45150, Milford, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 45150, Milford, Ohio is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.47 percent of residents in 45150 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.77 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bethesda North with a distance of 7.38 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Milford, Ohio (ZIP Code 45150)

The journey to manage hypertension within Milford, Ohio (ZIP code 45150), is a complex interplay of personal health, available resources, and the often-overlooked factor of *transportation*. Understanding the landscape of *healthcare access* in this community, particularly concerning the challenges of reaching medical appointments, is crucial for residents and those *moving to Milford*. This write-up provides a "Hypertension Score" assessment, evaluating the ease and efficiency of accessing healthcare services related to hypertension management.

The score considers various *transportation* options, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, alongside the proximity of healthcare facilities. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for individuals living with hypertension in Milford.

The foundation of our assessment begins with the reality of driving. Milford, nestled within the Cincinnati metropolitan area, offers a network of roads and highways. The primary artery for east-west travel is **State Route 28 (SR-28)**, a busy thoroughfare often subject to traffic congestion, especially during peak commuting hours. Traveling east on SR-28 towards the Clermont County area, or west towards Cincinnati, can significantly impact drive times.

Another critical route is **Interstate 275 (I-275)**, the outer loop encircling Cincinnati. While offering faster travel, accessing I-275 from Milford can involve navigating local roads like **Milford Parkway** or **Main Street**, adding to the overall travel time. During rush hour, these connecting roads can become bottlenecks, further complicating *healthcare access*.

For those without personal vehicles, public transit presents an alternative. The **Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA)**, operating under the brand **Metro**, serves the Cincinnati area, including Milford. However, public transit availability can be a major consideration. Several Metro routes service Milford, including routes like the **24 (Eastgate-Downtown)** and the **78 (Milford-Downtown)**.

These routes, while offering a vital service, may not always be the most convenient or efficient for medical appointments. The frequency of service, particularly during off-peak hours and weekends, can be limited. Furthermore, while Metro buses are designed with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility, including ramps and designated seating, the overall travel time, including waiting and transfer times, can be substantial. This can be especially challenging for individuals with mobility issues or those experiencing hypertension-related symptoms.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, provide another *transportation* option. Their availability in Milford is generally good, offering on-demand access to *healthcare access*. However, the cost of ride-sharing can quickly accumulate, particularly with frequent medical appointments. This financial burden can create a barrier for some individuals, particularly those with limited incomes or fixed budgets.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, are also available. These services, often provided by companies like **CareRide** or local ambulance services, cater to individuals requiring assistance with mobility or those unable to drive themselves. While these services offer a valuable lifeline, they typically require pre-booking and can be more expensive than other *transportation* options.

The proximity of healthcare facilities is another crucial factor. Milford boasts several medical providers, including primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care clinics. The **Mercy Health - Milford Hospital** is a significant healthcare provider within the community, offering a range of services, including cardiology and internal medicine, which are essential for hypertension management.

However, even with local healthcare options, travel to specialists or more comprehensive medical facilities in the greater Cincinnati area may be necessary. This necessitates navigating the highway system or utilizing public transit, adding to the time and effort required for *healthcare access*.

The "Hypertension Score" for Milford, Ohio (45150) is therefore a nuanced assessment. While the community offers a range of *transportation* options and local healthcare providers, several factors impact *healthcare access*. Driving times can be affected by traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Public transit, while available, may have limited frequency and longer travel times. Ride-sharing and medical transport services offer alternatives but come with associated costs.

The overall score reflects a moderate level of *healthcare access* for individuals managing hypertension. The availability of local healthcare providers is a positive factor. However, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing or medical transport can create challenges.

For individuals *moving to Milford*, understanding these *transportation* considerations is essential. Careful planning, including considering proximity to healthcare facilities, exploring public transit routes, and budgeting for ride-sharing or medical transport, is crucial for successful hypertension management. Proactive strategies, such as scheduling appointments during off-peak hours, utilizing telehealth options where possible, and seeking support from local community resources, can further improve *healthcare access* and promote optimal health outcomes.