29133, Rowesville, South Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 29133, Rowesville, South Carolina is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.51 percent of residents in 29133 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 25.71 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Trmc Of Orangeburg & Calhoun with a distance of 10.88 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in 29133

The journey to healthcare in Rowesville, South Carolina (ZIP Code 29133), is a critical consideration for anyone, especially those managing hypertension. Understanding the available transportation options and their associated challenges is paramount for ensuring timely access to medical care. This write-up explores the landscape of **transportation** options, assessing their impact on **healthcare access** for residents, and providing a framework for individuals considering **moving to Rowesville**. We will focus on the realities of navigating the roads, the availability of public transit, and the presence of alternative **transportation** solutions, all crucial elements in determining a "Hypertension Score" for the area.

The primary arteries serving Rowesville are Interstate 26 (I-26), a major east-west thoroughfare, and U.S. Route 21 (US-21), which runs north-south. These highways are essential for accessing healthcare facilities located outside of the immediate vicinity. The drive time to the nearest major hospitals, such as Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions. Typically, the drive via I-26 East and then onto US-378 East is about a 45-minute trip, assuming moderate traffic. However, during peak hours, or in the event of an accident, this commute can easily stretch to over an hour, a significant concern for individuals with time-sensitive medical needs.

Smaller, local roads like SC-4 (Rowesville Road) and SC-44 (Calks Ferry Road) offer alternative routes, but they are often less direct and can be prone to congestion during school drop-off and pick-up times. These roads are vital for reaching local clinics and pharmacies, which provide essential services for managing hypertension, such as medication refills and routine check-ups. The reliability of these routes is a key factor in evaluating the overall accessibility of healthcare.

Public **transportation** options within 29133 are limited. Orangeburg County does offer some public transit services, but they are not extensive. The primary provider is the Orangeburg County Transportation System (OCTS), which operates a demand-response system. This means riders must schedule their trips in advance, and service areas are limited. There are no fixed-route buses that directly serve Rowesville. This lack of a robust public transit network presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for those who do not own a vehicle, are unable to drive, or prefer not to drive.

The OCTS does offer ADA-compliant vehicles, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access the service. However, the scheduling requirements and limited service area can still pose challenges. The absence of a reliable public transit system highlights the reliance on personal vehicles or alternative **transportation** solutions for accessing medical care. This is a crucial consideration for those considering **moving to Rowesville**, particularly if they are accustomed to readily available public transit.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability can be inconsistent. The frequency of drivers and the cost of rides can fluctuate depending on demand and the time of day. While ride-sharing offers a potential solution for accessing healthcare, it is not a guaranteed or affordable option for everyone. The reliability of these services, especially for appointments scheduled in advance, is a critical factor to consider.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients requiring non-emergency medical transport, are also available. Companies like MedTrans and First Medical Transport provide services to transport patients to and from medical appointments. These services are typically more expensive than ride-sharing and require prior arrangements. However, they offer a more reliable and specialized solution for individuals who need assistance with mobility or require specific medical equipment during transport.

The availability and accessibility of medical **transportation** services are crucial for individuals with hypertension, as they may require frequent appointments for monitoring and medication adjustments. The cost and scheduling requirements of these services are important factors to consider when evaluating the overall **healthcare access** landscape in 29133.

Assessing the "Hypertension Score" for Rowesville, therefore, requires a multi-faceted approach. The score must consider the drive times to various healthcare facilities, the availability and reliability of public transit, the presence of ride-sharing services, and the availability and cost of medical **transportation**.

The score should also factor in the proximity of local clinics and pharmacies, which provide essential services for managing hypertension. The presence of these local resources can mitigate the impact of longer travel times to larger hospitals. The overall score would reflect the ease or difficulty of accessing timely and appropriate medical care for individuals with hypertension.

For someone **moving to Rowesville**, the "Hypertension Score" would be a vital tool in assessing the suitability of the area. It would provide a clear picture of the **transportation** challenges and opportunities associated with accessing healthcare. This information is crucial for making informed decisions about where to live and how to manage their health effectively.

The "Hypertension Score" would not only reflect the current state of **transportation** and **healthcare access** but also serve as a baseline for future improvements. As the community evolves, the score can be updated to reflect changes in public transit, the arrival of new healthcare providers, or improvements to road infrastructure. This ongoing assessment ensures that the community remains responsive to the needs of its residents, particularly those managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

In conclusion, navigating the **transportation** landscape in 29133 presents both challenges and opportunities for individuals with hypertension. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variability of ride-sharing services highlight the need for careful planning and consideration. The "Hypertension Score" is a valuable tool for assessing the overall accessibility of healthcare in the area, providing a framework for informed decision-making and facilitating the ongoing improvement of **healthcare access** for all residents, especially those considering **moving to Rowesville**.