43812, Coshocton, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 43812, Coshocton, Ohio is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.20 percent of residents in 43812 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Coshocton Regional Medical Center with a distance of 1.02 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Coshocton (ZIP Code 43812)

Coshocton, Ohio, nestled along the confluence of the Muskingum and Tuscarawas Rivers, offers a tranquil lifestyle for those considering moving to Coshocton. However, assessing healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension, is crucial. This analysis provides a "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 43812, considering transportation options and their impact on healthcare access. The score isn't a numerical value but a comprehensive evaluation of the challenges and opportunities.

This evaluation focuses on the ability of residents to reach medical facilities for hypertension management. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency care are critical components of effective hypertension control. The analysis considers driving times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, painting a realistic picture of the transportation landscape.

The primary healthcare provider in Coshocton is Coshocton Regional Hospital, located at 311 Highland Drive. This facility is a cornerstone of healthcare access in the area, but the ease of reaching it varies depending on location within the ZIP code and the chosen mode of transportation.

**Driving Dynamics: The Road to Wellness**

For many residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. Driving times to Coshocton Regional Hospital are generally manageable, but they can be affected by traffic, particularly during peak hours and inclement weather. From the southern reaches of the ZIP code, along County Road 277, the drive is typically 10-15 minutes. This journey involves navigating rural roads, requiring drivers to be mindful of speed limits and potential hazards.

From the northern areas, including those along State Route 16, the drive is slightly longer, ranging from 15-20 minutes. This route offers a more direct path to the hospital, but it can experience increased traffic volume, especially during school drop-off and pick-up times. The presence of tractor-trailers on this route also necessitates increased driver vigilance.

Residents living further west, near the junction of State Route 36 and County Road 10, face a slightly longer commute, potentially taking 20-25 minutes. This route involves navigating a combination of rural roads and state highways, requiring drivers to be prepared for varying road conditions.

The condition of the roads themselves plays a crucial role. Regular maintenance and resurfacing efforts are essential to ensure safe and efficient travel. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and poor visibility can all contribute to increased travel times and potential safety hazards, especially for individuals with hypertension who may be more susceptible to stress-related health issues.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public transportation options in Coshocton are limited. The Coshocton County Transit (CCT) provides demand-response services, meaning riders must schedule rides in advance. This system operates within the county, offering a potential solution for those without personal vehicles or unable to drive.

The CCT's routes are not fixed; instead, the service caters to individual needs, picking up and dropping off passengers at specific locations. This flexibility is beneficial for reaching medical appointments, but it requires careful planning and scheduling. The CCT offers ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring individuals with disabilities can access the service.

However, the demand-response nature of the CCT can lead to longer travel times, as the vehicle may need to accommodate multiple passengers with different destinations. This factor can be a significant consideration for individuals with hypertension, who may prefer a more direct route to minimize stress and time spent traveling.

The availability of public transportation is particularly crucial for elderly residents or those with limited mobility. The CCT provides a vital link to healthcare access for these individuals, but its limitations highlight the need for continued investment in public transit infrastructure.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Supplementary Solutions**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not readily available in Coshocton. This lack of options significantly impacts healthcare access for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The absence of these services creates a significant transportation barrier, particularly for individuals needing urgent medical attention or those unable to arrange transportation in advance.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for individuals requiring assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including help with getting in and out of vehicles. However, the availability of medical transport services in Coshocton is limited, and costs can be a significant barrier for some residents.

The lack of readily available ride-sharing services and the limited availability of medical transport options highlight the need for creative solutions to address transportation challenges. Partnerships between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local businesses could help to expand transportation options and improve healthcare access.

**The Hypertension Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 43812 is not a single number but a composite assessment of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. The score reflects the following considerations:

* **Driving Time:** Generally manageable, but subject to traffic and road conditions.
* **Public Transit:** Limited demand-response service, requiring advance planning.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Unavailable.
* **Medical Transport:** Limited availability and potential cost barriers.

This analysis suggests that while healthcare access is available, challenges exist, especially for those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations. The availability of transportation significantly impacts an individual's ability to manage their hypertension effectively.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To improve healthcare access for residents of ZIP Code 43812, several strategies are recommended:

* **Enhance Public Transit:** Increase the frequency and efficiency of the CCT, potentially exploring fixed-route options in high-demand areas.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing:** Advocate for the expansion of ride-sharing services into the area, or encourage local businesses to offer transportation options.
* **Expand Medical Transport:** Increase the availability and affordability of medical transport services.
* **Community Partnerships:** Foster collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local businesses to address transportation needs.
* **Road Infrastructure:** Prioritize road maintenance and improvement projects to ensure safe and efficient travel.

By addressing these challenges and implementing these recommendations, Coshocton can improve healthcare access for all residents, particularly those managing hypertension. Improving the transportation landscape is critical for ensuring that individuals can receive the timely and effective care they need to maintain their health and well-being. This will make moving to Coshocton a more viable option for those who prioritize healthcare access.