29448, Harleyville, South Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 29448, Harleyville, South Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.50 percent of residents in 29448 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 24.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Roper St Francis Hospital-Berkeley Inc with a distance of 21.04 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 29448**

Assessing healthcare access, particularly for conditions like hypertension, necessitates understanding the transportation landscape. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 29448 (Harleyville, South Carolina), unveils the challenges and opportunities for residents seeking timely medical care. The "Hypertension Score" reflects the ease with which individuals can reach essential healthcare services, considering drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation methods.

Harleyville, a small town, presents unique transportation hurdles. The primary arteries for vehicular movement are Interstate 26 (I-26) and US Highway 178. I-26 provides the most direct route to Charleston and Columbia, while US 178 connects Harleyville to neighboring communities. The drive times to healthcare facilities are pivotal to the Hypertension Score.

For residents without personal vehicles, public transit options are limited. The Charleston Area Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (CARTA) does not directly serve Harleyville. This lack of public transportation significantly impacts healthcare access for those unable to drive, potentially exacerbating health disparities. The absence of readily available public transit elevates the Hypertension Score, indicating reduced access to healthcare.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, offering an alternative to personal vehicles. However, their reliability and affordability in a rural setting like Harleyville can be inconsistent. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can make these options cost-prohibitive for routine medical appointments, negatively impacting the Hypertension Score.

Medical transportation services, such as those provided by private companies, offer specialized transport for medical appointments. These services, while catering to specific needs, may not be widely accessible or affordable for all residents. The availability of such resources can improve the Hypertension Score, but their impact depends on factors like insurance coverage and individual financial circumstances.

**Drive Times to Healthcare Facilities**

The primary destination for healthcare for Harleyville residents is often the larger cities of Charleston and Summerville. Driving times to these locations are crucial to the Hypertension Score. A significant drive time can delay access to care, particularly during emergencies or for individuals with chronic conditions like hypertension.

The drive to Charleston, approximately 40 miles via I-26, can take upwards of an hour, depending on traffic. Summerville, closer at around 20 miles, offers a shorter commute, usually around 30 minutes via I-26 or US 178. These drive times, though manageable, must be considered when evaluating healthcare access.

The Hypertension Score is influenced by the distance to the nearest hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. The shorter the drive time, the better the score. The availability of urgent care facilities and specialty clinics in closer proximity to Harleyville would significantly improve the score.

**Public Transit Considerations**

The absence of a direct CARTA route to Harleyville is a major drawback. This severely restricts healthcare access for those who cannot drive. The lack of public transportation elevates the Hypertension Score.

The absence of ADA-compliant public transit is also a concern. Individuals with disabilities face further challenges in accessing healthcare. The lack of accessible transportation options increases the Hypertension Score, highlighting the need for improved public transit infrastructure.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services offer a potential solution, but their limitations must be acknowledged. The availability of Uber and Lyft can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours. The cost can also be a barrier.

Medical transportation services can provide crucial support, particularly for individuals with mobility issues or those requiring specialized care. The cost and insurance coverage of these services are key factors.

**Factors Influencing the Hypertension Score**

Several factors influence the Hypertension Score. Drive times to healthcare facilities are paramount. The availability of public transit is crucial. The reliability and affordability of ride-sharing services play a role. The accessibility and cost of medical transportation services are also important.

The presence of local healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians and pharmacies, can significantly improve the score. The availability of telehealth services, allowing remote consultations, can also enhance access.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

Improving the Hypertension Score requires a multi-faceted approach. Expanding public transit options to include Harleyville is essential. Investing in ADA-compliant transportation is crucial.

Encouraging ride-sharing services to offer more affordable options is also vital. Promoting the availability of medical transportation services and ensuring their affordability is another key step.

Attracting healthcare providers to Harleyville, such as primary care physicians and pharmacies, would significantly improve healthcare access. Expanding telehealth services can also help.

**Moving to Harleyville: Healthcare Access Considerations**

For individuals considering moving to Harleyville, healthcare access should be a primary concern. The Hypertension Score provides a valuable framework for evaluating this aspect. The drive times to healthcare facilities, the limited public transit options, and the reliance on ride-sharing or medical transportation services should be carefully considered.

Prospective residents should assess their transportation needs and budget for healthcare-related travel expenses. They should also research the availability of local healthcare providers and the availability of telehealth services.

**Conclusion**

The Hypertension Score for ZIP code 29448 reflects the transportation challenges faced by Harleyville residents in accessing healthcare. The absence of public transit, the drive times to Charleston and Summerville, and the reliance on ride-sharing or medical transportation services all contribute to a lower score.

Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort to improve transportation infrastructure, promote affordable transportation options, and attract healthcare providers to the area. Improving healthcare access is crucial for the well-being of Harleyville residents, particularly those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. The Hypertension Score serves as a valuable tool for assessing and improving healthcare access in this rural community.