24370, Saltville, Virginia Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 24370, Saltville, Virginia is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.96 percent of residents in 24370 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.54 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Smyth County Community Hospital with a distance of 14.25 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Saltville, Virginia (ZIP Code 24370)

Considering a move to Saltville, Virginia (ZIP Code 24370), and concerned about managing hypertension? Understanding the ease of **transportation** to **healthcare access** points is crucial. This write-up provides a "Hypertension Score" assessment, analyzing the challenges and opportunities for individuals in Saltville, particularly those with mobility limitations. This information is critical for anyone **moving to Saltville** and seeking optimal health management.

The "Hypertension Score" considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport to assess the practicality of attending appointments, obtaining medications, and accessing emergency care. A higher score reflects better accessibility. This score is not a definitive medical evaluation, but rather an indicator of the logistical hurdles one might face in managing hypertension within this specific geographic context.

Saltville, nestled in Smyth County, presents a unique set of circumstances. The town's rural character significantly impacts **transportation** options. The nearest major medical facilities are located in Marion and Abingdon, Virginia, requiring travel on winding roads and navigating variable weather conditions.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary route to healthcare in Marion, home to Smyth County Community Hospital, is via Interstate 81 (I-81) and then State Route 107. The drive is approximately 20 miles and typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather. This route is generally well-maintained but can experience delays during peak travel times or inclement weather, especially during the winter months.

Accessing larger medical centers in Abingdon, such as Johnston Memorial Hospital, requires a longer journey. The most direct route involves taking I-81 south, covering roughly 40 miles, which can take up to an hour. This longer distance necessitates careful planning, especially for those with hypertension, who may need frequent check-ups or require immediate medical attention. State Route 107 and I-81 are the primary arteries connecting Saltville to healthcare.

**Public Transit:**

Public **transportation** options in Saltville are limited. The Southwest Virginia Regional Transit (SVRT) provides some bus service, but it’s not designed for frequent or direct routes to medical facilities. SVRT offers demand-response service, which requires advance booking and is subject to availability. This service may not be suitable for individuals needing immediate medical attention or those with inflexible appointment schedules. ADA-compliant features, such as wheelchair lifts, are available on SVRT buses, making them accessible to individuals with mobility limitations. However, the infrequency and the need for pre-planning significantly impact its practicality for hypertension management.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have limited availability in Saltville and surrounding areas. Their presence is often inconsistent, and wait times can be lengthy, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This lack of reliable ride-sharing significantly impacts **healthcare access**, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive.

Specialized medical **transportation** services, such as Med-Trans Corporation or American Medical Response (AMR), are available for non-emergency medical appointments. These services are typically more expensive than public transit or ride-sharing and require pre-booking. They are often a viable option for individuals who need assistance with mobility or who cannot drive themselves. However, the cost and the need for advanced scheduling can present challenges for those on a fixed income or with unpredictable medical needs.

**Hypertension Score Assessment:**

Based on the above analysis, the "Hypertension Score" for Saltville, Virginia (24370) is moderately low. The score is impacted by several factors:

* **Limited public transit:** The infrequent and demand-response nature of SVRT significantly restricts **healthcare access**.
* **Variable ride-sharing availability:** The unreliability of Uber and Lyft makes them a less-than-ideal option for consistent medical appointments.
* **Drive times:** The distances to healthcare facilities in Marion and Abingdon, while manageable, can be time-consuming and affected by weather.
* **Cost and pre-booking requirements:** Specialized medical **transportation** services, while available, can be expensive and require advance planning.

The score is also influenced by the following:

* **Dependence on personal vehicles:** Individuals without personal vehicles face significant challenges in accessing healthcare.
* **Impact of weather:** Winter weather can make travel difficult and dangerous, potentially hindering access to medical care.
* **Mobility limitations:** Individuals with mobility issues face additional hurdles in navigating the available **transportation** options.

**Recommendations for Managing Hypertension in Saltville:**

For individuals **moving to Saltville** with hypertension, or those already residing there, several strategies can help improve **healthcare access** and management:

* **Establish a strong relationship with a local primary care physician:** This is crucial for regular check-ups, medication management, and referrals to specialists.
* **Explore telehealth options:** Utilize telehealth services for routine appointments and medication refills when possible, reducing the need for in-person visits.
* **Plan appointments strategically:** Schedule appointments during off-peak hours and avoid travel during inclement weather.
* **Consider the purchase of a personal vehicle:** Having a reliable mode of **transportation** is critical for managing hypertension.
* **Investigate medical **transportation** options:** Research and pre-arrange medical **transportation** services for appointments when needed.
* **Utilize community resources:** Explore local community programs that may offer assistance with **transportation** or healthcare costs.
* **Join a support group:** Connect with others in the community who have similar health concerns for support and shared **transportation** solutions.

Saltville's rural setting presents challenges for **healthcare access**, particularly for those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. However, with careful planning, proactive measures, and a strong understanding of available resources, individuals can successfully navigate the **transportation** landscape and maintain optimal health. This information is vital for anyone **moving to Saltville** who is concerned about their health and the availability of medical services.