28464, Teachey, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 28464, Teachey, North Carolina is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.93 percent of residents in 28464 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.82 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pender Memorial Hospital with a distance of 16.59 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Teachey, NC (ZIP Code 28464)

The pursuit of optimal health, particularly for individuals managing hypertension, necessitates seamless access to healthcare. This write-up meticulously examines the transportation landscape within and surrounding Teachey, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28464), offering a "Hypertension Score" assessment. This score, though not a formal medical metric, gauges the ease with which residents can access essential healthcare services, considering drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability. This is particularly relevant for those considering moving to Teachey, providing a clearer picture of their healthcare access.

Teachey, a small town nestled in Duplin County, presents unique transportation challenges. While offering a tranquil lifestyle, its rural setting impacts healthcare accessibility. The "Hypertension Score" will consider these factors, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning for individuals with hypertension. Understanding the available transportation options is crucial for consistent medical appointments, medication refills, and emergency care.

**Drive Times: The Primary Transportation Mode**

For most Teachey residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The nearest significant healthcare facilities are located in larger towns, requiring travel along specific roadways. Understanding these drive times is critical for managing hypertension, ensuring timely access to medical care.

**To Kenansville (Approx. 10 miles):** The county seat, Kenansville, offers some primary care options. The journey typically involves navigating NC-24, a major east-west thoroughfare. Drive times are generally under 20 minutes, making it a relatively accessible destination for routine appointments and medication pick-ups. However, traffic can be a factor during peak hours.

**To Wallace (Approx. 15 miles):** Wallace provides more extensive healthcare services, including a hospital and specialist practices. Accessing Wallace involves traveling along NC-41 and NC-50. Drive times are generally between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The longer drive necessitates careful planning, especially for individuals with uncontrolled hypertension.

**To Jacksonville (Approx. 40 miles):** Jacksonville, a larger city, offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including hospitals, specialists, and urgent care facilities. The route involves traveling along NC-24 and US-258. Drive times can range from 45 minutes to an hour, making it a less convenient option for routine appointments. However, it becomes essential for specialized care.

**To Wilmington (Approx. 60 miles):** Wilmington, a regional hub, offers the most extensive healthcare options, including major hospitals and specialized medical centers. Accessing Wilmington involves traveling along NC-24 and I-40. Drive times can exceed an hour, depending on traffic. This distance necessitates careful planning, especially for individuals with complex medical needs.

The "Hypertension Score" for drive times would consider the accessibility of these destinations, factoring in the frequency of appointments, the severity of hypertension, and the availability of reliable transportation. For example, a resident requiring frequent specialist visits in Wilmington would receive a lower score than someone who only needs occasional primary care in Kenansville.

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

Public transportation in Teachey is extremely limited. Duplin County does not offer a county-wide public bus system. This severely restricts healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive.

The absence of public transit significantly impacts the "Hypertension Score." Individuals relying on public transportation would face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, potentially leading to delayed or missed appointments. The lack of ADA-accessible public transit further exacerbates the issue for individuals with disabilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Potential Solutions**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft may be available in Teachey, but their availability is not guaranteed and can be sporadic, particularly during off-peak hours or in rural areas. The "Hypertension Score" must consider the reliability and cost of these services.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. These services, often provided by private companies or non-profit organizations, are designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. While these services can be invaluable, they often require advance booking and may have associated costs.

The "Hypertension Score" would assess the availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services. The presence of reliable and affordable options would improve the score, providing a safety net for individuals without personal vehicles.

**Healthcare Access Considerations for Moving to Teachey**

For individuals considering moving to Teachey, a thorough assessment of healthcare access is paramount. The "Hypertension Score" provides a framework for evaluating the transportation challenges and potential solutions.

Before relocating, potential residents should:

* **Assess their healthcare needs:** Determine the frequency of appointments, the need for specialist care, and the availability of medication refills.
* **Investigate transportation options:** Research the availability and reliability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers.
* **Evaluate proximity to healthcare facilities:** Consider the drive times to various healthcare providers and the potential impact on their lifestyle.
* **Factor in ADA accessibility:** For individuals with disabilities, verify the accessibility of transportation options and healthcare facilities.

**The "Hypertension Score" as a Holistic Assessment**

The "Hypertension Score" is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that evolves with the individual's needs and the availability of transportation resources. It reflects the complex interplay between transportation, healthcare access, and individual health requirements.

This score should be a starting point for a comprehensive evaluation of healthcare access in Teachey. It emphasizes the importance of proactive planning, the need for reliable transportation, and the potential impact on the management of hypertension. By understanding the transportation landscape, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare and ensure they receive the care they need. The challenges in Teachey highlight the importance of community support, advocating for improved transportation options, and empowering individuals to navigate the healthcare system effectively.