23310, Cape Charles, Virginia Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 23310, Cape Charles, Virginia is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.90 percent of residents in 23310 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 26.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is 633rd Medical Group (Joint Base Langley-Eustis) with a distance of 25.55 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Cape Charles (ZIP Code 23310)**

The charming coastal town of Cape Charles, Virginia (ZIP code 23310), beckons with its serene beauty and relaxed pace of life. However, for individuals managing hypertension, the practicalities of healthcare access become a crucial consideration. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape, evaluating the ease with which residents can reach essential medical services, specifically concerning those managing hypertension. This analysis is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for individuals considering moving to Cape Charles or already residing within the area.

The cornerstone of healthcare access is the ability to reach medical facilities promptly and reliably. This is particularly critical for managing hypertension, a condition requiring regular monitoring and potential immediate intervention. The primary determinant of this access is transportation, the mode and time required to reach doctors, pharmacies, and specialized care.

**Roadways and Drive Times**

The primary artery serving Cape Charles is US Route 13, a major north-south thoroughfare along Virginia's Eastern Shore. Driving south on US-13 provides access to healthcare facilities in the town of Cape Charles itself, and also further south into the Eastern Shore region. The drive to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock, the closest hospital with comprehensive services, is approximately a 40- to 50-minute drive, depending on traffic.

The route typically involves taking US-13 south, then turning onto VA-179 East to arrive at the hospital. Traffic is generally light, but occasional delays can occur, especially during peak tourist seasons. The town of Exmore, further south, also offers some medical offices and is about a 30-minute drive from Cape Charles via US-13.

Within Cape Charles, local roads provide access to primary care physicians, pharmacies, and other essential services. These roads are generally well-maintained, and navigating them is relatively straightforward. However, the limited number of healthcare providers within the immediate vicinity necessitates travel to larger towns for specialized care.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in the area are extremely limited. The Eastern Shore Area Transit (ESAT) provides bus services, but routes and schedules are infrequent and primarily geared toward essential travel needs. There is no direct public transportation route to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital from Cape Charles.

The ESAT route that serves Cape Charles offers limited connections to other towns on the Eastern Shore. The buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility impairments. However, the infrequency of service and the lack of direct routes to major medical facilities pose significant challenges for residents relying on public transportation for healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Cape Charles area, but their availability may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. This reliance on ride-sharing can be costly and unreliable, particularly for regular medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available for individuals who need assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services often require advance booking and may have specific eligibility requirements. The availability and cost of medical transport services should be carefully considered when evaluating healthcare access in Cape Charles.

**Pharmacies and Medication Access**

Access to pharmacies for medication refills and other pharmaceutical needs is a crucial aspect of managing hypertension. Cape Charles has a local pharmacy, offering convenient access to prescription medications. However, the availability of specialized medications or compounded prescriptions might necessitate travel to pharmacies in larger towns.

The ability to obtain prescriptions and manage medication refills is an essential component of healthcare access. The local pharmacy in Cape Charles provides a convenient option for residents, but the need for specialized medications could require travel to other locations.

**Healthcare Provider Availability**

The availability of healthcare providers in Cape Charles and the surrounding area is a critical factor in healthcare access. While Cape Charles has primary care physicians, the availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, and nephrologists, is limited.

Residents often need to travel to larger towns, such as Onancock or even further afield, for specialized medical care. This travel time and distance can significantly impact healthcare access, especially for individuals with chronic conditions like hypertension.

**Impact on Hypertension Management**

The transportation landscape in Cape Charles presents both opportunities and challenges for individuals managing hypertension. The relatively long drive times to the nearest hospital and the limited public transportation options can pose difficulties for those requiring regular medical appointments or experiencing acute health issues.

The reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services can add to the financial burden of healthcare, especially for individuals with limited incomes. The availability of local pharmacies and primary care physicians provides a degree of convenience, but the need for specialized care often necessitates travel.

**Considerations for Moving to Cape Charles**

For individuals considering moving to Cape Charles, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities is essential. Those who are managing hypertension should carefully evaluate the drive times to medical facilities, the availability of public transportation, and the cost and reliability of ride-sharing or medical transport services.

The ability to drive or have access to reliable transportation is a significant factor in healthcare access. Individuals who are unable to drive or have limited mobility should carefully consider the challenges posed by the limited public transportation options and the potential reliance on ride-sharing or medical transport services.

**Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective**

Cape Charles offers a tranquil and attractive lifestyle, but prospective residents must carefully weigh the advantages against the practicalities of healthcare access. While the town provides essential services, the limited availability of specialists and the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing for more comprehensive care present challenges.

The "Hypertension Score" for Cape Charles is, therefore, a nuanced assessment. The availability of local pharmacies and primary care physicians provides a solid foundation. However, the drive times to specialized care and the limitations of public transportation necessitate careful planning and consideration for individuals managing hypertension. Understanding these factors is crucial for making an informed decision about moving to or residing in this charming coastal community.