38116, Memphis, Tennessee Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 38116, Memphis, Tennessee is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

79.68 percent of residents in 38116 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Delta Specialty Hospital with a distance of 4.94 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in 38116

The quest for optimal health, especially managing conditions like hypertension, necessitates reliable access to healthcare. For individuals residing in ZIP Code 38116, a critical consideration when **moving to Memphis**, the ease and efficiency of **transportation** to medical facilities directly impacts their well-being. This write-up will delve into the "Hypertension Score" for this area, analyzing the various **healthcare access** options available, from personal vehicles to public transit, to assess the practicality of reaching vital medical appointments.

The 38116 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of East Memphis, presents a unique landscape for healthcare navigation. While the area boasts a relatively affluent population, the sprawling nature of the city and the reliance on personal vehicles create both advantages and challenges. Assessing the "Hypertension Score" involves evaluating drive times, public transit routes, ride-share availability, and medical transport services. This holistic approach offers a comprehensive picture of the accessibility landscape.

For those who rely on personal vehicles, the primary arteries for **transportation** are Interstate 240 (I-240), Poplar Avenue, and Walnut Grove Road. Driving times to major hospitals like Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital, and St. Francis Hospital vary depending on traffic conditions. During peak hours, the commute can be significantly prolonged, potentially impacting the timely arrival for appointments and adding stress to individuals already managing hypertension.

I-240, while providing efficient access to various healthcare facilities, is notorious for its congestion. Poplar Avenue, a major east-west thoroughfare, offers a more direct route to some medical centers, but its traffic flow can also be unpredictable. Walnut Grove Road, a key connector, provides access to several clinics and physician offices. Understanding these road dynamics is crucial for planning appointments and minimizing travel time.

Public transit, provided by the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA), offers an alternative for those without personal vehicles. Several bus routes serve the 38116 area, including the 50 Poplar, 42 Summer, and 44 Park. These routes offer connections to major hospitals and medical centers. However, the frequency of service, especially during off-peak hours and weekends, can be a limiting factor.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of MATA buses is a crucial element in the "Hypertension Score." Ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can comfortably and safely utilize public transit is paramount. MATA's commitment to providing accessible buses and infrastructure is a positive aspect of the **healthcare access** landscape.

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become increasingly prevalent in Memphis, offering another **transportation** option. These services provide on-demand access to healthcare facilities, eliminating the need to rely on fixed bus schedules or personal vehicles. However, the cost of ride-shares can be a barrier for some individuals, particularly those with limited incomes or frequent medical appointments.

The availability of medical transport services is another critical factor in the "Hypertension Score." Companies like CareRide and MedRide specialize in providing non-emergency medical transportation for individuals who require assistance getting to and from appointments. These services often cater to those with mobility issues or who cannot drive themselves. However, availability and cost can vary, making them a consideration for the overall score.

The "Hypertension Score" must also consider the proximity of pharmacies and pharmacies with drive-through services. Access to medication is essential for managing hypertension. The availability of pharmacies within a reasonable distance, coupled with convenient drive-through options, enhances the overall **healthcare access** for residents. This factor is particularly relevant for individuals with mobility limitations or those who prefer to minimize their time spent outside of their homes.

The overall "Hypertension Score" for 38116 is a complex calculation. It requires a nuanced understanding of the various **transportation** options, their associated costs, and their impact on the ability of individuals to access timely and appropriate medical care. Factors such as traffic congestion, public transit frequency, ride-share availability, and medical transport services all play a role.

When **moving to Memphis**, individuals with hypertension should carefully evaluate the accessibility of healthcare facilities in their chosen ZIP code. While 38116 offers a range of options, including access to major hospitals, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit require careful consideration. The availability of ride-share services and medical transport provides additional avenues, but their cost and availability must be factored into the overall assessment.

The "Hypertension Score" is not a static number; it is a dynamic reflection of the evolving **healthcare access** landscape. As **transportation** infrastructure changes, as ride-share services expand, and as public transit evolves, the score will fluctuate. Individuals must stay informed about these changes and adapt their **transportation** strategies accordingly to ensure they can effectively manage their hypertension and maintain their overall well-being.

In conclusion, navigating the healthcare landscape in 38116 requires a proactive approach. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each **transportation** option, from personal vehicles to public transit, is crucial. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a valuable tool for assessing the practicality of reaching medical appointments and making informed decisions about **moving to Memphis** and securing the best possible **healthcare access**. The ability to effectively manage hypertension is inextricably linked to the ability to navigate the city’s **transportation** networks.