23511, Norfolk, Virginia Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 23511, Norfolk, Virginia is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

89.38 percent of residents in 23511 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.56 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sentara Medical Group with a distance of 5.40 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in 23511

Moving to Norfolk, Virginia, and specifically the 23511 ZIP code, presents a unique set of considerations, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up assesses the accessibility of healthcare resources, focusing on transportation options, drive times, and public transit, to provide a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease of reaching medical appointments and pharmacies. This score helps assess the overall quality of life, especially for those with chronic conditions like hypertension. The score will consider factors like drive times, public transit accessibility, and availability of ride-sharing services.

The 23511 ZIP code encompasses a diverse area, including neighborhoods like Ghent, Freemason, and parts of downtown Norfolk. This central location offers a wealth of healthcare options, but the actual ease of access depends significantly on transportation. The ability to quickly and reliably reach medical appointments is crucial for managing hypertension, ensuring timely medication refills, and regular check-ups.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

For those who prefer to drive, the primary arteries for navigating 23511 are Interstate 264 (I-264), Brambleton Avenue, and Granby Street. Traffic flow on I-264 can be unpredictable, particularly during peak hours. The drive to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, a major medical center, from the heart of 23511 can range from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic. This variability necessitates careful planning, especially for individuals with time-sensitive appointments.

Other hospitals, such as Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center, are also accessible by car, with drive times typically ranging from 10 to 25 minutes. The route often involves navigating city streets, which can be congested. The availability of ample parking at these facilities is also a factor to consider. The location of pharmacies, both independent and chain stores, within the ZIP code is generally good, with many being easily accessible by car.

**Public Transit Pathways:**

The Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) system provides public transportation options within 23511. Several bus routes serve the area, including the #2, #4, and #9, offering connections to major hospitals and medical facilities. The #2 route, for instance, often traverses Granby Street, providing access to various medical offices and pharmacies. The #4 route frequently travels down Brambleton Avenue, which offers a direct route to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

HRT buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, including ramps and designated seating. However, the frequency of bus service can vary depending on the route and time of day. Waiting times, especially during off-peak hours, can be a challenge for individuals with mobility issues or those needing to adhere to a strict medication schedule. Planning ahead and checking the HRT website for schedules is essential.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are readily available in 23511. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit, particularly for individuals who prefer not to drive or who have limited mobility. Ride-sharing provides a door-to-door service, minimizing the need for walking and reducing the stress associated with navigating traffic.

Medical transportation services, such as those provided by companies like MedRide or First Transit, are also available for individuals who require assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. These services typically offer specialized vehicles equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. These services are often pre-booked and may require advance notice. They are an excellent option for those with significant mobility challenges.

**Pharmacy Accessibility:**

Pharmacy access is a critical component of hypertension management. Fortunately, 23511 has a good concentration of pharmacies. CVS, Walgreens, and independent pharmacies are located throughout the area, offering convenient access to prescription medications. Many pharmacies also offer delivery services, which can be a valuable option for individuals who have difficulty leaving their homes.

**Hypertension Score Calculation:**

The "Hypertension Score" for 23511 will consider the following factors:

* **Drive Time Reliability:** Average drive times to major hospitals and pharmacies, factoring in traffic conditions.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** Frequency and reliability of HRT bus routes serving the area.
* **Ride-Share Availability:** The ease of securing Uber and Lyft rides.
* **Medical Transport Availability:** The availability of specialized medical transportation services.
* **Pharmacy Proximity:** The number and proximity of pharmacies within the ZIP code.

Each factor will be assigned a weighted value based on its importance to healthcare access. The final score will range from 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest level of healthcare access.

**Conclusion:**

The 23511 ZIP code offers a generally favorable environment for individuals managing hypertension. While traffic congestion can be a concern, particularly during peak hours, the availability of multiple transportation options, including driving, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, provides a reasonable level of healthcare access. The presence of numerous pharmacies further enhances the convenience of medication management.

Moving to Norfolk, and specifically 23511, should be a positive experience for those with hypertension. Careful planning, utilizing all available transportation resources, and understanding the local healthcare landscape will ensure that medical needs are met effectively and efficiently. The "Hypertension Score" for 23511 will be calculated based on the above factors, providing a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access within the area.