43713, Barnesville, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 43713, Barnesville, Ohio is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.35 percent of residents in 43713 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Barnesville Hospital Association, Inc with a distance of 1.14 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Barnesville, Ohio (ZIP Code 43713)

For individuals considering a move to Barnesville, Ohio, or currently residing within ZIP code 43713, understanding healthcare access is paramount. This write-up provides a "Hypertension Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options available to manage a condition like hypertension, a common ailment requiring consistent medical attention. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, offering a comprehensive picture of healthcare access in this rural community.

The "Hypertension Score" is not a numerical value but a qualitative assessment. It highlights the potential challenges and advantages related to accessing medical care, specifically for individuals managing hypertension. Regular doctor visits, medication refills, and potential specialist appointments are crucial for effective hypertension management. The ease with which these needs can be met significantly impacts a patient's quality of life.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

Barnesville, nestled in the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, presents a landscape where personal vehicles reign supreme. The primary route for accessing healthcare in surrounding towns is via **Interstate 70 (I-70)**, a major east-west artery. Traveling east on I-70 leads to Wheeling, West Virginia, approximately a 30-minute drive, offering a variety of medical facilities, including Wheeling Hospital.

Heading west on I-70 provides access to Cambridge, Ohio, roughly a 45-minute drive. Cambridge boasts the Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center (SEORMC), a crucial healthcare provider for the region. While these drive times are generally manageable, factors like weather conditions, particularly during the winter months, and traffic congestion can significantly impact travel times, especially for individuals with time-sensitive medical needs.

Local roads, such as **Ohio State Route 800** and **Ohio State Route 149**, serve as alternative routes, offering scenic drives but potentially increasing travel time and posing challenges due to winding roads and limited shoulder space. These routes are less reliable in inclement weather.

**Public Transit's Place:**

Public transportation options in Barnesville are limited. The Belmont County Transportation Department (BCTD) provides demand-response service, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This service primarily caters to seniors and individuals with disabilities. While the BCTD offers door-to-door service, the availability and scheduling flexibility may not always align with the immediate needs of a patient managing hypertension.

The BCTD vehicles are equipped with ADA-compliant features, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the reliance on pre-arranged schedules and potential for longer travel times due to multiple pick-ups and drop-offs can pose challenges for those needing prompt medical attention. The lack of fixed-route bus service limits spontaneous trips to pharmacies or doctor's appointments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not readily available in Barnesville. This absence significantly limits transportation options for individuals without personal vehicles. The reliance on friends, family, or pre-arranged medical transport becomes crucial.

Medical transport services, such as MedTrans and other regional providers, offer specialized transportation for medical appointments. These services typically require advance booking and may have associated costs. The availability of these services and their coverage area are essential considerations for residents managing hypertension. The cost of medical transport can be a significant financial burden, especially for frequent appointments.

**Healthcare Access Considerations:**

The "Hypertension Score" for Barnesville, Ohio, reflects a healthcare access landscape heavily reliant on personal vehicles. While drive times to larger medical facilities are reasonable, the lack of robust public transit and ride-sharing options creates potential challenges for individuals managing hypertension.

The limited availability of these alternative transportation methods emphasizes the importance of careful planning and proactive measures. Residents should establish a reliable transportation network, including family, friends, or pre-arranged medical transport, to ensure consistent access to healthcare.

The absence of readily available transportation options can also impact the ability to access pharmacies for medication refills or to attend follow-up appointments. This lack of immediate access can potentially lead to medication non-adherence, which can have serious consequences for individuals managing hypertension.

**Moving to Barnesville with Hypertension:**

For individuals considering moving to Barnesville with hypertension, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is essential. Evaluating the proximity of healthcare facilities, the reliability of personal transportation, and the availability of medical transport services is crucial.

Establishing a strong support network, including family, friends, or neighbors willing to provide transportation assistance, is highly recommended. Understanding the limitations of public transit and the absence of ride-sharing services will allow individuals to proactively plan for their healthcare needs.

Barnesville offers a close-knit community and a slower pace of life, but the challenges associated with transportation should not be overlooked. By proactively addressing these issues, individuals with hypertension can successfully manage their condition and maintain a high quality of life while residing in this charming Ohio town.

**Conclusion:**

The "Hypertension Score" for Barnesville, Ohio, highlights the importance of transportation planning for individuals managing hypertension. While the community offers a welcoming environment, the limited public transit and ride-sharing options necessitate a reliance on personal vehicles or pre-arranged medical transport. Careful consideration of these factors is essential for ensuring consistent healthcare access and effective hypertension management for residents of ZIP code 43713.