43750, Kipling, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 43750, Kipling, Ohio is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.16 percent of residents in 43750 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.12 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center with a distance of 5.22 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in 43750

The rural landscape of ZIP Code 43750, encompassing the unincorporated community of Kipling, Ohio, presents a unique set of challenges for residents managing hypertension. Access to timely and effective healthcare, a critical factor in controlling this chronic condition, is significantly impacted by the availability and efficiency of **transportation** options. This write-up analyzes the **transportation** landscape and its influence on **healthcare access** for individuals living with hypertension, providing a "Hypertension Score" assessment.

The primary concern for residents of Kipling is the geographical isolation and the limited availability of public **transportation**. The nearest significant medical facilities, including hospitals and specialized clinics, are located in neighboring towns and cities, necessitating travel. This reality underscores the importance of reliable **transportation** for managing hypertension, where regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency care are vital.

The most common mode of **transportation** in Kipling is the personal vehicle. The primary roadways serving the area are State Route 78, State Route 13, and County Road 10. Driving times to healthcare facilities vary significantly depending on the destination and traffic conditions. Driving to Zanesville, the nearest city with a hospital (Genesis Hospital), typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the route taken. This involves navigating State Route 78, a winding two-lane road, and then merging onto Interstate 70.

Alternatively, residents might consider traveling to Cambridge, Ohio, which also has a hospital (Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center). This trip usually takes around 40 to 50 minutes, primarily using State Route 13. Both routes present challenges, including potential delays due to weather conditions, particularly during the winter months, and the inherent stress associated with driving, which can exacerbate hypertension symptoms.

Public **transportation** options are limited. The Muskingum County Transit System (MCTS) provides some service, but its routes and schedules are not specifically designed to cater to the needs of residents in Kipling. The MCTS operates on a demand-response basis, meaning riders must schedule their trips in advance. Service availability is often restricted to weekdays and during limited hours. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including those with mobility limitations, is a key consideration. MCTS vehicles are equipped with ADA-compliant features, such as wheelchair lifts, but the advance scheduling requirement can be a significant barrier for individuals needing immediate or unscheduled care.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Zanesville and Cambridge areas, but their presence in Kipling is sporadic. The availability of these services is heavily dependent on driver availability, which can be unreliable, especially during off-peak hours or in adverse weather conditions. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, such as MedTrans, are available, but they are often reserved for patients with specific medical needs, such as those requiring ambulance services or non-emergency medical **transportation** for dialysis or other specialized treatments. These services are typically more expensive than other **transportation** options and may require pre-authorization from insurance providers.

The **transportation** limitations significantly impact **healthcare access** for residents of Kipling managing hypertension. The long travel times, the unreliability of public **transportation**, and the cost and availability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services create barriers to timely and consistent medical care. This can lead to delayed diagnoses, missed appointments, and difficulty in adhering to prescribed treatment plans, potentially resulting in uncontrolled hypertension and increased health risks.

The "Hypertension Score" for Kipling, 43750, reflects these **transportation** challenges. The score considers the following factors:

* **Drive Time to Nearest Hospital:** The average drive time of 30-50 minutes to the nearest hospitals in Zanesville and Cambridge, Ohio.
* **Public **Transportation** Availability:** The limited and demand-response nature of the MCTS service.
* **Ride-Share Reliability:** The sporadic availability of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical **Transportation** Cost:** The higher cost and pre-authorization requirements for medical **transportation** services.
* **Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities:** The ADA compliance of MCTS vehicles.

Based on these factors, the "Hypertension Score" for Kipling, 43750, is considered **moderate to poor**. This assessment highlights the need for improved **transportation** solutions to enhance **healthcare access** for residents managing hypertension.

For individuals considering **moving to Kipling**, this **transportation** analysis is crucial. Prospective residents should carefully assess their **transportation** needs and capabilities, considering the potential challenges of accessing healthcare. Individuals with hypertension should prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities or the availability of reliable **transportation** options when making relocation decisions.

Improving **healthcare access** in Kipling requires a multi-faceted approach. This could include:

* **Expanding Public **Transportation**: Increasing the frequency and coverage of the MCTS service, potentially including dedicated routes or services for medical appointments.
* **Promoting Ride-Sharing**: Collaborating with ride-sharing companies to increase driver availability in the area, perhaps through incentives.
* **Supporting Telehealth**: Encouraging the adoption of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments, particularly for routine check-ups and medication management.
* **Community Partnerships**: Fostering partnerships between healthcare providers, local organizations, and **transportation** providers to coordinate patient **transportation** and support services.
* **Advocacy**: Advocating for policies and funding that support improved **transportation** infrastructure and **healthcare access** in rural communities.

By addressing these challenges, the community can improve the "Hypertension Score" and enhance the well-being of residents in Kipling, ensuring that individuals with hypertension have access to the timely and effective care they need. The ability to navigate the **transportation** landscape is paramount for those managing this chronic condition, making it a crucial factor in their overall health outcomes. This emphasizes the importance of understanding the **transportation** options available and the need for continued efforts to improve **healthcare access** in this rural community.