15313, Beallsville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 15313, Beallsville, Pennsylvania is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

33.54 percent of residents in 15313 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.74 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Mon Valley with a distance of 9.88 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Beallsville (ZIP Code 15313)

The decision to relocate, particularly to a rural community like Beallsville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15313), often involves a complex interplay of factors. For individuals managing hypertension, or those predisposed to it, the accessibility of healthcare becomes paramount. This write-up provides a "Hypertension Score" assessment, evaluating the ease with which residents of Beallsville can access essential medical services, focusing on transportation options and their impact on timely healthcare access.

Beallsville, nestled in Washington County, presents unique challenges to healthcare access. Its relative isolation necessitates careful consideration of transportation infrastructure. The absence of a local hospital or specialized clinics means residents must rely on external resources, primarily located in nearby towns and cities. This geographic reality significantly influences the "Hypertension Score."

**Drive-Time Dynamics:**

The primary mode of transportation for Beallsville residents is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. Assessing drive times to relevant healthcare facilities forms the cornerstone of our analysis. The nearest comprehensive medical center, Washington Hospital, is approximately a 25- to 35-minute drive, depending on traffic and the chosen route.

The most direct route involves utilizing **Pennsylvania Route 26** (also known as Main Street in Beallsville) and then merging onto **Interstate 70 West**. This highway offers a relatively smooth and efficient passage, but traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can extend travel times. Alternative routes, such as taking **PA-26** to **US-40 West** and then connecting to **I-70 West**, might offer some relief from traffic, but could also add distance and time to the journey.

Specialist appointments, such as cardiology consultations or endocrinology visits, might necessitate travel further afield. Pittsburgh, approximately an hour to an hour and a half away depending on traffic, offers a wider range of specialized services. This longer commute significantly impacts the "Hypertension Score," particularly for individuals requiring frequent follow-ups or experiencing acute hypertensive episodes. The primary route to Pittsburgh involves **I-70 West** to **I-79 North** or **I-376 East**.

**Public Transportation Considerations:**

Public transportation options in Beallsville are limited, which significantly impacts the "Hypertension Score." The Washington County Transportation Authority (WCTA) provides some bus service, but its routes are infrequent and primarily serve the immediate Washington County area. Public transportation is not a viable option for most Beallsville residents.

The WCTA offers ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent schedules restrict its utility for healthcare access, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those needing to reach specialized medical facilities outside the immediate county.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability in Beallsville is variable. The rural nature of the community means that wait times for rides can be longer, and surge pricing during peak hours or emergencies could be a factor. This uncertainty further complicates healthcare access, especially for individuals experiencing acute symptoms.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers, are essential for individuals with limited mobility or those requiring assistance. These services are available in the area, but their cost and availability can vary. The response time of emergency services is crucial in managing hypertensive crises, and the distance to the nearest hospital necessitates efficient and reliable ambulance transport.

**Healthcare Access and the "Hypertension Score":**

The "Hypertension Score" for Beallsville residents reflects the challenges inherent in accessing timely and convenient healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the limited public transportation options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services, creates potential barriers.

The distance to the nearest hospital and specialized medical facilities necessitates careful planning and preparation. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and prompt attention to any health concerns become more complicated due to the transportation constraints.

**Moving to Beallsville: A Healthcare Perspective:**

For individuals considering a move to Beallsville, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs is crucial. Those managing hypertension should carefully evaluate the implications of the transportation challenges. Proactive measures, such as establishing a relationship with a local primary care physician and developing a contingency plan for transportation in case of emergencies, are essential.

The "Hypertension Score" for Beallsville is not inherently negative. It simply highlights the need for careful planning and proactive strategies to ensure effective healthcare access. The tranquility and affordability of Beallsville might be attractive, but the transportation limitations must be carefully considered.

**Conclusion:**

The "Hypertension Score" for Beallsville, Pennsylvania, underscores the importance of transportation in healthcare access. While the community offers a peaceful and affordable lifestyle, the distance to medical facilities and the limited transportation options present challenges for individuals managing hypertension. Prospective residents, and current residents, must proactively address these challenges by establishing a strong healthcare network, planning for transportation needs, and understanding the potential impact on their well-being. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a reminder that healthcare access is a multifaceted issue, and informed decision-making is critical for maintaining good health in a rural setting.