28573, Pollocksville, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 28573, Pollocksville, North Carolina is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.63 percent of residents in 28573 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Carolina East Medical Center with a distance of 10.99 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28573**

Navigating the complexities of healthcare access in Pollocksville, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28573), requires a keen understanding of transportation options. This analysis assesses the "Hypertension Score," a composite metric reflecting the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities, particularly those equipped to manage hypertension, a prevalent condition. The score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options. This assessment aims to provide a comprehensive picture for current and prospective residents, especially those considering moving to Pollocksville.

The primary factor influencing the Hypertension Score is drive time. Pollocksville's location in Jones County necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for most healthcare-related journeys. The primary arteries for transportation are US Highway 17, a vital north-south corridor, and NC Highway 58, providing east-west access. These highways, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, impacting drive times to healthcare facilities.

The nearest major medical centers are in New Bern, approximately 30 miles east, and Jacksonville, roughly 40 miles west. Reaching CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern via US-17 typically takes 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Driving to Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, primarily using NC-58 and US-17, requires a 50-75 minute commute. These drive times, while manageable, pose challenges for individuals with chronic conditions like hypertension, who may require frequent appointments or experience medical emergencies.

Secondary roads, such as NC Highway 24 and various county roads, offer alternative routes, but they are often less direct and can involve navigating rural landscapes. These roads may also be susceptible to weather-related closures, further complicating healthcare access. The condition of these roads, including potholes and lack of lighting, can also impact the safety and comfort of the commute, especially for elderly individuals or those with mobility issues.

Public transportation options are limited in Pollocksville and the surrounding areas. The Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) is nearby, but does not offer public transit to healthcare facilities. Jones County does not have a dedicated public bus system. This lack of public transit significantly reduces healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive, lack access to a vehicle, or prefer not to drive.

The absence of readily available public transit disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, low-income individuals, and those with disabilities. Without reliable public transit, these individuals face significant barriers to accessing essential medical care, including regular check-ups, medication refills, and emergency services. The lack of transportation options can lead to delayed care, worsening health outcomes, and increased healthcare costs.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability of these services in Pollocksville is limited. Ride-sharing services are more common in larger cities and may be less reliable in rural areas like Jones County. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for low-income individuals, making it an impractical option for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services typically transport patients to and from medical appointments, dialysis treatments, and other healthcare-related destinations. Several NEMT providers operate in the area, including local companies and national brands. These services require pre-booking and may have limited availability, especially during peak hours or for last-minute appointments.

The efficiency and availability of medical transport services directly influence the Hypertension Score. The ability to secure timely and reliable transportation to medical appointments is crucial for managing hypertension effectively. Delays or difficulties in accessing medical transport can lead to missed appointments, medication non-adherence, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance of transportation options is a critical consideration. Public transit systems and medical transport services must adhere to ADA regulations, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This includes providing accessible vehicles, ramps, and other accommodations. However, even with ADA compliance, the limited availability of accessible transportation options in Pollocksville presents a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities.

The availability of healthcare facilities within Pollocksville itself is also a crucial factor. The presence of local clinics, primary care physicians, and pharmacies can reduce the need for long-distance travel for routine medical care. However, the limited number of healthcare providers in Pollocksville necessitates travel to larger medical centers for specialized care and certain diagnostic services.

The "Hypertension Score" for Pollocksville, NC (28573) is moderately impacted by the challenges in transportation. While the area has access to major highways, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services present significant barriers to healthcare access. The availability of medical transport services and local healthcare providers partially mitigates these challenges.

The score emphasizes the importance of personal vehicles for healthcare access, which is a key factor for those moving to Pollocksville. The limited public transit options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services present significant barriers to healthcare access. The availability of medical transport services and local healthcare providers partially mitigates these challenges.

The Hypertension Score for Pollocksville, NC, is a reminder that healthcare access is a multifaceted issue, heavily influenced by transportation infrastructure and available services. Addressing the transportation challenges is crucial for improving the health and well-being of Pollocksville residents, especially those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. The success of managing hypertension depends on reliable transportation to medical facilities.