22204, Arlington, Virginia Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 22204, Arlington, Virginia is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.28 percent of residents in 22204 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.00 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Inova Alexandria Hospital with a distance of 2.63 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 22204

Moving to Arlington, Virginia, and specifically ZIP Code 22204, presents a unique opportunity to assess your healthcare access, particularly concerning hypertension management. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape, calculating a "Hypertension Score" based on the ease of reaching essential medical services. This score will help you understand the practicalities of managing your health within this specific geographic area.

The 22204 ZIP Code encompasses a significant portion of Arlington, including the vibrant neighborhoods of Ballston, Virginia Square, and Clarendon. Understanding the transportation infrastructure is crucial for anyone managing hypertension, as consistent access to medical appointments, pharmacies, and healthy food options is paramount. We will examine the available options, from driving to public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, to give you a comprehensive picture.

**The Driving Scenario: A Road Map to Healthcare**

Driving remains a primary mode of transportation for many residents. The major arteries influencing healthcare access are Interstate 66 (I-66), the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and Wilson Boulevard.

For residents in the western portion of 22204, accessing the Virginia Hospital Center (VHC) on North George Mason Drive involves navigating local roads, potentially encountering traffic, especially during peak hours. Expect a drive time of 10-15 minutes, but this could extend significantly during rush hour.

Heading east, the journey to VHC from areas near Clarendon and Courthouse might involve a similar time frame, utilizing Wilson Boulevard and North Glebe Road. The proximity of these areas to the hospital is a significant advantage, translating to quicker access during a health crisis.

Accessing specialist appointments or pharmacies in other parts of Arlington or even Washington, D.C., requires navigating these same roads. The ease of driving, however, is heavily dependent on traffic conditions. Rush hour can dramatically increase travel times, potentially impacting the timely arrival for medical appointments or the prompt acquisition of medications.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Metro and Beyond**

Arlington boasts a robust public transportation system, primarily the Washington Metropolitan Area TransitWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metro. The Orange and Silver lines are particularly relevant to 22204 residents, with stations like Ballston-MU, Virginia Square-GMU, and Clarendon providing convenient access to healthcare.

The Orange Line offers direct routes to medical facilities in the District of Columbia, including Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center. These options expand healthcare choices, though travel times can vary significantly, depending on the station proximity and the destination.

The Silver Line extends further west, providing access to healthcare facilities in Tysons Corner and beyond. However, this line doesn’t directly serve many hospitals within Arlington.

**ADA Accessibility and Considerations**

The WMATA system is designed with accessibility in mind. All stations are equipped with elevators, and trains have designated areas for wheelchairs and other mobility devices. However, the reliability of elevators and the potential for crowding, particularly during peak hours, should be considered when planning your commute.

Buses also play a crucial role in the transportation network. Arlington Transit (ART) buses offer routes that connect neighborhoods to Metro stations and healthcare facilities. These are often more accessible than the Metro in terms of distance from your home.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: On-Demand Healthcare Access**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer on-demand transportation, providing a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. These services are readily available in 22204, offering door-to-door transportation to medical appointments and pharmacies.

The convenience of ride-sharing comes with a cost, both financial and in terms of potential wait times. During peak hours or periods of high demand, wait times can increase, and surge pricing can significantly impact the cost of transportation.

For individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized medical transport, several companies offer dedicated services. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist with transportation to and from medical appointments.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Specific medical transport brands operating in the area include:

* **MedStar Mobile Healthcare:** Offers ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation services.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Provides emergency and non-emergency medical transport.
* **Care Transport:** A private medical transport company.
* **Senior Services of Alexandria:** Offers transportation for seniors to medical appointments.

**The Hypertension Score: A Personalized Assessment**

To calculate your "Hypertension Score," consider the following factors:

1. **Proximity to Healthcare Facilities:** How close are you to VHC, primary care physicians, pharmacies, and specialist offices?
2. **Driving Time:** What is the average drive time to these facilities during peak and off-peak hours?
3. **Public Transit Accessibility:** How easily can you access Metro stations and bus routes from your home?
4. **ADA Needs:** Do you require accessible transportation options?
5. **Financial Considerations:** What is your budget for transportation costs, including ride-sharing and medical transport?
6. **Personal Preferences:** Do you prefer driving, public transit, or ride-sharing?

**Scoring System:**

* **Excellent (5 points):** Within walking distance of multiple healthcare facilities, easy access to Metro and bus routes, and affordable ride-sharing options.
* **Good (4 points):** Short drive times to healthcare facilities, convenient access to public transit, and manageable ride-sharing costs.
* **Fair (3 points):** Moderate drive times, reliance on public transit, and potential for higher ride-sharing costs.
* **Poor (2 points):** Long drive times, limited public transit options, and high reliance on expensive medical transport.
* **Very Poor (1 point):** Significant transportation challenges, limited access to healthcare, and reliance on costly or unreliable transport.

**Calculating Your Score**

Assign a score (1-5) for each factor, then add them up. A higher score indicates better healthcare access. This score is a starting point for evaluating your transportation needs in 22204.

**Example:**

* Proximity to Healthcare Facilities: 4
* Driving Time: 3
* Public Transit Accessibility: 4
* ADA Needs: 5 (if applicable)
* Financial Considerations: 4
* Personal Preferences: 4

**Total Score: 24 (out of 30)**

**Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions**

Living in 22204 offers a mix of transportation options for managing hypertension. While driving provides convenience, public transit offers a reliable alternative, and ride-sharing provides on-demand access. The "Hypertension Score" is a tool to help you assess your individual needs and make informed decisions about your healthcare access. By considering these factors, you can proactively manage your health and navigate the transportation landscape of Arlington with confidence. This assessment is not just about the ease of getting to a doctor's appointment; it's about empowering you to live a healthier, more accessible life in your new community.