46759, Keystone, Indiana Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 46759, Keystone, Indiana is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

81.15 percent of residents in 46759 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bluffton Regional Medical Center with a distance of 9.88 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 46759**

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access vital healthcare services. In the context of ZIP code 46759, a rural area, the challenge of **transportation** looms large, especially for individuals managing chronic conditions like hypertension. This write-up assesses the landscape of **healthcare access** in this region, focusing on commute times, public transit options, and alternative **transportation** solutions, ultimately aiming to provide a comprehensive “Hypertension Score” reflective of the ease or difficulty residents face in reaching essential medical care. The goal is to paint a picture of what it means to be **moving to Keystone** with hypertension.

ZIP code 46759 encompasses the town of Keystone, Indiana, and surrounding rural areas. The nearest major medical facilities are located in Fort Wayne, approximately 30 miles away. This distance presents a significant hurdle, particularly for those requiring regular check-ups, medication refills, or specialized treatments. The primary mode of **transportation** for most residents is personal vehicles.

**Driving Distances and Roadways**

The most direct route to Fort Wayne from Keystone involves navigating a combination of state and county roads. The primary arteries are Indiana State Road 37 and US-24. A typical drive to the major hospitals in Fort Wayne, such as Parkview Regional Medical Center or Lutheran Hospital, takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes under normal traffic conditions. However, this time can be significantly extended during peak hours or due to inclement weather.

The condition of the roads themselves also plays a role. While State Road 37 is generally well-maintained, county roads can vary in quality, especially during winter months. This can pose additional challenges for individuals with mobility issues or those driving older vehicles.

The drive to the closest urgent care facilities located in Huntington, Indiana, is significantly shorter, approximately 20 minutes. While these facilities can address immediate health concerns, they may not offer the same level of specialized care as the hospitals in Fort Wayne.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public **transportation** options in ZIP code 46759 are extremely limited. The Huntington Area Transportation (HATS) operates a demand-response service within Huntington County. However, service to and from Keystone is infrequent and requires advance booking.

The HATS vehicles are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts and ramps, making them accessible to individuals with mobility impairments. However, the limited service area and schedule constraints make public transit an impractical option for many residents, especially those with busy schedules or requiring frequent medical appointments.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Fort Wayne area, but their presence in Keystone is sporadic. Availability depends on driver density, which is often low in rural areas. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is, therefore, unreliable.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments, offer a more viable solution. Several companies operate in the region, including First Medical Transport and Medstar Ambulance. These services often provide door-to-door service, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, these services can be costly and may require pre-authorization from insurance companies.

**Healthcare Access and the Hypertension Score**

The “Hypertension Score” for ZIP code 46759 reflects the cumulative impact of these **transportation** factors on **healthcare access** for individuals managing hypertension. The score considers the following:

* **Drive time:** The average commute time to the nearest hospitals and urgent care facilities.
* **Public transit availability:** The frequency, accessibility, and reliability of public transit options.
* **Ride-share and medical transport availability:** The cost, reliability, and accessibility of alternative **transportation** services.
* **Road conditions:** The quality and maintenance of roadways.

Based on these factors, the Hypertension Score for ZIP code 46759 is moderately challenging. While the drive to Fort Wayne is manageable for those with personal vehicles, the lack of reliable public transit and the potential cost of medical **transportation** services create significant barriers to **healthcare access** for many residents.

**Implications for Residents and Those Moving to Keystone**

For individuals with hypertension, regular medical check-ups, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications are crucial for managing their condition. The **transportation** challenges in ZIP code 46759 can significantly impact these requirements.

Those **moving to Keystone** with hypertension should carefully consider the **transportation** landscape. They should assess their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to provide rides, and the affordability of medical **transportation** services. Exploring options like telehealth or home delivery of medications can also help mitigate the challenges of **healthcare access**.

Furthermore, residents should advocate for improved **transportation** options, such as expanded public transit routes or partnerships with ride-sharing services. Supporting local initiatives that promote health and wellness, such as community health programs or mobile clinics, can also improve **healthcare access** within the community.

**Conclusion**

The “Hypertension Score” for ZIP code 46759 underscores the importance of **transportation** in facilitating **healthcare access**. While the area offers a reasonable drive time to major medical facilities, the limitations of public transit and the potential cost of alternative **transportation** services create challenges for individuals with hypertension. By understanding these challenges and actively seeking solutions, residents can improve their ability to manage their health and thrive in their community. This is especially important for those **moving to Keystone**, who must understand the health implications of their choice.