16230, Hawthorn, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Arthritis Score in 16230, Hawthorn, Pennsylvania is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.41 percent of residents in 16230 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Clarion Psychiatric Center with a distance of 13.34 miles from the area.

## Arthritis Score: Navigating Healthcare in Hawthorn, PA (ZIP Code 16230)

Considering a move to the charming, albeit rural, community of Hawthorn, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16230)? For individuals managing arthritis, the accessibility of healthcare is paramount. This "Arthritis Score" assessment delves into the realities of **transportation** options and **healthcare access** within and around Hawthorn, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges and possibilities. This information will be crucial for those considering **moving to Hawthorn**, especially those with mobility limitations.

Hawthorn, nestled in the heart of Clarion County, offers a peaceful, close-knit atmosphere. However, its rural location presents unique considerations when it comes to accessing specialized medical care, particularly for those with arthritis. The primary challenge lies in the limited availability of public **transportation** and the distances to specialized rheumatology and orthopedic services.

The most common mode of **transportation** in Hawthorn and the surrounding areas is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. Driving is often the only viable option for accessing healthcare. The primary arteries for travel are Pennsylvania Route 28 (PA-28) and U.S. Route 322 (US-322). PA-28 provides a direct route south, connecting Hawthorn to the larger towns of New Bethlehem and Kittanning. US-322 offers access to the east, towards Brookville, and the west, eventually leading to Clarion.

The drive times to medical facilities are crucial for individuals with arthritis. Chronic pain and mobility limitations can make longer drives arduous. For basic primary care, residents can find options in New Bethlehem, approximately a 10-15 minute drive via PA-28. This is a manageable distance for many. However, access to specialists requires more travel.

For rheumatology services, the closest options are likely in Clarion, a drive of roughly 30-45 minutes via US-322. This journey could be challenging for someone with severe arthritis, especially during winter months when road conditions can be unpredictable. Orthopedic services, including those for joint replacements and other arthritis-related procedures, are also primarily located in Clarion or further afield in DuBois (approximately a 1-hour drive) or Pittsburgh (a drive of 1.5 to 2 hours).

Public **transportation** options in Hawthorn are extremely limited. Clarion County operates a public transit system, but its service is primarily demand-response. This means rides must be scheduled in advance, and the availability of services is often restricted by operating hours and geographical limitations. The specific routes and ADA accessibility features of the Clarion County transit system are not readily available for public consumption. Individuals with arthritis would need to contact the Clarion County Transportation Authority directly to inquire about route availability, scheduling procedures, and ADA-compliant vehicle availability.

The lack of readily available public **transportation** significantly impacts **healthcare access** for individuals with arthritis who cannot drive or are unable to drive long distances. This limitation necessitates reliance on family, friends, or other support networks for **transportation** to medical appointments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are often unavailable in rural areas like Hawthorn. The lack of readily available ride-sharing services compounds the **transportation** challenges. Residents are therefore reliant on their own vehicles or on the limited public **transportation** options.

Medical **transportation** services, designed specifically for patients needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments, are available in the region. However, the availability and cost of these services vary. Companies like MedStar and American Medical Response (AMR) may offer medical **transportation** services, but the specifics of their coverage in Hawthorn and the associated costs would require direct inquiry. These services often require pre-booking and can be expensive, especially for frequent appointments.

The remoteness of Hawthorn also impacts the availability of specialized arthritis care. While primary care physicians in New Bethlehem and Clarion can provide basic care, the need for specialized rheumatology and orthopedic services necessitates travel to larger towns or cities. This travel time, coupled with the limited **transportation** options, creates a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for individuals with arthritis.

The availability of home healthcare services is another factor to consider. Home healthcare can provide valuable support for individuals with arthritis, allowing them to receive medical care in the comfort of their own homes. However, the availability of these services in Hawthorn may be limited compared to more urban areas. The need for home healthcare services would require thorough research.

The **healthcare access** landscape in Hawthorn presents both challenges and opportunities for individuals with arthritis. The primary challenge is the limited availability of **transportation** options, especially public **transportation** and ride-sharing services. The reliance on personal vehicles and the distances to specialized medical care create significant hurdles.

The potential for increased telehealth services could improve **healthcare access** in Hawthorn. Telehealth allows patients to consult with doctors remotely, reducing the need for travel. The availability of telehealth services, however, depends on the individual healthcare provider and the patient's access to reliable internet connectivity.

For those considering **moving to Hawthorn**, a thorough assessment of **transportation** needs and **healthcare access** is crucial. This includes evaluating the ability to drive, identifying potential support networks for **transportation**, and researching the availability of medical **transportation** services and home healthcare.

The "Arthritis Score" for Hawthorn, PA (ZIP Code 16230) is, therefore, moderately low. While the community offers a peaceful environment, the **transportation** limitations and the distances to specialized medical care create significant challenges for individuals managing arthritis. Careful planning and proactive research are essential for ensuring adequate **healthcare access**. It is important to note that this is a general assessment, and individual experiences may vary depending on the severity of arthritis, personal support networks, and access to resources.