43736, Fairview, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 43736, Fairview, Ohio is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.00 percent of residents in 43736 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.22 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Barnesville Hospital Association, Inc with a distance of 5.19 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Fairview, Ohio (ZIP Code 43736)

Fairview, Ohio (ZIP Code 43736), nestled amidst the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, presents a unique landscape for residents seeking healthcare. The rural nature of the area, while offering a serene lifestyle, significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This analysis, the "Hypertension Score," delves into the complexities of transportation options available to residents of Fairview, focusing on the drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport solutions crucial for timely and consistent medical care. It's an essential consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Fairview.

The primary challenge for residents of Fairview is distance. The nearest major healthcare facilities, including hospitals and specialized clinics, are located in larger towns and cities, necessitating travel. Driving remains the most common mode of transportation, with the availability of a personal vehicle often dictating healthcare access. A resident's ability to independently drive, or access a driver, is a critical factor in the Hypertension Score.

For those driving, the primary arteries connecting Fairview to healthcare are US Route 22 and State Route 149. Heading east on US Route 22 leads to St. Clairsville, approximately a 20-30 minute drive, offering access to East Ohio Regional Hospital. Traveling west on US Route 22 provides access to Cambridge, roughly a 30-45 minute drive, where residents can find Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center. These drive times, however, are estimates and are subject to traffic, weather conditions, and the driver's familiarity with the routes. State Route 149, a secondary route, connects Fairview to these main highways, but it can be slower due to its winding nature and lower speed limits.

Public transportation options are limited in Fairview. The Belmont County Transportation Department (BCTD) offers a demand-response service, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. While this service is available to residents of ZIP Code 43736, it's not a fixed-route system, and therefore, not ideal for spontaneous healthcare needs. BCTD vehicles are supposed to be ADA-compliant, meaning they have features like ramps and lifts for individuals with disabilities. However, the availability of rides and the travel times are subject to scheduling and the availability of drivers.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also present in the area, but their availability is not guaranteed. The rural nature of Fairview means that drivers may not always be readily available, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for regular medical appointments. This reliance on ride-sharing can be unreliable for individuals with hypertension, who require consistent and timely access to medication and check-ups.

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, offer specialized solutions for individuals who cannot drive themselves. However, these services often require pre-authorization from insurance companies and can be costly. The response time of an ambulance in a rural area can also be a concern, especially in the event of a hypertensive crisis. NEMT providers typically offer transportation for scheduled medical appointments, but the scheduling process and the travel times should be considered.

The Hypertension Score, therefore, considers these factors when evaluating healthcare access in Fairview. The score is not a single number but a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities faced by residents with hypertension. The score considers the following: the availability of a personal vehicle, the ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation, the accessibility of public transit, the reliability of ride-sharing services, the cost and availability of medical transport, and the proximity of healthcare facilities.

For an individual with hypertension, the ideal scenario involves reliable and readily available transportation. This might include a personal vehicle, access to a driver, or a dependable medical transport service. The ability to quickly access medical care in the event of a crisis is paramount. This is especially true for individuals with uncontrolled hypertension, who are at a higher risk of stroke, heart attack, and other serious health complications.

The "Hypertension Score" also considers the impact of socioeconomic factors. Individuals with lower incomes may face greater challenges in accessing transportation, as they may not be able to afford a car, ride-sharing services, or medical transport. The score also considers the impact of age and disability. Elderly individuals and those with disabilities may face mobility challenges that limit their ability to access healthcare.

Moving to Fairview requires careful consideration of these factors. While the rural lifestyle may be appealing, the challenges of healthcare access should not be overlooked. Prospective residents with hypertension should carefully assess their transportation needs and ensure they have a reliable plan for accessing medical care. This may involve researching local transportation options, identifying potential caregivers, or exploring the availability of medical transport services.

In conclusion, the "Hypertension Score" for Fairview (ZIP Code 43736) highlights the critical importance of transportation in managing hypertension. The drive times to healthcare facilities, the limitations of public transit, the uncertainty of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport all contribute to the overall score. For individuals considering moving to Fairview, a proactive approach to healthcare access is essential. This includes carefully evaluating transportation options, planning for potential emergencies, and establishing a strong relationship with a healthcare provider. Only then can residents of Fairview with hypertension ensure they receive the timely and consistent medical care they need to maintain their health and well-being.