23663, Hampton, Virginia Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 23663, Hampton, Virginia is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.11 percent of residents in 23663 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.24 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hampton Va Medical Center with a distance of 1.24 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in 23663

Moving to a new ZIP code necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its resources, especially concerning healthcare access. This write-up delves into the intricacies of navigating healthcare in 23663, focusing on transportation options for individuals managing hypertension. We'll explore drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, providing a detailed 'Hypertension Score' assessment to aid residents in planning their healthcare journeys.

ZIP Code 23663, encompassing portions of Hampton, Virginia, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare access. The area’s geography, characterized by a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, and proximity to military installations, significantly influences transportation dynamics. Understanding these nuances is crucial for individuals with hypertension, a condition requiring consistent medical attention and medication adherence. This write-up will assess the available transportation avenues, providing a framework for evaluating the ease and efficiency of accessing healthcare services.

**Driving the Distance: Highways and Roads**

For many residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. The primary arteries for navigating 23663 are Interstate 64 (I-64) and the Hampton Roads Beltway (I-664). I-64 provides east-west connectivity, facilitating travel to medical facilities in Newport News and Norfolk. I-664, running north-south, offers access to hospitals and clinics within Hampton and connects to other major roadways.

Navigating these highways during peak hours can be challenging. Morning and evening commutes often experience congestion, potentially increasing travel times and stress levels, which can negatively impact blood pressure. Secondary roads, such as Mercury Boulevard, Big Bethel Road, and Fox Hill Road, offer alternative routes, but their traffic signals and intersections can also contribute to delays.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary depending on location and time of day. For instance, a trip from the Phoebus area to Sentara Careplex Hospital on Mercury Boulevard could take approximately 10-15 minutes during off-peak hours. However, during rush hour, this same journey might extend to 20-30 minutes. Similarly, a drive from the Willow Oaks area to Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, via I-64, could range from 20-30 minutes, potentially increasing to 45 minutes or more during peak congestion.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Hampton Roads Transit (HRT)**

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) offers a public transportation network serving 23663. The primary bus routes operating within the ZIP code include routes 1, 2, 15, 16, and 20, which provide connections to various medical facilities, shopping centers, and residential areas. These routes offer a cost-effective alternative to driving, particularly for individuals who may not own a vehicle or prefer to avoid the stress of driving.

HRT buses are equipped with accessibility features, including ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities, ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This is particularly important for individuals managing hypertension, who may have mobility limitations or require assistance.

However, public transit in 23663 has its limitations. Service frequency can vary, with longer wait times during off-peak hours and on weekends. Route coverage may not extend to all areas, particularly in more suburban or rural parts of the ZIP code. Furthermore, the travel time via public transit is often significantly longer than driving, potentially adding to the overall time commitment for healthcare appointments. For example, a bus ride from the Coliseum Central area to Sentara Careplex Hospital could take 30-45 minutes, compared to a 15-minute drive.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Modern Solutions**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another layer of transportation options in 23663. These services provide on-demand transportation, allowing residents to request a ride directly from their smartphones. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to drive, offering a convenient and flexible alternative to public transit.

Ride-sharing services are generally readily available in 23663, with wait times typically ranging from 5-15 minutes. The cost of ride-sharing varies depending on distance, time of day, and demand. While ride-sharing can be a convenient option, it can also be more expensive than public transit, particularly for frequent trips.

For individuals with specific medical needs, medical transportation services offer specialized support. These services, such as MedTrans and First Transit, provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.

Medical transport services often require advance booking and may have specific eligibility criteria. The cost of these services can vary depending on the level of care required and the distance traveled. However, they provide a valuable resource for individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs, ensuring they can access necessary healthcare services.

**Hypertension Score Assessment: A Holistic View**

To develop a 'Hypertension Score' for 23663, we need to consider several factors. The score should reflect the ease and efficiency of accessing healthcare facilities for individuals with hypertension, considering the following:

* **Drive Time:** The average drive time to the nearest hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** The frequency, coverage, and accessibility of HRT routes to healthcare facilities.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The availability, cost, and reliability of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport Options:** The availability, cost, and accessibility of medical transport services.
* **Traffic Congestion:** The impact of traffic congestion on travel times, particularly during peak hours.
* **Proximity to Essential Services:** The distance to pharmacies for medication refills and other healthcare-related services.

Based on these factors, a hypothetical 'Hypertension Score' for 23663 could be developed, ranging from 1 to 10, with 10 representing the easiest access to healthcare and 1 representing the most challenging. The score would be accompanied by a detailed analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each transportation option, providing residents with a comprehensive understanding of their healthcare access landscape.

**Moving to Hampton: Planning for Healthcare Needs**

For individuals considering moving to Hampton, particularly those managing hypertension, a thorough assessment of healthcare access is crucial. Researching the location of medical facilities, pharmacies, and other healthcare services is essential. Understanding the available transportation options and their associated costs and travel times is equally important.

The 'Hypertension Score' framework, combined with the information presented in this write-up, can serve as a valuable tool for prospective residents. By carefully evaluating the transportation options and healthcare resources in 23663, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensure a smooth transition to their new home.

In conclusion, navigating healthcare in 23663 requires a multifaceted approach, considering the interplay of transportation options and the specific needs of individuals with hypertension. By understanding the drive times, public transit routes, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, residents can effectively plan their healthcare journeys and prioritize their well-being. This write-up provides a foundation for assessing healthcare access and empowers individuals to make informed decisions, ensuring a healthy and fulfilling life in Hampton.