14604, Rochester, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 14604, Rochester, New York is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

91.72 percent of residents in 14604 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.18 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Highland Hospital with a distance of 1.49 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in 14604

Considering a move to Rochester, New York, and specifically the 14604 ZIP code? This analysis delves into the intricacies of healthcare access, focusing on individuals managing hypertension. Understanding the transportation landscape is crucial, as it directly impacts your ability to receive timely and consistent medical care. We'll explore the options available, from driving times to public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, providing a "Hypertension Score" to help you assess the practicality of living in this area.

The 14604 ZIP code encompasses a diverse area, including neighborhoods like the South Wedge and Swillburg. Its proximity to downtown Rochester offers both convenience and potential challenges in terms of transportation. For those with hypertension, regular medical appointments, medication refills, and potential emergency situations necessitate reliable and efficient travel options.

**Driving the Arteries of Healthcare:**

Driving remains a primary mode of transportation in the Rochester area. The 14604 ZIP code benefits from its proximity to major roadways, but traffic patterns can significantly impact travel times, particularly during peak hours.

Interstate 490 (I-490) serves as the major artery, providing access to various healthcare facilities. Driving east on I-490 offers access to Strong Memorial Hospital, a major healthcare provider, typically within a 10-15 minute drive, depending on traffic. Traveling west on I-490 leads to Rochester General Hospital, a similar drive time.

However, navigating I-490 during rush hour (typically 7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM) can add considerable time to your commute. Local roads like South Avenue, Monroe Avenue, and East Avenue offer alternative routes, but they are often congested, and navigating them requires patience and awareness.

For those who prefer a more direct route, the inner-city streets offer a less stressful alternative, especially for shorter trips to local clinics or pharmacies. However, parking can be a challenge in certain areas, particularly near medical facilities.

**Public Transit: A Vein of Accessibility:**

The Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) provides public transportation within the city. The system offers bus routes that serve the 14604 area, connecting residents to healthcare facilities.

Several bus routes traverse the 14604 ZIP code, including routes 1, 2, and 7. These routes provide access to downtown Rochester and various medical offices and hospitals. Route 1, for instance, travels along Monroe Avenue, offering access to several medical practices and pharmacies. Route 2 runs along South Avenue, a key thoroughfare, providing access to various medical services.

The RGRTA strives to provide accessible transportation. All buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts, and the system offers ADA-compliant services. However, bus travel times can be significantly longer than driving, especially during peak hours. Waiting times at bus stops and potential delays due to traffic can pose challenges for individuals with hypertension, particularly during emergency situations or when needing to take medication at specific times.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: The Auxiliary Circulation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. These services are readily available in the 14604 area, providing on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities.

Ride-sharing can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are unable to drive or prefer not to drive. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments. Moreover, surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can further increase costs.

Medical transportation services, such as Care Ride and LifeLine Ambulance, cater specifically to individuals requiring medical transport. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. They are particularly useful for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized medical assistance during transport. However, these services typically require advance booking and may be more expensive than ride-sharing.

**The Hypertension Score: A Personalized Assessment:**

Creating a “Hypertension Score” requires considering individual needs and preferences. This score is not a definitive rating but a framework for evaluating healthcare access in 14604.

**Factors to Consider:**

* **Proximity to Healthcare Providers:** The closer you live to your primary care physician, specialists, and pharmacies, the better.
* **Driving Ability:** If you drive, consider traffic patterns and parking availability.
* **Public Transit Reliance:** Evaluate the frequency of your appointments and the convenience of bus routes.
* **Ride-Sharing Budget:** Assess the cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing for your healthcare needs.
* **Medical Transport Needs:** Determine if you require specialized medical transportation.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** Consider how quickly you can access emergency medical services.

**Scoring Categories (Example):**

* **Excellent (5 points):** Close proximity to healthcare facilities, easy access to driving routes, readily available ride-sharing, and convenient public transit options.
* **Good (4 points):** Reasonable access to healthcare facilities, manageable driving times, reliable ride-sharing, and accessible public transit.
* **Fair (3 points):** Moderate distance to healthcare facilities, potential for traffic delays, reliance on public transit or ride-sharing, and some accessibility challenges.
* **Poor (2 points):** Significant distance to healthcare facilities, heavy traffic congestion, limited public transit options, and high reliance on ride-sharing or medical transport.
* **Very Poor (1 point):** Remote location, difficult access to healthcare facilities, significant transportation barriers, and reliance on specialized medical transport.

**Applying the Score:**

To calculate your score, assess each factor based on your individual circumstances. For example, if you live near a primary care physician, give yourself a high score for proximity. If you rely on public transit, consider the frequency and convenience of bus routes.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Rochester, NY, and specifically the 14604 ZIP code, presents a unique set of transportation challenges and opportunities for individuals managing hypertension. While the area offers access to various healthcare facilities, the transportation landscape requires careful consideration. By evaluating your individual needs, assessing the available transportation options, and using the "Hypertension Score" framework, you can make an informed decision about the practicality of living in this area and ensuring consistent access to vital healthcare services. Remember that healthcare access is a critical factor when moving, and planning your transportation needs is essential for managing your health effectively.