28511, Atlantic, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 28511, Atlantic, North Carolina is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.24 percent of residents in 28511 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 34.58 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Carteret General Hospital with a distance of 25.59 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Atlantic, NC (ZIP Code 28511)

Atlantic, North Carolina, a coastal community nestled within ZIP code 28511, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. The tranquility of the Outer Banks, with its stunning beaches and close-knit community, is juxtaposed with the challenges of rural living, particularly concerning transportation and its impact on healthcare access. This write-up explores the “Hypertension Score” for residents of 28511, considering the critical factors that influence a patient’s ability to manage this chronic condition, focusing on the practicalities of transportation to and from medical appointments.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, demands consistent monitoring and treatment. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and sometimes specialized care are crucial for managing this condition and preventing serious complications. For residents of Atlantic, the ability to access these essential services is heavily influenced by the available transportation options. The “Hypertension Score” considers these options, evaluating the ease, affordability, and reliability of getting to healthcare providers.

The primary mode of transportation in Atlantic, NC, is the personal vehicle. The network of roads, while offering scenic drives, can also pose challenges. The primary artery connecting Atlantic to the broader region is **NC-70**, a major east-west thoroughfare. Traveling eastward towards Beaufort, the nearest town with significant medical facilities, requires navigating approximately 20 miles. This drive, under ideal conditions, might take around 30 minutes. However, traffic, especially during peak seasons, and weather conditions, such as the frequent coastal storms, can significantly extend travel times.

Further inland, **US-70** provides access to more extensive healthcare options in New Bern, approximately 60 miles away. This journey, while offering a broader range of specialists and hospitals, translates to a drive of roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes, again, contingent on traffic and weather. The condition of these roads, particularly during inclement weather, can become a significant barrier to timely healthcare access, especially for individuals with hypertension who may experience related health emergencies.

Public transportation options are limited in this rural area. The absence of a comprehensive public transit system presents a significant hurdle for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. There are no fixed-route bus services operating directly within Atlantic or connecting it to major healthcare hubs. This lack of public transportation contributes to a low “Hypertension Score” for those reliant on alternative modes of travel.

While dedicated public transit is absent, the possibility of utilizing demand-response services should be considered. These services, often operated by county or regional agencies, provide transportation on a reservation basis. However, these programs often require advance booking, and their availability can be limited, particularly for urgent medical needs. The accessibility of these services for individuals with disabilities (ADA features) needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, as it varies depending on the specific provider.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not as consistent as in urban centers. Availability is subject to driver density, which can fluctuate significantly, especially during off-peak hours or in response to weather events. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments or those requiring longer distances. The reliability of these services, especially in emergency situations, is a concern, impacting the “Hypertension Score” for those who rely on them.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for transporting patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like **Care Ride** and **First Med Transport** operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation. These services often offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, these services typically require pre-booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing or personal vehicles. The availability of these services, particularly for those with limited financial resources, needs to be carefully considered.

The “Hypertension Score” for Atlantic, NC, is also influenced by the location of healthcare providers. While Atlantic has a small clinic, the nearest comprehensive medical facilities are located in Beaufort and New Bern. This geographic distance necessitates travel, adding to the time, cost, and stress associated with healthcare access. The availability of pharmacies for medication refills within Atlantic is a positive factor, but the need for specialist appointments often requires travel outside the immediate community.

For individuals considering moving to Atlantic, NC, the “Hypertension Score” should be a critical consideration. The challenges of transportation, coupled with the need for consistent healthcare, require careful planning. Prospective residents with hypertension should assess their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to assist with transportation, and the financial implications of utilizing ride-sharing or medical transport services.

The impact of seasonal tourism on healthcare access should also be considered. During peak tourist seasons, traffic congestion can worsen, extending travel times to medical appointments. Furthermore, the influx of visitors can strain local resources, potentially impacting the availability of medical services.

The “Hypertension Score” for Atlantic, NC, is not static. It can be improved through initiatives that enhance transportation options and healthcare access. This could include exploring the possibility of expanding demand-response transit services, advocating for increased ride-sharing availability, or supporting programs that provide financial assistance for medical transportation.

Ultimately, managing hypertension effectively in Atlantic, NC, requires a proactive approach. Patients must be prepared to navigate the transportation challenges, plan appointments in advance, and utilize available resources to ensure consistent access to healthcare. The “Hypertension Score” serves as a reminder of the importance of these factors and highlights the need for community-based solutions to improve healthcare access for all residents of ZIP code 28511. The serenity of the Outer Banks is best enjoyed when healthcare access is not a source of stress, but a readily available resource.