46702, Andrews, Indiana Arthritis Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Arthritis Score in 46702, Andrews, Indiana is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.27 percent of residents in 46702 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.59 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Parkview Huntington Hospital with a distance of 8.68 miles from the area.

## Arthritis Score: Navigating Healthcare in Andrews, Indiana (ZIP Code 46702)

The creak of a knee, the ache in a wrist – arthritis, a common companion, demands proactive healthcare access. For those considering a move to Andrews, Indiana (ZIP Code 46702), or those already residing there, understanding the ease of **transportation** to rheumatologists, physical therapists, and pain management specialists is crucial. This "Arthritis Score" delves into the realities of **healthcare access** in Andrews, offering insights into the available options and potential challenges.

Andrews, a small town nestled in Huntington County, presents a unique landscape for navigating healthcare. While the town itself is compact, the surrounding area, particularly Huntington, provides the bulk of medical services. The "Arthritis Score" considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and specialized medical transport, offering a comprehensive view for those managing arthritis.

**Driving the Distance:**

The primary mode of **transportation** in Andrews is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The town's layout, with its residential areas and commercial hubs, necessitates car travel for most errands. For arthritis sufferers, this means assessing the comfort and practicality of driving to appointments.

The most direct route to Huntington, where the majority of specialists are located, involves utilizing State Road 24 (SR-24). This two-lane highway, while generally well-maintained, can experience moderate traffic, especially during peak commuting hours. Expect a drive time of approximately 15-20 minutes to reach Huntington, depending on traffic flow.

Alternatively, one could utilize County Road 400 West, a less-traveled route that offers a more scenic drive. However, this option might add a few minutes to the journey, and road conditions can vary. For those with mobility limitations, navigating these roads requires consideration of vehicle accessibility, ease of entry and exit, and the availability of parking near medical facilities.

The city of Fort Wayne, a larger metropolitan area with a broader range of specialists, is approximately a 40-50 minute drive via US-24 West. This highway, a major artery, experiences heavier traffic, particularly during rush hour. The drive to Fort Wayne requires careful planning, accounting for potential delays and the physical demands of a longer journey.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public **transportation** options in Andrews are limited. Huntington County, like many rural areas, lacks a comprehensive public transit system. This presents a significant challenge for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to.

The Huntington Area Transit (HAT) does offer some services, but they are primarily focused on serving the city of Huntington. HAT's routes and schedules are limited, and service to Andrews is not direct or frequent. Information regarding routes, schedules, and ADA-compliant features (wheelchair accessibility, etc.) should be verified directly with HAT.

For those reliant on public transit, the lack of readily available options necessitates careful planning and reliance on alternative **transportation** solutions. This limitation significantly impacts the **healthcare access** for individuals with arthritis, potentially creating barriers to timely and consistent care.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Huntington and Fort Wayne, but their presence in Andrews is less consistent. Availability can vary depending on the time of day and driver availability. Relying on ride-sharing requires advanced planning and may involve longer wait times, particularly during off-peak hours.

Medical **transportation** services offer a specialized solution for individuals with mobility limitations. These services provide door-to-door transport, often with trained personnel to assist with transfers and other needs. Several medical **transportation** providers operate in the Huntington and Fort Wayne areas, including but not limited to, MedTrans and First Choice Medical Transportation.

These services typically require advance booking and may incur higher costs than ride-sharing or personal vehicle use. However, they offer a valuable option for individuals who cannot drive or require assistance with mobility. Thoroughly researching and comparing different providers, including their services, costs, and insurance coverage, is crucial.

**Healthcare Access in Huntington and Fort Wayne:**

Huntington offers several medical facilities, including Parkview Huntington Hospital, which provides a range of services. However, the availability of specialized rheumatologists and other arthritis-related specialists may be limited.

Fort Wayne, with its larger medical infrastructure, presents a wider array of options. Parkview Regional Medical Center and Lutheran Hospital of Indiana are major healthcare providers with extensive specialist networks. These facilities offer comprehensive arthritis care, including rheumatology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management services.

**Moving to Andrews: Considerations for Arthritis Sufferers:**

For individuals with arthritis considering **moving to Andrews**, careful consideration of **healthcare access** is paramount. While Andrews offers a peaceful, small-town environment, the limited **transportation** options and the need to travel to Huntington or Fort Wayne for specialized care present challenges.

Before making a move, potential residents should research the availability of rheumatologists, physical therapists, and other relevant specialists in the surrounding areas. They should also evaluate their ability to drive, access ride-sharing services, or utilize medical **transportation**.

The proximity to Huntington and Fort Wayne, while requiring travel, does offer access to quality healthcare. However, the reliance on personal vehicles or alternative **transportation** necessitates careful planning and consideration of the physical demands of travel.

**Conclusion:**

The "Arthritis Score" for Andrews, Indiana, reveals a landscape where **healthcare access** is heavily reliant on personal **transportation**. While the town itself offers a tranquil setting, the need to travel to Huntington or Fort Wayne for specialized care presents challenges for individuals with arthritis.

The limited public transit options and the potential variability of ride-sharing services necessitate careful planning and consideration of alternative **transportation** solutions, such as medical **transportation**. For those **moving to Andrews**, a thorough assessment of their individual needs and capabilities is essential to ensure timely and consistent access to the healthcare they require. The key to navigating this landscape lies in proactive planning, understanding the available resources, and prioritizing accessible and reliable **transportation**.