23452, Virginia Beach, Virginia Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 23452, Virginia Beach, Virginia is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.47 percent of residents in 23452 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.71 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital with a distance of 4.02 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 23452

The journey to managing hypertension, a silent threat to cardiovascular health, is paved with more than just medical appointments. It's a daily negotiation of transportation, a critical factor in healthcare access, especially within a specific geographic area. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape of ZIP Code 23452 in Virginia Beach, assessing its impact on individuals managing hypertension. Considering the challenges of moving to Virginia Beach, we’ll analyze the options available, evaluating their accessibility and convenience for residents seeking vital healthcare services.

ZIP Code 23452, encompassing a portion of Virginia Beach, offers a diverse array of transportation options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to healthcare access. The primary thoroughfare, **Interstate 264**, acts as a vital artery, connecting residents to major medical facilities. However, rush hour can transform this highway into a congested parking lot, significantly extending drive times and adding stress, a known contributor to elevated blood pressure.

For those residing closer to the coast, **Laskin Road** and **First Colonial Road** serve as crucial east-west corridors, providing access to local clinics and urgent care centers. While offering more localized access, these roads are often subject to heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours. The journey from the more inland areas of 23452 to the Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, for instance, can be a significant undertaking, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those experiencing a hypertensive crisis.

Public transportation, primarily provided by Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), offers an alternative, but its effectiveness varies. Bus routes like the **Route 20** and **Route 25** traverse portions of 23452, connecting to key medical hubs. However, the frequency of these routes, particularly during evenings and weekends, can be a major deterrent. Waiting times, coupled with potential transfers, can add considerable time to the commute, a critical consideration for individuals needing prompt medical attention.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for those with disabilities. HRT strives to provide accessible services, but the reliability of these features and the overall ease of navigating the system can still present challenges. For someone managing hypertension, the stress of navigating a complex public transit system, especially during a health crisis, is far from ideal.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer on-demand transportation, presenting a potentially convenient solution. However, the cost of these services can quickly accumulate, particularly for frequent medical appointments. For individuals with limited financial resources, the expense of ride-sharing might become a barrier to healthcare access, forcing difficult choices between essential medical care and other necessities.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with mobility issues or those requiring specialized assistance, provide a valuable service. Companies like MedStar and American Medical Response (AMR) operate in the area, offering non-emergency medical transportation. These services can be particularly beneficial for individuals who cannot drive or use public transit. However, the availability and cost of these services must be carefully considered, as they can also be expensive and require advance booking.

The location of healthcare facilities within 23452 also plays a crucial role. While Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital offers comprehensive care, including cardiology services, its location can be inconvenient for residents in the more western parts of the ZIP code. Smaller clinics and urgent care centers, scattered throughout the area, provide more localized access, but their scope of services may be limited.

The decision of moving to Virginia Beach, and particularly to ZIP Code 23452, requires careful consideration of these transportation factors. The ability to easily access healthcare, especially for individuals managing chronic conditions like hypertension, is paramount. The availability of reliable and affordable transportation directly impacts the ability to attend appointments, pick up medications, and seek emergency care when needed.

Individuals with hypertension should carefully assess their transportation needs and preferences. Consider the proximity to medical facilities, the availability of public transit, and the affordability of ride-sharing or medical transport services. Evaluate the potential stress associated with each mode of transportation, as stress can negatively impact blood pressure management.

For example, someone living near **Shore Drive** might find the drive to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital relatively straightforward, while someone in the more inland areas might find the commute more challenging. The availability of bus routes along **Independence Boulevard** could be a factor, but the frequency and reliability of the service would need to be assessed.

In conclusion, the “Hypertension Score” for ZIP Code 23452 is a complex calculation, influenced by multiple factors. The availability of transportation options, the proximity to healthcare facilities, the cost of services, and the overall convenience of accessing care all contribute to the score. While the area offers a range of transportation choices, the effectiveness of each option varies. Individuals managing hypertension must carefully evaluate these factors to ensure they can effectively access the healthcare they need. Planning and research are essential for those moving to Virginia Beach, and understanding the transportation landscape is a critical step in ensuring successful hypertension management.