43130, Lancaster, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 43130, Lancaster, Ohio is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.85 percent of residents in 43130 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Fairfield Medical Center with a distance of 1.31 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 43130

This analysis unveils the intricate relationship between transportation and healthcare access for residents of Lancaster, Ohio, specifically within ZIP Code 43130. Our focus is on understanding the challenges and opportunities related to managing hypertension, a prevalent health concern, considering the available transportation options. We'll explore drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, ultimately providing a "Hypertension Score" to assess the ease with which residents can access essential healthcare services. This information is especially pertinent for those considering moving to Lancaster, highlighting the practical realities of navigating the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of this assessment lies in understanding the geography of Lancaster. Situated in Fairfield County, the city is bisected by the Hocking River, and its transportation network is primarily reliant on roadways. The primary arteries for movement are US-33, connecting Lancaster to Columbus and Athens, and US-22, running east-west. Other crucial roads include OH-37, OH-188, and OH-256, providing access to surrounding communities and local amenities.

For individuals managing hypertension, timely access to medical appointments, pharmacies, and specialized care is crucial. Delays or difficulties in transportation can significantly impact treatment adherence and overall health outcomes. Therefore, we will examine the accessibility of key healthcare providers within and around ZIP Code 43130.

**Drive Times and Healthcare Access:**

Driving remains the dominant mode of transportation in Lancaster. The drive times to healthcare facilities are a primary consideration. Fairfield Medical Center, the primary hospital serving the area, is located within the city limits, making it generally accessible for most residents. Travel times will vary depending on the specific location within the ZIP code and the time of day. Rush hour, particularly on US-33 and US-22, can significantly increase commute times.

Consider the scenario of a resident living in the northern part of 43130 needing to visit a cardiologist located near Fairfield Medical Center. During off-peak hours, the drive might take 10-15 minutes. However, during the morning or evening commute, this could easily stretch to 20-30 minutes. This extended travel time can be a significant burden, especially for individuals experiencing symptoms or needing regular check-ups.

Specialist appointments, such as those with endocrinologists or nephrologists, might necessitate travel to Columbus or other surrounding cities. The drive to Columbus via US-33 can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on traffic. This longer commute necessitates careful planning, including accounting for potential delays and the availability of parking. The impact of these drive times on a patient's ability to attend appointments and adhere to their treatment plan is substantial.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

The availability of public transit in Lancaster is limited. The Fairfield County Public Transit (FCPT) provides bus services within the county, including routes that serve Lancaster. However, the frequency of these routes and their coverage are limited, particularly in the evenings and on weekends. This makes public transit a less viable option for many residents, especially those needing to attend appointments outside of the core service areas.

The FCPT operates routes that may have some stops near healthcare facilities. It is essential to investigate the specific routes, schedules, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features of the FCPT to determine their suitability for individuals with hypertension. The ADA features are critical for those with mobility limitations, ensuring that the buses are accessible and that assistance is available when needed.

For example, a resident in the southern part of 43130 might find it challenging to access a specialist in the northern part of the city using public transit. The limited route options and potential for long wait times could make the journey impractical.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Lancaster. However, their availability and reliability can vary, particularly during off-peak hours or in less populated areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for individuals with limited incomes or those needing frequent transportation.

Medical transport services, such as CareRide or other local providers, offer specialized transportation for medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door assistance and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, they typically require advance booking and can be more expensive than other transportation options.

The availability of these services is a crucial consideration for individuals with hypertension who may have difficulty driving or utilizing public transit. The ability to schedule reliable and affordable transportation is essential for maintaining regular healthcare appointments and adhering to treatment plans.

**Hypertension Score: A Composite Assessment:**

The "Hypertension Score" is a composite metric reflecting the ease with which residents of 43130 can access healthcare related to hypertension management. This score considers factors such as drive times to healthcare facilities, the availability and accessibility of public transit, the reliability and affordability of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical transport options.

A higher score indicates greater ease of access, while a lower score suggests significant challenges. The score will be influenced by the individual's location within the ZIP code, their physical mobility, their financial resources, and their reliance on transportation.

**Factors influencing the score:**

* **Proximity to Healthcare Facilities:** Residents living closer to Fairfield Medical Center and other healthcare providers will generally have a higher score.
* **Access to a Vehicle:** Individuals with access to a personal vehicle will have greater flexibility and control over their transportation, leading to a higher score.
* **Mobility Limitations:** Individuals with mobility limitations will face greater challenges, potentially lowering their score.
* **Financial Resources:** The ability to afford ride-sharing services or medical transport will impact the score.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The accessibility and frequency of public transit routes will influence the score, particularly for those without access to a vehicle.

**Moving to Lancaster and Healthcare Considerations:**

For individuals considering moving to Lancaster, the transportation infrastructure and healthcare access are essential factors to consider. Understanding the drive times, public transit options, and availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services is crucial for making informed decisions.

Researching the proximity of potential residences to healthcare facilities, assessing the availability of public transit routes, and evaluating the costs of transportation options are all critical steps. This detailed analysis of the transportation landscape will help prospective residents to assess whether Lancaster is the right fit for their healthcare needs.

**Conclusion:**

Navigating healthcare in 43130, particularly for individuals managing hypertension, requires a comprehensive understanding of transportation options. While driving remains the primary mode of transport, the limitations of public transit and the cost of ride-sharing services pose challenges. Medical transport services offer a valuable alternative, but their availability and cost must be considered.

The "Hypertension Score" provides a framework for assessing the ease of healthcare access, highlighting the importance of considering transportation infrastructure when evaluating the suitability of Lancaster as a place to live, especially for those with chronic health conditions. The evolving transportation landscape, including potential improvements to public transit and the expansion of ride-sharing services, will continue to shape healthcare access for residents of 43130.