24265, Keokee, Virginia Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 24265, Keokee, Virginia is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.48 percent of residents in 24265 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lee County Community Hospital with a distance of 7.31 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Keokee, Virginia (ZIP Code 24265)

The journey to manage hypertension in Keokee, Virginia (ZIP Code 24265), presents a unique set of challenges, primarily centered on transportation and healthcare access. This write-up assesses the "Hypertension Score" for this area, considering the various modes of transportation available to residents seeking medical care, particularly for hypertension management. Understanding these complexities is crucial for both current residents and those considering moving to Keokee, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions.

Keokee, nestled in Lee County, is a rural community where the availability of healthcare services is geographically limited. This remoteness directly impacts the ability of individuals to receive timely and consistent care for chronic conditions like hypertension. The "Hypertension Score" reflects the ease or difficulty of accessing necessary medical appointments, medications, and follow-up care, factoring in travel time, cost, and the availability of transportation options.

The primary mode of transportation in Keokee is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. Residents rely heavily on their cars to navigate the winding roads and vast distances that separate them from healthcare providers. This dependence creates a significant barrier for those who do not own a vehicle, cannot drive due to age or disability, or face financial constraints related to fuel and vehicle maintenance.

The nearest significant healthcare facilities are located in Pennington Gap, approximately 20 miles away, and Norton, roughly 30 miles distant. Traveling to Pennington Gap typically involves navigating Virginia State Route 627, a winding and often narrow road. Accessing Norton requires traversing Virginia State Route 58, a more substantial highway, but still subject to potential delays due to traffic or weather conditions. The drive times to these locations can vary significantly depending on traffic, road conditions, and the individual’s driving ability. During peak hours, or in inclement weather, travel times can easily exceed the estimated 30-45 minutes to Pennington Gap and 45-60 minutes to Norton.

Public transportation options are extremely limited in Keokee and the surrounding areas. Lee County does not have a comprehensive public bus system. This lack of public transportation exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals without access to a personal vehicle. The absence of readily available public transit significantly impacts the "Hypertension Score," making it more difficult for residents to attend regular medical appointments, pick up prescriptions, and receive other essential healthcare services.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also not readily available in Keokee. The sparse population density and geographical isolation make it economically unfeasible for these services to operate in the area. This further restricts transportation options for residents, leaving them with limited alternatives beyond personal vehicles or relying on friends and family for rides.

Medical transportation services are a crucial component of healthcare access for many individuals, especially those with mobility limitations or chronic illnesses. Several companies offer medical transport in the region, including ambulance services for emergencies and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) for scheduled appointments. However, the availability of these services in Keokee can be limited, and the cost can be a significant burden for many residents.

The primary medical transportation provider in the region is Lee County Emergency Medical Services. They are equipped to handle emergency situations. However, they are not designed to provide routine transportation for appointments. Other NEMT providers may serve the area, but their availability and service areas vary.

For those with disabilities, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility features on public transportation. However, given the lack of public transit in Keokee, these features are largely irrelevant. Individuals with disabilities must rely on alternative transportation options, such as specialized medical transport services, which can be costly and may require advance booking.

The "Hypertension Score" for Keokee, therefore, is significantly impacted by the challenges of transportation. The limited availability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and the potential cost and availability of medical transport services contribute to a lower score. This means that residents with hypertension face considerable hurdles in accessing the care they need to manage their condition effectively.

Moving to Keokee requires careful consideration of healthcare access, particularly for individuals with chronic health conditions. Prospective residents with hypertension should thoroughly research the availability of healthcare providers, the distance to medical facilities, and the available transportation options. They should also factor in the potential costs associated with transportation, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and the use of medical transport services.

The remoteness of Keokee necessitates proactive planning and a strong understanding of the local healthcare landscape. Residents must be prepared to navigate the challenges of transportation to ensure they receive the necessary medical care to manage their hypertension and maintain their overall health. This includes establishing relationships with healthcare providers, arranging for transportation to appointments, and ensuring they have access to their medications.

The "Hypertension Score" underscores the importance of community support and resourcefulness in Keokee. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of alternative transportation options highlight the need for residents to support each other, sharing rides and assisting those who may have difficulty accessing healthcare.

In conclusion, the "Hypertension Score" for Keokee, Virginia, reflects the significant challenges associated with transportation and healthcare access. The rural location, limited public transit, and lack of ride-sharing services create barriers for residents seeking medical care. While medical transport services are available, their cost and availability can be prohibitive. Prospective residents with hypertension must carefully consider these factors and proactively plan for their healthcare needs. This requires a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape, a reliance on personal vehicles, and a strong sense of community support to ensure effective management of hypertension and overall well-being.