15437, Farmington, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 15437, Farmington, Pennsylvania is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

85.02 percent of residents in 15437 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.95 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Uniontown Hospital with a distance of 10.87 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Farmington, PA (ZIP Code 15437)

Considering a move to Farmington, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15437)? This write-up provides a detailed "Hypertension Score" analysis, focusing on transportation options and healthcare access, specifically for individuals managing hypertension. This score considers the challenges and opportunities in reaching medical care, crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health. The goal is to illuminate the realities of healthcare accessibility in this rural community, empowering informed decisions.

Farmington, nestled in the heart of Fayette County, presents unique transportation challenges. The landscape, characterized by rolling hills and winding roads, influences travel times and available modes of transport. Understanding these factors is essential for residents managing hypertension, who require consistent and reliable access to medical appointments, medications, and potentially emergency care.

The primary mode of transportation in and around Farmington is undoubtedly personal vehicles. The primary arteries for travel are **Route 40 (National Pike)**, a historic highway connecting the area to Uniontown and beyond, and **Route 381**, which meanders through the scenic countryside. These roads, while offering direct access, can be subject to traffic, particularly during peak hours and inclement weather, impacting drive times.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical component of the Hypertension Score. The closest major healthcare hub is Uniontown, approximately 15-20 minutes away via Route 40. Within Uniontown, Uniontown Hospital offers comprehensive services, including cardiology and internal medicine, vital for hypertension management. Specialty clinics and physician offices are also located in Uniontown, adding to the accessibility of healthcare options.

Further afield, Morgantown, West Virginia, is roughly an hour's drive via Route 40 West and I-68. This city boasts West Virginia University Medicine, a larger medical center with a wider range of specialists. The longer drive time necessitates careful planning, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or who require frequent appointments.

Public transportation options are limited in Farmington. The Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation (FACT) offers bus services throughout Fayette County. However, routes are infrequent and may not directly serve all healthcare facilities. Furthermore, access to these buses can be challenging for individuals with mobility issues, as ADA-compliant features may be limited on some routes.

For example, a potential route might involve the **FACT Route 10** to Uniontown, with transfers potentially needed to reach specific healthcare providers. It is crucial to verify the bus schedules and ADA accessibility details (ramp availability, priority seating) with FACT directly. The irregular schedule and potential for transfers can significantly increase travel time and stress, impacting the Hypertension Score negatively.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, though their availability may be less reliable than in more urban environments. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments. The presence of ride-sharing, however, provides an alternative for those without personal transportation or who require immediate assistance.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), play a crucial role in healthcare access. Fayette County is served by several ambulance companies, including those associated with Uniontown Hospital. NEMT providers, such as **Medical Transportation Management (MTM)** or local private companies, offer transportation for non-emergency medical appointments. These services are particularly important for individuals with mobility issues or those who cannot drive.

The availability and responsiveness of these services are essential for the Hypertension Score. Delays in medical transport can have serious consequences for individuals with hypertension, especially during emergencies.

The Hypertension Score also considers the availability of pharmacies and medication access. Several pharmacies are located in Uniontown, offering prescription refills and medication management services. Access to these pharmacies is crucial for medication adherence, a cornerstone of hypertension management. The drive time to these pharmacies and the availability of mail-order prescriptions are factors in the score.

The overall score will be affected by the availability of resources. A higher score indicates better healthcare access, lower travel times, and more reliable transportation options. Conversely, a lower score reflects challenges in reaching healthcare facilities, potentially impacting the ability to manage hypertension effectively.

For individuals considering moving to Farmington, careful consideration of these factors is essential. While the area offers a peaceful lifestyle, the challenges of transportation and healthcare access must be weighed against the benefits.

Before moving, prospective residents should:

* **Research the availability of healthcare providers** accepting new patients.
* **Investigate transportation options** and their associated costs and limitations.
* **Assess their ability to drive** or rely on family members for transportation.
* **Explore the availability of medical transportation services** and their coverage.
* **Consider the proximity of pharmacies** and the ease of medication refills.

The Hypertension Score serves as a valuable tool for informed decision-making. It is not a definitive judgment but a framework for evaluating the realities of healthcare access in Farmington. By understanding the transportation landscape and healthcare resources, individuals can make informed choices that support their health and well-being.

Moving to Farmington requires thoughtful planning. The beauty of the area is undeniable, but the challenges of healthcare access are real. Careful consideration of transportation, healthcare access, and personal needs is paramount. This assessment provides a foundation for making informed decisions about moving to Farmington and managing hypertension effectively.