24266, Lebanon, Virginia Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 24266, Lebanon, Virginia is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.66 percent of residents in 24266 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.86 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Russell County Hospital with a distance of 0.47 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Lebanon, VA (ZIP Code 24266)

The journey to managing hypertension in Lebanon, Virginia (ZIP Code 24266), is inextricably linked to transportation. Adequate *transportation* options are crucial for *healthcare access*, influencing everything from routine check-ups to emergency care. This write-up provides a comprehensive overview, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, to help assess the challenges and opportunities for individuals *moving to Lebanon* and seeking effective hypertension management.

The core of hypertension management involves regular monitoring, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications. These require consistent access to healthcare providers, pharmacies, and potentially, specialized services like cardiac rehabilitation. The availability and efficiency of *transportation* directly impact a patient's ability to fulfill these requirements.

**Driving the Landscape:**

For those with personal vehicles, the primary arteries in and around Lebanon are crucial. The primary route for many is US Route 19, a major north-south thoroughfare. Driving south on US-19 will eventually lead you to the city of Abingdon, VA, where you can find a variety of healthcare facilities, including hospitals and specialty clinics. The drive is approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Heading east from Lebanon, Virginia State Route 80 provides access to smaller towns and communities, but healthcare options are limited along this route. North on US-19 intersects with Interstate 81, a major highway that offers access to larger cities like Roanoke, VA, and Knoxville, TN. While these cities offer more comprehensive healthcare options, the drive times are significantly longer, typically 2-3 hours, making them less practical for routine care.

The secondary roads, such as State Route 82, State Route 615, and State Route 600, provide access to more rural areas. These routes are often slower and can be affected by weather conditions, potentially hindering *healthcare access*. The condition of these roads and the distance to the nearest medical facilities can pose a challenge for individuals with mobility issues or those experiencing a hypertensive crisis.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public *transportation* in Lebanon is limited. The primary provider is the Southwest Virginia Regional Transit (SVRT). SVRT offers fixed-route bus services within the region, but the routes and schedules are often infrequent, with limited weekend or evening service. The routes are not specifically designed to serve healthcare needs, and the frequency of service might not be sufficient for timely appointments.

The SVRT system does offer ADA-accessible buses, equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. However, the limited route coverage and potential for long wait times make public *transportation* a less-than-ideal option for many, particularly those with hypertension who may require frequent medical attention.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Lebanon, but their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for individuals on a fixed income or those requiring frequent trips to healthcare providers.

Medical *transportation* services, such as non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers, offer a more specialized solution. These services typically transport individuals to and from medical appointments, providing door-to-door service and assistance with mobility. Several NEMT providers serve the Lebanon area, including MedTrans and First Transit. These services often require pre-booking and may have limitations on the distance they will travel.

**Healthcare Access and Hypertension Management:**

The primary healthcare provider in Lebanon is the Russell County Medical Center, offering a range of services, including primary care, cardiology, and emergency care. The hospital is conveniently located within the town, making it accessible for many residents. However, the availability of specialized services may be limited, requiring patients to travel to larger cities for more complex care.

The location of pharmacies is also a key factor. Access to medication is crucial for hypertension management. Several pharmacies are located within Lebanon, offering convenient access to prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. The proximity of these pharmacies to healthcare providers and residential areas is a positive factor for *healthcare access*.

**Challenges and Considerations for Moving to Lebanon:**

Individuals *moving to Lebanon* with pre-existing hypertension must carefully consider the *transportation* landscape. The limited public *transportation* options and the potential for inconsistent ride-sharing availability may necessitate reliance on personal vehicles or medical *transportation* services.

The drive times to larger cities for specialized care should also be factored into the decision-making process. The availability of support services, such as home healthcare and medication delivery, can also play a crucial role in managing hypertension effectively.

**Assessing the Hypertension Score:**

The "Hypertension Score" for Lebanon, VA (24266), would be influenced by several factors. The presence of a local hospital and pharmacies is positive. The limited public *transportation* and the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services introduce challenges. The drive times to specialized care in larger cities represent a significant hurdle.

The score would also consider the availability and affordability of medical *transportation* services. The overall assessment should reflect the balance between the accessibility of local healthcare resources and the potential difficulties in accessing specialized care or managing complex medical needs.

**Conclusion:**

Navigating the *transportation* landscape is critical for effective hypertension management in Lebanon, VA (24266). While the presence of local healthcare providers and pharmacies is a significant advantage, the limited public *transportation* and the potential for longer drive times to specialized care present challenges. Individuals *moving to Lebanon* with hypertension should carefully assess their *transportation* needs, considering the availability and cost of various options, to ensure consistent *healthcare access* and optimize their health outcomes. The "Hypertension Score" for the area should reflect these realities, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning and resourcefulness in managing this chronic condition.