The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 15474, Point Marion, Pennsylvania is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
57.14 percent of residents in 15474 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 Uniontown Hospital with a distance of 13.89 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 15474, Point Marion, Pennsylvania
Hypertension Score | 50 |
---|---|
People Score | 57 |
Provider Score | 40 |
Hospital Score | 38 |
Travel Score | 57 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 15474 | Point Marion | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 0.64 | 0.64 | 5.04 |
1 Car | 14.06 | 14.06 | 21.45 |
2 Cars | 41.63 | 41.63 | 41.29 |
3 or More Cars | 43.67 | 43.67 | 32.22 |
Vehicular Access in 15474, Point Marion, Pennsylvania
## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Point Marion, PA (ZIP Code 15474)
Point Marion, Pennsylvania, nestled along the Monongahela River, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for its residents, particularly those managing hypertension. This write-up delves into the intricate relationship between transportation and healthcare access within ZIP code 15474, aiming to provide a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" assessment. This score considers the ease of reaching essential medical services, factoring in drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation modalities, all crucial elements for individuals seeking to effectively manage their health.
The primary concern for residents of Point Marion is the relative isolation from specialized medical care. The nearest hospitals and specialized clinics are located in Morgantown, West Virginia, or Uniontown, Pennsylvania, necessitating careful consideration of transportation options. The "Hypertension Score" will reflect the complexity of navigating these distances, acknowledging the impact on medication adherence, regular check-ups, and overall well-being.
**Driving the Distance: Highways and Roadways**
For those with access to a personal vehicle, the most direct route to Morgantown, WV, is via PA-166 South, which quickly merges onto US-119 South. This drive, approximately 25 miles, typically takes around 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. The roads are generally well-maintained, but winter weather can significantly impact travel times, potentially adding an hour or more to the journey.
Alternatively, reaching Uniontown, PA, involves a drive of approximately 30 miles, taking around 45-60 minutes, primarily utilizing PA-166 North and US-40 East. This route presents a slightly different set of challenges, with sections of winding roads and potential congestion in the Uniontown area. These variations in drive times will influence the "Hypertension Score," highlighting the potential for delays and the need for careful planning.
The "Hypertension Score" will consider the financial implications of driving, including fuel costs and vehicle maintenance. For individuals on fixed incomes, these expenses can represent a significant burden, potentially impacting their ability to access healthcare. The score will also acknowledge the physical demands of driving, particularly for elderly individuals or those with mobility limitations, who may find the journeys physically taxing.
**Public Transit: A Limited Option**
Public transportation options in Point Marion are extremely limited. The primary provider, the Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation (FACT), offers bus services, but these are not extensive and may not directly serve all desired destinations. Route schedules are infrequent, and the routes themselves may not align with the specific needs of individuals requiring regular medical appointments.
Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for individuals with disabilities. While FACT strives to provide accessible services, the limited frequency of these buses and the potential for long wait times can present significant challenges. The "Hypertension Score" will reflect the inadequacy of public transit, emphasizing the need for alternative transportation solutions. The score will also consider the potential for increased stress associated with navigating an unreliable public transit system, which can negatively impact blood pressure control.
**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**
Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not consistent. Availability can vary depending on the time of day and the demand, making it difficult to rely on these services for scheduled medical appointments. The "Hypertension Score" will reflect the uncertainty associated with ride-sharing services, acknowledging the potential for delays and the higher cost compared to public transit.
Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more reliable option. Several companies operate in the region, including MedTrans and First Transit. These services often provide door-to-door transportation and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, the cost of medical transport can be substantial, potentially limiting access for those with financial constraints. The "Hypertension Score" will consider the availability and affordability of medical transport, recognizing its importance in ensuring healthcare access.
**The "Hypertension Score" Methodology: A Holistic Approach**
The "Hypertension Score" for Point Marion, PA (15474) will be a composite score, incorporating various factors to provide a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access. The score will be based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing the most difficult access and 10 representing the easiest access.
* **Drive Time:** This factor will consider the average drive times to the nearest hospitals and specialized clinics, weighted by the frequency of required appointments. Longer drive times will negatively impact the score.
* **Public Transit Availability:** This factor will assess the frequency, routes, and ADA accessibility of public transit options. Limited and unreliable public transit will negatively impact the score.
* **Ride-Share Reliability:** This factor will evaluate the availability and consistency of ride-sharing services. Inconsistent availability will negatively impact the score.
* **Medical Transport Affordability:** This factor will assess the cost of medical transport services and their accessibility to low-income individuals. High costs will negatively impact the score.
* **Financial Burden:** This factor will consider the overall financial impact of transportation costs, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and ride-sharing or medical transport fees. A higher financial burden will negatively impact the score.
* **Stress Levels:** This factor will consider the potential for stress associated with navigating transportation options, particularly for individuals with hypertension. High stress levels will negatively impact the score.
**Moving to Point Marion: A Healthcare Perspective**
Individuals considering moving to Point Marion, PA, should carefully consider the challenges associated with healthcare access. The "Hypertension Score" provides a valuable tool for assessing the feasibility of managing hypertension in this location. Prospective residents should be prepared for potential transportation difficulties, and carefully evaluate their individual needs and resources.
For those with hypertension, prioritizing proximity to healthcare facilities or ensuring access to reliable transportation is crucial. Exploring options such as medical transport services or building a strong support network to assist with transportation needs can significantly improve healthcare access.
**Conclusion: A Call to Action**
The "Hypertension Score" for Point Marion, PA (15474) is likely to be relatively low due to the limited transportation options and the distance to healthcare facilities. This score underscores the need for community initiatives to improve healthcare access, such as expanding public transit routes, promoting ride-sharing programs, and providing financial assistance for medical transportation.
By understanding the complexities of transportation and healthcare access, residents can make informed decisions about their health and well-being. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a valuable tool for assessing the challenges and opportunities of living in Point Marion, PA, and provides a framework for advocating for improved healthcare access within the community.
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