertension. The Hypertension Score will serve as a valuable tool for understanding the realities of healthcare access and making informed decisions about their health and well-being. The score highlights the importance of considering transportation when evaluating healthcare access in a rural community.