45894, Venedocia, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 45894, Venedocia, Ohio is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.69 percent of residents in 45894 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.40 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ridgeview Hospital with a distance of 7.99 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 45894 (Venedocia, Ohio)**

Assessing healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension, necessitates a nuanced understanding of transportation options. This write-up analyzes the commute to healthcare facilities within and surrounding ZIP Code 45894, Venedocia, Ohio, offering a "Hypertension Score" based on transportation accessibility. This is crucial for those considering moving to Venedocia, where reliable healthcare access directly impacts quality of life.

The "Hypertension Score" considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-share options, and medical transport services. Each element is weighted based on its impact on timely and convenient healthcare access. A higher score indicates better accessibility, while a lower score suggests significant transportation challenges. This analysis focuses on facilities capable of managing hypertension, including primary care physicians, specialists, and pharmacies.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure**

Venedocia, a small village in Van Wert County, Ohio, relies heavily on personal vehicles for transportation. The primary road arteries are US Route 224 and State Route 118. Traveling to Van Wert, the county seat, is a frequent necessity for healthcare. Drive times to Van Wert Health, the primary hospital, are generally under 15 minutes via US-224. This quick commute contributes positively to the "Hypertension Score."

However, the reliance on personal vehicles presents challenges. Rural roads, while generally well-maintained, can be affected by inclement weather, potentially extending travel times during winter or heavy rain. Accessing specialized care in larger cities like Lima (approximately 30 miles) requires a longer commute, typically around 45 minutes via US-30 and I-75. This longer travel time impacts the "Hypertension Score" negatively, especially for those requiring frequent specialist appointments.

**Public Transit Options**

Public transportation options within ZIP Code 45894 are extremely limited. Van Wert County doesn’t operate a comprehensive public transit system. This lack of public transportation significantly detracts from the "Hypertension Score," creating a barrier for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle.

The nearest public transit options are likely in larger cities like Lima. However, the distance and lack of direct routes make this an impractical solution for routine healthcare appointments. This absence of public transit is a major consideration for anyone moving to Venedocia and managing hypertension.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Services**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, although their reliability and availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas. The "Hypertension Score" benefits slightly from the existence of ride-share options, but their practicality for regular healthcare appointments is questionable.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) within the region. These services are designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. While these services enhance the "Hypertension Score," they often require advance booking and may have associated costs, which could impact affordability for some residents.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Several medical transport brands operate in the region, including but not limited to:

* **First Call Medical Transportation:** Provides non-emergency medical transportation services.
* **CareRide:** Offers transportation services for individuals with mobility challenges.
* **Van Wert County Council on Aging:** Offers transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

These services can be invaluable for individuals with hypertension who lack other transportation options. However, the availability and cost of these services must be factored into the overall "Hypertension Score."

**Pharmacies and Healthcare Facilities**

Access to pharmacies is a critical component of managing hypertension. Venedocia has limited pharmacy options. Residents typically travel to Van Wert for prescription refills and other pharmaceutical needs. This necessitates a short drive, which positively impacts the "Hypertension Score."

Van Wert Health provides primary care services and specialists. Accessing these services within a reasonable drive time enhances the "Hypertension Score." However, the availability of specialized cardiology services may require travel to larger cities, which negatively affects the score.

**ADA Accessibility**

When considering public transit, ADA accessibility is a major factor. However, given the lack of public transit in the immediate area, this is not a major consideration. For ride-share and medical transport services, ADA accessibility should be confirmed prior to booking. Van Wert Health and other healthcare facilities are typically ADA compliant.

**The "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 45894**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 45894 is moderate. The score is positively influenced by the relatively short drive times to Van Wert for primary care and pharmacy access. However, the absence of public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services significantly detract from the score. The availability of medical transport services provides a crucial safety net, but the associated costs and booking requirements must be considered.

**Conclusion: Transportation and Healthcare Access in Venedocia**

For individuals managing hypertension, the availability and reliability of transportation are paramount. While Venedocia offers reasonable access to primary care and pharmacies, the lack of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles or specialized transport services pose challenges. Anyone moving to Venedocia should carefully assess their transportation needs and consider the availability of medical transport services. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a valuable tool for understanding the transportation landscape and making informed decisions about healthcare access in this rural Ohio community.