29536, Dillon, South Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 29536, Dillon, South Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.11 percent of residents in 29536 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.56 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mcleod Medical Center - Dillon with a distance of 1.05 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Dillon, SC (ZIP Code 29536)

Considering a move to Dillon, South Carolina (ZIP Code 29536)? This analysis provides a “Hypertension Score,” a composite assessment of your ability to access essential healthcare, particularly for managing hypertension, a prevalent condition. This score considers various transportation options, crucial for regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency situations. The score will help you understand the practical realities of healthcare access within this specific geographic area.

The “Hypertension Score” is not a numerical value but a qualitative assessment, weighing the strengths and weaknesses of transportation options. It acknowledges that healthcare access is multifaceted, influenced by factors beyond just distance, including personal mobility, financial resources, and the availability of specific medical services. This write-up aims to provide a comprehensive picture, enabling informed decision-making about your healthcare needs while living in Dillon.

**The Geography of Healthcare in Dillon:**

Dillon County, including ZIP Code 29536, is primarily rural. The landscape is characterized by agricultural land and scattered residential areas. Healthcare facilities are concentrated in and around the town of Dillon, the county seat. This geographic reality significantly shapes the available transportation choices and impacts healthcare access.

**Driving: The Dominant Mode of Transportation:**

For residents of Dillon, personal vehicles are the most common and often the most practical mode of transportation. The primary roadways facilitating healthcare access are Interstate 95 (I-95), US Highway 301, and US Highway 501. I-95 provides north-south access, connecting Dillon to larger cities like Florence to the south and Fayetteville, North Carolina, to the north. US 301 and US 501 offer east-west and north-south routes, respectively, connecting Dillon to surrounding towns and healthcare facilities.

Driving times to healthcare providers in Dillon are generally manageable, but traffic, particularly on I-95, can be a factor. The Dillon Family Medicine and McLeod Health Dillon are the primary healthcare providers. Depending on your location within the ZIP code, drive times to these facilities typically range from 5 to 20 minutes. However, specialized care might necessitate travel to Florence (approximately a 45-minute drive) or even further afield, increasing travel time and complexity.

**Public Transportation: Limited Options:**

Public transportation options in Dillon are limited. Dillon County does not have a comprehensive public bus system. This significantly restricts healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. This lack of public transit poses a significant challenge for managing hypertension, requiring regular access to medical appointments and medications.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The absence of a robust public transit system in Dillon raises concerns about accessibility for individuals with disabilities. While some medical facilities may offer limited transportation assistance, the lack of readily available, ADA-compliant public transportation presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those with mobility impairments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft may be available in Dillon, but their reliability and availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote areas of the ZIP code. This makes them a less dependable option for regular medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by local ambulance services or private companies, are available. These services are primarily designed for non-emergency medical transport, such as transporting patients to dialysis appointments or other scheduled treatments. However, these services often come with a cost, which can be a barrier to access for individuals with limited financial resources.

**Healthcare Access Considerations for Hypertension Management:**

Managing hypertension requires consistent access to healthcare. This includes regular blood pressure monitoring, medication refills, and consultations with healthcare providers. The transportation options available in Dillon directly impact the ability to maintain this level of care.

The lack of public transportation and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services necessitate a reliance on personal vehicles or medical transportation. This is a significant consideration for individuals moving to Dillon, particularly those without access to a car or those with mobility limitations.

**Specific Healthcare Facilities and Their Accessibility:**

McLeod Health Dillon is the primary hospital and healthcare provider in the area. It offers a range of services, including primary care, cardiology, and pharmacy services. The hospital's location in Dillon is generally accessible by car.

Dillon Family Medicine is another important healthcare provider. It offers comprehensive primary care services, including management of chronic conditions like hypertension. Drive times to this facility are typically short for residents within the ZIP code.

**The “Hypertension Score” Summary:**

Based on the analysis, the “Hypertension Score” for ZIP Code 29536 reflects a moderate level of healthcare access. While driving offers the most convenient access to local healthcare facilities, the lack of robust public transportation and the limitations of ride-sharing services create challenges, especially for those without personal vehicles or with mobility impairments.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents:**

* **Assess your transportation needs:** If you are considering moving to Dillon and have hypertension, carefully evaluate your transportation options. Consider the availability of a personal vehicle or the potential costs of relying on medical transportation services.
* **Explore healthcare options:** Research the specific healthcare providers in Dillon and their services, particularly those related to hypertension management. Inquire about appointment scheduling, medication refills, and any transportation assistance they may offer.
* **Plan for potential emergencies:** Consider the availability of emergency medical services and the time it takes to reach the nearest hospital. Ensure you have a plan for accessing healthcare in case of an emergency.
* **Consider proximity to healthcare:** When choosing a residence, prioritize locations within easy driving distance of healthcare facilities.
* **Contact local resources:** Contact the Dillon County Health Department or local social services agencies for information about healthcare access programs, transportation assistance, and other resources available to residents.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Dillon, South Carolina, offers a unique lifestyle, but it is crucial to understand the realities of healthcare access. While driving provides relatively easy access to local healthcare, the limited public transportation options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services require careful consideration, especially for those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. By understanding the transportation landscape and proactively planning, you can ensure that your healthcare needs are met effectively while living in Dillon.