44818, Bloomville, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 44818, Bloomville, Ohio is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.05 percent of residents in 44818 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.09 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mercy Health - Tiffin Hospital with a distance of 11.95 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Bloomville (44818)

Bloomville, Ohio, nestled within the 44818 ZIP code, presents a unique landscape for individuals managing hypertension. The ability to efficiently access healthcare, particularly for those requiring regular check-ups and medication, is crucial. This write-up analyzes the transportation options available, providing a “Hypertension Score” assessment based on the ease and accessibility of reaching healthcare facilities from various points within the community. This information is invaluable for residents and those considering moving to Bloomville, ensuring informed decisions about their health and well-being.

The foundation of our analysis lies in understanding the primary transportation arteries within and around Bloomville. The most significant thoroughfare is **US Route 224**, a major east-west corridor that connects Bloomville to larger regional hubs. Traveling north-south, **State Route 103** provides another crucial artery, linking the community to surrounding towns. Local roads, such as **Bloomville-Republic Road** and **Township Road 120**, serve as vital connectors, facilitating access to residential areas and local businesses.

**Drive Times and Healthcare Access:**

The most direct route to healthcare facilities often involves personal vehicles. For residents located centrally in Bloomville, a drive to the nearest primary care physician, likely located in a neighboring town like Tiffin or Attica, could take approximately 15-20 minutes. This assumes favorable traffic conditions on **US Route 224** or **State Route 103**. However, peak traffic hours, particularly during the morning and evening commutes, could extend these drive times.

Specialist appointments, such as cardiology or endocrinology consultations, may necessitate travel to larger medical centers in nearby cities like Fremont or Mansfield. These trips could involve a 30-45 minute drive, potentially requiring navigating **US Route 224** and connecting highways. This extended travel time significantly impacts the Hypertension Score, as it increases the burden on individuals managing their condition.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Bloomville are limited. The area is not serviced by a dedicated city bus system. This restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. The absence of readily available public transit presents a considerable challenge for individuals with hypertension, particularly those with mobility limitations or financial constraints.

The lack of public transit severely impacts the Hypertension Score. For individuals reliant on public transportation, healthcare access becomes significantly more complex, potentially leading to missed appointments and inadequate management of their condition.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft may be available in Bloomville, although their availability and reliability can vary. The cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments. The cost of these services can add up quickly, posing a financial burden for individuals managing chronic conditions.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies or specialized non-emergency medical transportation providers, offer another alternative. These services are often designed to transport individuals with medical needs to and from appointments. However, they can be expensive and may require prior scheduling.

**ADA Accessibility Considerations:**

For individuals with disabilities, the availability of accessible transportation is paramount. Public transit, if available, must adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, ensuring accessibility for individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Ride-sharing services also need to provide accessible vehicles upon request.

The absence of accessible public transit and the limited availability of accessible ride-sharing options further decrease the Hypertension Score for individuals with disabilities in Bloomville.

**The Hypertension Score Assessment:**

Considering the factors outlined above, the Hypertension Score for Bloomville (44818) is moderately impacted. The reliance on personal vehicles for healthcare access, coupled with the limited public transit options and the potential cost of ride-sharing or medical transport, creates challenges for individuals managing hypertension.

**Factors Contributing to the Score:**

* **Drive Times:** Moderate drive times to primary care physicians and longer drives to specialist appointments.
* **Public Transit:** Absence of a regular public transit system.
* **Ride-Share:** Availability of ride-sharing services, but potential cost and reliability concerns.
* **Medical Transport:** Availability of medical transport services, but potential cost and scheduling requirements.
* **ADA Accessibility:** Limited options for individuals with disabilities.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

To improve the Hypertension Score and enhance healthcare access for residents of Bloomville, several initiatives could be considered:

* **Advocating for Public Transit:** Exploring the feasibility of establishing a public transit route, even a limited one, that connects Bloomville to nearby healthcare facilities.
* **Partnering with Ride-Share Services:** Negotiating partnerships with ride-sharing companies to offer discounted rates for medical appointments.
* **Expanding Medical Transport Options:** Promoting the availability of medical transport services and exploring ways to reduce their cost.
* **Promoting Telehealth:** Encouraging the adoption of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments, particularly for routine check-ups and medication management.
* **Community Outreach:** Educating residents about available transportation options and resources.

**Conclusion: Moving to Bloomville**

For individuals considering moving to Bloomville, understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access is crucial. While the community offers a pleasant environment, the limited public transit options and reliance on personal vehicles necessitate careful planning, particularly for those managing hypertension. By considering the factors discussed in this write-up, individuals can make informed decisions about their health and well-being, ensuring they can effectively manage their condition and access the care they need. The community could benefit from initiatives that enhance transportation options and improve the Hypertension Score, making Bloomville a more accessible and supportive environment for all residents.