15478, Smithfield, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 15478, Smithfield, Pennsylvania is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.22 percent of residents in 15478 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.09 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Uniontown Hospital with a distance of 7.85 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Smithfield, PA (ZIP Code 15478)

The journey to managing hypertension, a silent threat impacting millions, often begins with understanding the barriers to healthcare access. For residents of Smithfield, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15478), this understanding is crucial. This write-up assesses the "Hypertension Score" – a composite measure reflecting the ease with which individuals can reach essential medical services, specifically focusing on transportation options. This analysis considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a detailed picture of healthcare access for those living in or considering moving to Smithfield.

Smithfield, nestled in Fayette County, presents a unique challenge. Its rural character influences transportation options, making healthcare access a complex equation. The Hypertension Score will help gauge the degree to which residents can readily obtain the medical attention needed to manage their condition. This score will be a valuable tool for both current residents and those contemplating a move to the area.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries of Healthcare**

The primary mode of transportation in Smithfield is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. Access to healthcare often hinges on the efficiency of the local road network. The primary route connecting Smithfield to the nearest significant medical facilities is generally via **US Route 119** and **PA Route 201**.

Driving to Uniontown Hospital, the closest major hospital, typically involves a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Smithfield. This drive is primarily on **US Route 119 South**, a two-lane highway. During peak hours, traffic congestion can extend travel times.

For specialized care or access to larger facilities, residents may need to travel to Morgantown, West Virginia, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The drive to Morgantown, home to WVU Medicine, is approximately 45-60 minutes via **US Route 119 South** and **I-68 West**. This journey involves navigating a combination of highways and interstate routes.

Reaching Pittsburgh, with its diverse healthcare options, is a more significant undertaking. The trip, usually requiring 1.5 to 2 hours, involves traversing **PA Route 43 South** and connecting to the **Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76)**. This longer drive necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

**Public Transit: A Limited Reach**

Public transportation options in Smithfield are limited, significantly impacting the Hypertension Score. The Fayette County Transportation Authority (FCTA) provides some bus services within the county. However, routes serving Smithfield are infrequent, and the service area is limited.

The FCTA's routes, if any, that serve Smithfield, likely have limited ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility. This means that individuals with mobility challenges may face significant difficulties using public transit. Furthermore, the schedules often do not align well with medical appointments, necessitating careful planning and potentially lengthy wait times.

The lack of robust public transit options underscores the challenges faced by residents without access to a personal vehicle. This deficiency significantly lowers the Hypertension Score for those reliant on public transportation for healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Smithfield, but their presence is not as widespread as in more urban areas. Availability can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability can pose a significant barrier to accessing timely medical care.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like MedRide and others provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for individuals requiring assistance. These services can be crucial for those who cannot drive or do not have access to other transportation options. However, NEMT services often require advance booking and can be costly, potentially limiting their accessibility for some residents.

**The Hypertension Score: A Composite Assessment**

The Hypertension Score for Smithfield, PA (ZIP Code 15478) reflects the interplay of these transportation factors. The score considers drive times, the limitations of public transit, the availability of ride-sharing, and the cost and availability of medical transport.

Based on this analysis, the Hypertension Score for Smithfield is moderately low. While residents with personal vehicles have reasonable access to healthcare facilities, the lack of robust public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services create significant challenges for those without personal transportation.

**Implications for Moving to Smithfield**

For individuals considering moving to Smithfield, the Hypertension Score is a critical factor. Those with hypertension or other chronic health conditions should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and access to healthcare services.

Before making a move, prospective residents should:

* Confirm the availability and reliability of ride-sharing services in the area.
* Investigate the availability and cost of medical transport services.
* Assess the proximity of healthcare providers and the ease of driving to appointments.
* Consider the potential impact of traffic and weather conditions on travel times.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

Managing hypertension requires consistent access to medical care. Understanding the transportation landscape in Smithfield is vital for ensuring that residents can readily obtain the care they need. The Hypertension Score serves as a valuable tool for assessing this access, highlighting the challenges and informing decisions about healthcare and transportation. Moving to Smithfield presents unique opportunities and challenges, and a thorough understanding of healthcare access is essential for making an informed decision.