44695, Bowerston, Ohio Arthritis Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Arthritis Score in 44695, Bowerston, Ohio is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.25 percent of residents in 44695 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Aultman Hospital with a distance of 27.17 miles from the area.

## Arthritis Score: Navigating Healthcare in Bowerston, Ohio (ZIP Code 44695)

The creak of aging joints, the sting of inflammation – arthritis casts a long shadow, impacting daily life and demanding consistent healthcare. For those considering a move to Bowerston, Ohio (ZIP Code 44695), or already residing there, understanding the accessibility of healthcare becomes paramount. This "Arthritis Score" delves into the realities of transportation options, evaluating their efficiency and practicality for residents managing arthritis. The goal is to illuminate the landscape of **healthcare access**, offering insights that can inform decisions and ease the burden of seeking medical care.

Bowerston, a charming village nestled in the heart of Harrison County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding **transportation**. The rural nature of the area dictates a reliance on personal vehicles, but alternative options, though limited, do exist. Assessing the ease of **transportation** to medical appointments is crucial for anyone living with arthritis. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, painting a comprehensive picture of the journey to **healthcare access**.

The primary artery for travel within and beyond Bowerston is State Route 250. This road serves as a vital link to nearby towns and cities, including Cadiz, Carrollton, and New Philadelphia. Driving times to these locations, where more extensive medical facilities are located, are a significant factor. A trip to Trinity Hospital Twin City in Dennison, approximately 20 miles away, typically takes 30-40 minutes via State Route 250. The drive, while generally straightforward, can be impacted by weather conditions, particularly during the winter months, adding to the stress of those managing arthritis.

Further afield, the larger hospitals in Canton and Steubenville, offering specialized rheumatology and orthopedic services, are accessible via State Route 250 and connecting highways. Reaching Aultman Hospital in Canton, roughly 50 miles away, requires approximately an hour and fifteen minutes of driving. Traveling to the Ohio Valley Hospital in Steubenville, a similar distance, also takes around an hour and fifteen minutes. These longer drives necessitate careful planning, considering the physical limitations often associated with arthritis.

Public transit options in Bowerston are extremely limited. The closest public transportation is the Tuscarawas County Transportation (TCT), which serves the county with a demand-response service. This means that riders must schedule their trips in advance, and the service operates within a limited geographical area. While TCT offers ADA-accessible vehicles, the availability and frequency of service to Bowerston are a major consideration. This lack of readily available public transit significantly impacts **healthcare access** for those unable to drive or who prefer not to drive.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, while present in some larger Ohio cities, have limited availability in rural areas like Bowerston. The likelihood of securing a ride on short notice is low, making these options unreliable for scheduled medical appointments. The cost of ride-sharing, particularly for longer distances to hospitals in Canton or Steubenville, can also be a significant financial burden. This further restricts **healthcare access** for individuals on fixed incomes or those facing economic hardship.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with mobility challenges, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like MedStar and First Call Ambulance provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services in the region. These services typically require advance booking and may have specific eligibility criteria, such as a doctor's order. While offering a valuable service for those who cannot drive, the cost of medical transport can be substantial, adding another layer of complexity to the **transportation** equation.

For individuals considering **moving to Bowerston**, the **Arthritis Score** highlights the critical need for careful planning. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential cost of medical transport all contribute to the challenges of accessing healthcare. Individuals with arthritis must factor in the drive times, potential weather delays, and the physical demands of travel when planning their medical appointments.

The availability of local healthcare providers within Bowerston itself is also a crucial consideration. While the village may have a family physician or a small clinic, specialized care, such as rheumatology or orthopedic services, is likely to require travel to larger medical centers. The convenience of having a primary care physician nearby, who can provide referrals and coordinate care, is essential.

The **Arthritis Score** also acknowledges the importance of social support networks. Having family, friends, or caregivers who can provide **transportation** assistance can significantly improve **healthcare access**. Building a support system within the community can alleviate some of the burdens associated with managing arthritis and navigating the **transportation** landscape.

Furthermore, the accessibility of medical facilities themselves is a key factor. Hospitals and clinics should have ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and other features to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. Confirming the accessibility of the chosen healthcare providers is a vital step in ensuring a positive and stress-free experience.

In conclusion, the **Arthritis Score** for Bowerston, Ohio (ZIP Code 44695) reveals a landscape where **healthcare access** is heavily influenced by **transportation** limitations. While the rural charm of the village is undeniable, those managing arthritis must carefully consider the practicalities of getting to medical appointments. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential cost of medical transport all present challenges. Careful planning, a robust support system, and a proactive approach to healthcare are essential for navigating the complexities of living with arthritis in this community. For those **moving to Bowerston**, a thorough assessment of these factors is crucial to ensure that healthcare needs can be met effectively and with minimal disruption to daily life.