43804, Baltic, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 43804, Baltic, Ohio is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

83.36 percent of residents in 43804 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.97 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Coshocton Regional Medical Center with a distance of 13.56 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Baltic, Ohio (ZIP Code 43804)

The small village of Baltic, Ohio, nestled in the heart of Amish Country, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up explores the "Hypertension Score" for residents of ZIP code 43804, considering the crucial role of transportation in receiving timely and appropriate medical care. This is especially relevant for those considering moving to Baltic, as understanding the logistical hurdles is paramount.

The Hypertension Score, in this context, is a composite metric reflecting the ease with which individuals in Baltic can access essential hypertension-related healthcare services. It considers factors like drive times to medical facilities, availability of public transportation, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport services. This score offers a valuable insight into the potential difficulties faced by residents, especially those with mobility limitations or those relying on alternative transportation methods.

**The Road to Care: Drive Times and Highways**

For most Baltic residents, the primary mode of transportation to healthcare appointments is by personal vehicle. The drive times to medical facilities significantly influence the Hypertension Score. The closest primary care physician offices and pharmacies are located within Baltic itself, offering immediate access to basic services. However, specialized care, such as cardiology, endocrinology, or nephrology, often necessitates travel to larger towns and cities.

The primary highway connecting Baltic to the broader healthcare network is State Route 93. This road provides access to larger towns like Dover (approximately 20-30 minutes) and New Philadelphia (around 30-40 minutes). These towns house hospitals, specialist clinics, and a wider range of medical services. Driving on Route 93 can be relatively straightforward, but traffic can increase during peak hours, potentially impacting travel times.

Another important route is State Route 250, which intersects with Route 93. This route leads to more distant healthcare destinations, including Canton (approximately 1 hour) and Akron (around 1.5 hours). These cities offer tertiary care centers and specialized medical facilities. The longer drive times to these locations, especially in adverse weather conditions, can significantly impact the Hypertension Score, potentially delaying access to critical care.

The condition of the roads is also a factor. While Route 93 is generally well-maintained, secondary roads may experience seasonal deterioration, particularly during winter. This can further complicate transportation for individuals with mobility issues or those driving older vehicles. The ability to navigate these roads safely and reliably is a crucial component of the Hypertension Score.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in and around Baltic are limited. The absence of a comprehensive public transit system presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly those with mobility limitations or those unable to drive due to health conditions. This lack of public transportation severely impacts the Hypertension Score, as it restricts access to healthcare for a vulnerable population.

While there might be limited demand-response services, such as those offered by Tuscarawas County, these services often require advance booking and may have restricted operating hours. This can make it difficult to schedule timely appointments or access emergency care. The lack of readily available public transportation is a major barrier to healthcare access for many Baltic residents.

The absence of fixed-route bus services, with ADA-accessible features, further compounds the problem. The absence of accessible transit options is a major concern for individuals with disabilities, making it even more difficult to attend medical appointments and manage their hypertension effectively.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability in Baltic is often limited. Response times can be unpredictable, and the cost of these services can be prohibitive for some residents. The reliance on ride-sharing, especially for regular appointments, can strain household budgets and impact the overall Hypertension Score.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies or specialized medical transportation providers, offer a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation options. These services are particularly important for those requiring dialysis, chemotherapy, or other specialized treatments. However, the cost of medical transport can be substantial, and the availability of these services may be limited, especially for non-emergency appointments.

The availability and affordability of medical transport services significantly impact the Hypertension Score. Delays in accessing necessary care due to transportation limitations can exacerbate health conditions and negatively affect overall well-being. The ability to secure reliable and affordable medical transport is essential for managing hypertension effectively.

**Impact on the Hypertension Score: A Complex Equation**

The Hypertension Score for Baltic residents is a complex equation, influenced by various factors. The primary challenges are the limited public transportation options, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential for long drive times to access specialized care. The availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services also play a crucial role.

Individuals considering moving to Baltic, especially those with pre-existing health conditions like hypertension, should carefully assess the transportation options available. They should consider the potential costs associated with transportation, the accessibility of medical facilities, and the availability of support services.

The lack of readily available and affordable transportation significantly lowers the Hypertension Score. This can lead to delayed appointments, missed medications, and potential complications. The ability to consistently and reliably access healthcare services is paramount for effective hypertension management.

**Recommendations and Conclusion: Enhancing Healthcare Access**

Improving the Hypertension Score for Baltic residents requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in public transportation, even if it’s a demand-response system, could significantly improve healthcare access. Partnering with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also provide a valuable solution.

Promoting awareness of available medical transport services and exploring options for financial assistance could also help alleviate the burden on residents. The development of telehealth services, including remote monitoring and virtual consultations, could further mitigate the impact of transportation limitations.

The challenges of healthcare access in Baltic, Ohio, are intrinsically linked to the availability and accessibility of transportation. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving the Hypertension Score and ensuring that all residents, regardless of their mobility or financial situation, can receive the timely and appropriate medical care they need. This is particularly important for those contemplating moving to Baltic, as a thorough understanding of these logistical factors is vital for a healthy and fulfilling life in the community.