15314, Bentleyville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 15314, Bentleyville, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.34 percent of residents in 15314 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.52 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Mon Valley with a distance of 6.01 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Bentleyville (ZIP Code 15314)

Bentleyville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15314), nestled in Washington County, presents a unique landscape for assessing healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up delves into the transportation challenges and opportunities within the area, aiming to establish a “Hypertension Score” reflecting the ease or difficulty residents face in reaching essential medical appointments. The score will be a composite, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transportation services. Our focus is on the practical realities of getting to and from healthcare providers, a crucial factor in controlling and managing hypertension.

The foundation of our analysis lies in understanding the primary transportation arteries servicing Bentleyville. The most direct route for many residents involves navigating **Interstate 70 (I-70)**, a major east-west thoroughfare. Access points are relatively limited, potentially leading to traffic congestion during peak hours. **Route 917** and **Route 40** also serve as critical connectors, providing access to nearby towns and healthcare facilities. However, these roads are often characterized by winding stretches and variable speed limits, adding to the commute time. The condition of the roads, including seasonal maintenance and potential for potholes, further influences the reliability of transportation.

Driving times, a central component of our Hypertension Score, vary significantly depending on the destination and the time of day. For example, a routine appointment at a primary care physician in nearby Washington, PA, might entail a 20-30 minute drive during off-peak hours. However, a specialist visit at a hospital in Pittsburgh, requiring travel on I-70, could easily stretch to an hour or more, especially during rush hour. These extended travel times contribute to stress, a known factor in elevating blood pressure, and can deter individuals from seeking timely medical attention.

Public transportation, a potential solution for those without personal vehicles, presents a more complex picture. The **Washington County Transit Authority (WCTA)** provides bus services, but routes within Bentleyville and to surrounding healthcare facilities are limited. Route 22, for instance, might offer some service, but frequency and coverage may not be sufficient to meet the needs of residents requiring regular medical appointments. Furthermore, the availability of buses equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations, and this must be considered when evaluating the overall accessibility.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation alternative. However, their availability in Bentleyville is not as consistent as in larger metropolitan areas. Surge pricing, a common practice during peak demand, could also make these services cost-prohibitive for some residents, particularly those on fixed incomes. The reliability of these services, especially for scheduled appointments, must be carefully assessed.

Specialized medical transportation services, designed to cater to individuals with specific needs, are a vital component of the healthcare access landscape. Companies like **Care Ride** and **MedRide** are potential options, offering door-to-door service for medical appointments. However, these services often require advance booking and may have limitations in terms of geographic coverage. The cost of these services, often not fully covered by insurance, also presents a significant barrier for some patients.

The integration of these factors is essential to construct a comprehensive Hypertension Score. The score will consider the following key elements: average drive times to common healthcare providers (primary care, specialists, hospitals), frequency and reliability of public transit routes, availability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the accessibility and cost of medical transportation services. Each element will be weighted based on its impact on healthcare access.

For instance, a longer average drive time will negatively impact the score, while a readily available and affordable public transit option will positively influence it. The score will be calibrated to reflect the overall ease or difficulty residents experience in accessing healthcare. A higher score will indicate better healthcare access, while a lower score will highlight significant transportation barriers.

The overall goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing residents of Bentleyville, Pennsylvania, in managing their hypertension. This assessment will inform targeted interventions aimed at improving healthcare access, such as advocating for expanded public transit routes, promoting ride-sharing initiatives, and supporting the availability of affordable medical transportation services.

The impact of transportation on healthcare access extends beyond the physical act of getting to an appointment. It influences patient adherence to treatment plans, the ability to attend follow-up visits, and the overall quality of care. Long commutes, unreliable transportation options, and high transportation costs can lead to missed appointments, delayed diagnoses, and poorer health outcomes. This is especially critical for individuals managing chronic conditions like hypertension, where consistent medical attention is essential.

Moving to Bentleyville, or residing there already, requires careful consideration of these transportation factors. Individuals with hypertension must prioritize healthcare access when choosing a place to live. The Hypertension Score will serve as a valuable tool, providing a snapshot of the transportation environment and helping residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. The score will be updated regularly to reflect changes in transportation infrastructure and service availability, ensuring that it remains a relevant and accurate measure of healthcare access in the community.

In conclusion, the Hypertension Score for Bentleyville (ZIP Code 15314) will be a dynamic assessment of the transportation landscape, designed to inform and empower residents in managing their health. By acknowledging the complexities of transportation and its direct impact on healthcare access, we can work towards building a healthier community for all. The score will serve as a catalyst for positive change, promoting initiatives that improve healthcare access and ultimately contribute to better health outcomes for individuals living with hypertension.