43793, Woodsfield, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 43793, Woodsfield, Ohio is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.44 percent of residents in 43793 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.06 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Barnesville Hospital Association, Inc with a distance of 17.22 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Woodsfield, OH (ZIP Code 43793)

Woodsfield, Ohio, nestled in the rolling hills of Monroe County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. This write-up, a "Hypertension Score" analysis, explores the transportation challenges and opportunities residents face when seeking care for hypertension, a condition requiring consistent management. We’ll consider the realities of moving to Woodsfield, focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access within ZIP code 43793.

The "Hypertension Score" isn't a formal medical metric, but rather a framework to understand the ease or difficulty of accessing essential healthcare services. It considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, and alternative transportation options, all crucial for individuals managing hypertension. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency visits are all impacted by the ability to efficiently reach healthcare providers.

Driving is the primary mode of transportation in Woodsfield. The area's rural nature and limited public transit options make personal vehicles essential. Reaching the nearest major healthcare facilities often involves navigating winding roads and traversing significant distances. The primary arteries serving the area are State Route 7, State Route 26, and State Route 800. Travel times to healthcare facilities in surrounding towns, such as Marietta or Cambridge, can be substantial, especially during peak hours or adverse weather conditions.

For example, a drive to the nearest hospital in Marietta, Memorial Health System, via State Route 7, can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the specific location within Woodsfield. Reaching Cambridge, home to Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center, typically involves a journey of similar duration, utilizing State Route 26 and potentially connecting to I-77. These extended drive times can be a significant barrier for individuals with hypertension, who may experience fatigue, dizziness, or other symptoms that could make driving challenging.

Public transportation options are severely limited in Woodsfield. Monroe County does not have a fixed-route bus system. The availability of public transportation is a critical factor in the "Hypertension Score," as it directly impacts healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. This lack of readily available public transit necessitates reliance on other options, often increasing the complexity and potential cost of accessing healthcare.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available, but their presence in Woodsfield is sporadic and often limited. Availability can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and driver availability. This uncertainty makes ride-sharing an unreliable option for scheduled appointments or urgent medical needs. The cost of ride-sharing services, particularly for longer distances, can also be a significant financial burden, further impacting the "Hypertension Score" and healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, offer a more reliable alternative. Companies like MedTrans or other local providers may offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services typically provide transportation to and from medical appointments, dialysis treatments, and other healthcare-related needs. While these services can be a lifeline for individuals with hypertension, they often require advance booking and can be subject to scheduling limitations and associated costs.

The "Hypertension Score" for Woodsfield is also affected by the availability of local healthcare providers. While Woodsfield has some primary care physicians and clinics, the availability of specialized care, such as cardiology, endocrinology, and nephrology, may be limited. This necessitates travel to larger cities for specialized treatment, further increasing the importance of reliable transportation.

The accessibility of pharmacies is another crucial factor. Ensuring timely access to medication refills is essential for managing hypertension. The location of pharmacies within Woodsfield and the surrounding areas, as well as their operating hours, directly impact the "Hypertension Score." Residents should consider pharmacy locations and their proximity to their homes and primary healthcare providers when assessing their healthcare access.

For individuals considering moving to Woodsfield, understanding the transportation landscape is paramount. The lack of robust public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially expensive ride-sharing services necessitate careful planning. Prospective residents should assess their ability to drive, the availability of reliable transportation options, and the proximity of healthcare providers and pharmacies.

The "Hypertension Score" highlights the importance of proactive healthcare management in Woodsfield. Individuals with hypertension should establish a strong relationship with their primary care physician, develop a medication management plan, and explore all available transportation options. This proactive approach can help mitigate the challenges of healthcare access and ensure consistent care.

The local community plays a vital role in improving the "Hypertension Score." Initiatives to support transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities, such as volunteer driver programs or subsidized transportation services, can significantly enhance healthcare access. Collaboration between healthcare providers, local government, and community organizations is essential to address the transportation barriers faced by residents with hypertension.

In conclusion, the "Hypertension Score" for Woodsfield, OH (ZIP code 43793) reflects the challenges and opportunities associated with accessing healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles, limited public transit, and the potential for long drive times create significant barriers for individuals managing hypertension. However, by understanding the transportation landscape, proactively managing healthcare needs, and supporting community-based solutions, residents of Woodsfield can improve their "Hypertension Score" and ensure access to the essential care they require. Moving to Woodsfield requires careful consideration of these factors to ensure a smooth transition and continued access to vital healthcare services.