24246, East Stone Gap, Virginia Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 24246, East Stone Gap, Virginia is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 24246 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.04 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lonesome Pine Hospital with a distance of 1.12 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 24246 (East Stone Gap, Virginia)**

Understanding healthcare access is crucial when considering a move, especially for individuals managing conditions like hypertension. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape of ZIP Code 24246, focusing on the accessibility of medical facilities, primarily for residents of East Stone Gap, Virginia. The goal is to provide a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching healthcare appointments, vital for managing this chronic illness.

The score will consider various transportation modes, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options. Factors such as drive times, route availability, ADA accessibility, and service reliability are carefully assessed. The final score will offer a comprehensive picture of healthcare access in this region, aiding prospective residents and current inhabitants in making informed decisions regarding their health management.

**Roadways and Drive Times: The Backbone of Access**

The primary mode of transportation in 24246 is the personal vehicle. Residents rely heavily on the region's roadways to access healthcare facilities. The main thoroughfare is US-58, a vital east-west route connecting East Stone Gap to larger towns and cities where medical services are concentrated. Driving times are significantly impacted by the mountainous terrain and winding roads characteristic of the area.

Traveling east on US-58 leads to Norton, Virginia, approximately a 10-15 minute drive. Norton Community Hospital, the nearest major medical facility, is a critical destination. Further east, beyond Norton, is Wise, Virginia, roughly a 20-25 minute drive. This town offers additional medical practices and specialists.

Heading west on US-58 presents a longer journey. Accessing healthcare in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, requires a drive of about 30-40 minutes. This route traverses scenic but often slow-moving roads, adding to travel time. The condition of the roads, especially during inclement weather, can further complicate commutes, potentially delaying or disrupting healthcare appointments.

Other significant roads include VA-68, which provides access to nearby communities, and various local roads that connect residents to US-58. These secondary roads often offer shorter routes but may be narrower and less maintained, potentially impacting travel times and safety. The availability of parking at healthcare facilities is also a factor, especially during peak hours.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in 24246 are limited. The area is not served by a comprehensive public transit system, making it challenging for those without personal vehicles. This scarcity poses a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to a car.

While specific bus routes are not readily available within East Stone Gap, some regional transit services might operate in the broader area, though their frequency and coverage are likely limited. Information regarding routes, schedules, and ADA accessibility features would need to be meticulously researched. The lack of readily available public transportation substantially increases the "Hypertension Score" for residents relying on alternative modes.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in some areas, but their presence in 24246 is not guaranteed. The availability and reliability of these services can vary depending on driver availability and demand. This uncertainty presents a challenge for those who depend on ride-sharing for healthcare access.

Medical transport services offer a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance. These services typically provide transportation to and from medical appointments, often including door-to-door service. The availability of medical transport providers in 24246 is a critical factor.

Researching local medical transport companies, their service areas, and costs is essential. The presence of these services can significantly improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations. The "Hypertension Score" would be positively affected if reliable medical transport options are available.

**Assessing the "Hypertension Score": A Holistic View**

The "Hypertension Score" for 24246 reflects the cumulative impact of these transportation factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential for ride-sharing and medical transport services all contribute to the final assessment.

The score would be lower (indicating better access) if drive times to healthcare facilities are short, public transit is readily available, and ride-sharing and medical transport services are reliable and affordable. Conversely, the score would be higher (indicating more difficult access) if drive times are long, public transit is absent, and ride-sharing and medical transport options are limited or unavailable.

The mountainous terrain, the potential for inclement weather, and the distance to major medical centers all contribute to the complexity of healthcare access in this region. Individuals considering moving to East Stone Gap must carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare requirements.

**Recommendations and Conclusion**

For residents of 24246, especially those managing hypertension, prioritizing transportation is essential. Before moving to East Stone Gap, prospective residents should research the availability of healthcare facilities, drive times, and transportation options. Existing residents should explore all available transportation resources, including ride-sharing and medical transport services.

The "Hypertension Score" serves as a valuable tool for understanding healthcare access in this region. By considering all transportation factors, individuals can make informed decisions about their health management and ensure they can readily access the medical care they need. The ongoing development of transportation infrastructure and services will play a crucial role in improving healthcare access for all residents of 24246.