43716, Beallsville, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 43716, Beallsville, Ohio is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.09 percent of residents in 43716 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Barnesville Hospital Association, Inc with a distance of 12.66 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Beallsville (ZIP Code 43716)

The quiet charm of Beallsville, Ohio (ZIP Code 43716), offers a respite from the hustle and bustle, a place where rolling hills meet a close-knit community. However, for residents managing hypertension, the serenity can be shadowed by the challenges of accessing consistent healthcare. This write-up explores the landscape of **transportation** options available to those in Beallsville, assessing their impact on **healthcare access** and ultimately, the ability to manage this critical health condition. We'll consider the implications for anyone **moving to Beallsville**, especially those with existing health concerns.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, demands proactive management. Regular check-ups, medication adherence, and lifestyle adjustments are crucial. This necessitates reliable **transportation** to physicians' offices, pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities. In Beallsville, the availability of these essential services and the means to reach them directly impact the quality of life for individuals with hypertension. We will use this framework to construct a "Hypertension Score" for the area.

The most common mode of **transportation** in Beallsville is the personal vehicle. Driving times to healthcare facilities are a primary factor in our score. The nearest significant medical center is Barnesville Hospital, located approximately 15 miles away. The most direct route involves taking State Route 145 south, a winding but generally well-maintained road. Expect a drive time of around 25-30 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This drive time, while manageable, can be a barrier for those with mobility limitations or those who experience health crises.

For specialized care, residents often travel to larger cities like Cambridge or Wheeling, West Virginia. Cambridge, approximately 30 miles away, can be reached via State Route 145 to Interstate 77 North, then to US Route 40. The drive time is roughly 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Wheeling, a similar distance, requires navigating State Route 7, potentially encountering more congestion. This longer travel time can be a significant burden, especially for patients requiring frequent appointments or experiencing acute health issues.

Public **transportation** options in the area are limited. The Belmont County Transportation Department (BCTD) provides demand-response service. This means residents must schedule rides in advance, often with a 24-hour notice. While BCTD offers curb-to-curb service, it may not be ideal for urgent medical needs. Accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts, are available on their vehicles, ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, the scheduling constraints and potential wait times can be problematic for individuals with hypertension.

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, is another factor. While these services are expanding, their presence in rural areas like Beallsville is often inconsistent. Availability may be limited, and wait times can be extended. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing can quickly accumulate, making it a less sustainable option for frequent medical appointments. The reliability of ride-sharing, therefore, is not a strong point in the Hypertension Score.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like MedStar or similar regional providers, offer non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. These services often require pre-booking and may have specific geographic limitations. While offering a more comfortable and supportive experience, they can be more expensive than other options.

Pharmacies are essential for managing hypertension. The nearest pharmacy is likely located in Barnesville, requiring the same drive time as the hospital. This highlights the importance of planning and coordination when managing medication refills and pick-ups. The lack of a local pharmacy in Beallsville adds to the **transportation** challenges.

Considering these factors, we can begin to construct a preliminary "Hypertension Score" for Beallsville. Drive times to healthcare facilities, while not excessive, require careful planning. The limited public **transportation** options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services pose significant challenges. The cost and scheduling requirements of medical **transportation** services add another layer of complexity.

The lack of readily available, reliable, and affordable **transportation** options impacts the ability of residents with hypertension to maintain consistent healthcare. This can lead to delayed treatment, medication non-adherence, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes. The Hypertension Score would reflect these challenges, acknowledging the need for improved **transportation** infrastructure and services.

For individuals **moving to Beallsville**, the availability of healthcare and the ease of access should be a primary consideration. Those with existing health conditions, particularly hypertension, should carefully evaluate the **transportation** options and the potential impact on their ability to manage their condition effectively.

The development of a higher "Hypertension Score" for Beallsville necessitates several improvements. Increased public **transportation** frequency and expanded service areas would be beneficial. Partnerships with ride-sharing companies to ensure reliable service could be explored. Subsidized medical **transportation** programs could alleviate the financial burden. Furthermore, the establishment of a local pharmacy in Beallsville would significantly improve **healthcare access**.

In conclusion, while Beallsville offers a tranquil setting, the **transportation** landscape presents hurdles for residents managing hypertension. The Hypertension Score reflects the need for improved **healthcare access** through enhanced **transportation** options. For those considering **moving to Beallsville**, a thorough assessment of these factors is essential to ensure the ability to maintain optimal health and well-being. The community's commitment to addressing these challenges will directly impact the quality of life for all residents, especially those managing chronic conditions like hypertension.