43135, Laurelville, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 43135, Laurelville, Ohio is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

22.67 percent of residents in 43135 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.60 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Berger Hospital with a distance of 15.15 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Laurelville (ZIP Code 43135)

The decision to move to a new community, like Laurelville, Ohio (ZIP Code 43135), often hinges on practical considerations beyond the charm of a quaint town. For individuals managing hypertension, a critical factor is the ease of *transportation* to and from healthcare appointments. This write-up details the *healthcare access* landscape in Laurelville, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for residents, providing a "Hypertension Score" assessment of the area.

Laurelville, nestled in Hocking County, presents a unique set of circumstances. The town's rural setting influences *transportation* options, demanding a careful evaluation for those prioritizing consistent medical care. The nearest hospitals and specialist clinics are located in surrounding towns, necessitating travel.

The "Hypertension Score" will consider drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive picture of the *healthcare access* environment. This assessment aims to assist potential residents in making informed decisions about *moving to Laurelville*.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary roadways serving Laurelville are Ohio State Route 56 and Ohio State Route 374. These roads, while providing access, can experience congestion during peak hours, especially near larger towns. The lack of major highways directly impacting Laurelville means longer travel times to specialized medical facilities.

For routine check-ups, the closest primary care physicians are likely in Laurelville or nearby towns like Logan. Driving to Logan, approximately 15 miles east via SR-56, takes around 20-30 minutes, contingent on traffic. This drive is generally manageable, offering relatively straightforward *transportation*.

Specialist appointments, however, necessitate longer journeys. The OhioHealth Berger Hospital in Circleville, approximately 25 miles northwest, requires a 35-45 minute drive, primarily via SR-56 and US-23. This journey, while not excessively long, presents a greater time commitment, which can be taxing for individuals with hypertension, particularly during inclement weather.

Further afield, the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, offering a wide range of specialized care, is roughly 60 miles away. The drive, primarily via US-33 and I-270, can take 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This extended travel time, coupled with potential highway congestion, significantly impacts the "Hypertension Score."

**Public Transit:**

Public *transportation* options in Laurelville are limited. Hocking Athens-Perry Community Action (HAPCAP) offers a demand-response transit service. This service, while providing a crucial lifeline for some, requires advance booking and may not be ideal for urgent appointments or frequent visits.

HAPCAP's service operates within Hocking County, potentially connecting residents to healthcare facilities in Logan. However, reaching hospitals in Circleville or Columbus via public transit is challenging, requiring multiple transfers and significantly increasing travel time. This limitation presents a considerable hurdle to *healthcare access* for those who rely on public *transportation*.

ADA accessibility is a critical consideration. HAPCAP's vehicles are equipped to accommodate individuals with disabilities, but the overall availability and scheduling constraints of the service can still pose challenges. The infrequent service and extended travel times, particularly for specialist appointments, negatively affect the "Hypertension Score."

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Laurelville, but their availability is not guaranteed, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments can be unreliable, potentially leading to missed appointments and disruptions in care.

Medical *transportation* services, such as MedRide or Liberty Ambulance, offer specialized *transportation* for medical appointments. These services provide door-to-door *transportation*, including assistance with mobility and medical needs. However, these services can be expensive, and insurance coverage varies. The cost factor and the need for pre-booking are important considerations when evaluating *healthcare access*.

**Hypertension Score Assessment:**

The "Hypertension Score" for Laurelville (ZIP Code 43135) reflects a mixed picture. While the town offers a peaceful environment, the lack of readily available *transportation* options to healthcare facilities presents significant challenges for individuals with hypertension.

* **Drive Time:** The drive times to nearby primary care physicians are manageable, but travel to specialist appointments and major hospitals necessitates longer journeys.
* **Public Transit:** Limited public *transportation* options, with potential scheduling difficulties and extended travel times, negatively impact *healthcare access*.
* **Ride-Share:** The availability of ride-sharing services is inconsistent, making them unreliable for regular medical appointments.
* **Medical Transport:** Medical *transportation* services offer a viable option, but the cost and the need for pre-booking need consideration.

**Overall, the "Hypertension Score" for Laurelville is moderate.** While local primary care is accessible, the extended travel times to specialist care, coupled with limited public *transportation* and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, necessitate careful planning and consideration for individuals with hypertension.

**Recommendations for Individuals Considering *Moving to Laurelville*:**

* **Assess personal *transportation* capabilities:** Owning a reliable vehicle is crucial for *healthcare access*.
* **Explore medical *transportation* options:** Research available medical *transportation* services and understand insurance coverage.
* **Plan ahead for appointments:** Schedule appointments well in advance, considering travel times and potential traffic delays.
* **Establish a strong relationship with a primary care physician:** This can facilitate referrals and coordinate care.
* **Consider the location of specialists:** Prioritize specialists located within a reasonable driving distance.
* **Explore telehealth options:** Utilize telehealth services for routine check-ups and consultations when possible.

By carefully evaluating these factors, potential residents can make informed decisions about *moving to Laurelville* and ensure they have adequate *healthcare access* to manage their hypertension effectively. The challenges of *transportation* to and from medical facilities must be carefully weighed against the benefits of a rural lifestyle.