15635, Hannastown, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 15635, Hannastown, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 15635 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.79 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Excela Health Westmoreland Regional Hospital with a distance of 4.75 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Hannastown (ZIP Code 15635)

Considering a move to Hannastown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15635)? This analysis provides a "Hypertension Score," a personalized assessment of healthcare access, specifically focusing on managing hypertension. The score considers transportation options, a critical factor for individuals with this condition, as regular medical appointments and easy pharmacy access are paramount. This write-up delves into drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility for potential residents.

The "Hypertension Score" is not a numerical value but a qualitative assessment. It reflects the ease or difficulty of accessing essential healthcare services, including primary care physicians, cardiologists, pharmacies, and emergency care, based on the available transportation options. A higher score indicates greater ease of access, while a lower score suggests potential challenges.

Hannastown, a charming community, is nestled within Westmoreland County. Its location, while offering a peaceful lifestyle, presents unique transportation considerations. The primary arteries for vehicular travel are Interstate 70 (I-70), Pennsylvania Route 119 (PA-119), and local roads like Hannastown Road and Old Route 119. These roadways directly impact healthcare access, as drive times to medical facilities are crucial for individuals managing hypertension.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

For residents in Hannastown, the closest major hospital is Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, approximately 6 miles away. Driving time varies depending on traffic, typically ranging from 10 to 20 minutes. Accessing the hospital involves navigating PA-119 or using local roads to reach US-30, then connecting to PA-819, which leads directly to the hospital.

Specialist care, such as cardiology appointments, may necessitate travel to Pittsburgh, roughly 35 miles away. This journey involves utilizing I-70 West, which connects to I-76 (the Pennsylvania Turnpike), or PA-30, which provides a more direct route. Travel time to Pittsburgh can range from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic and the destination within the city.

Pharmacies, essential for hypertension medication refills, are readily available in Greensburg and surrounding areas. Drive times to pharmacies are generally short, typically under 10 minutes, offering convenient access to prescription medications.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation in Hannastown is provided by the Westmoreland Transit Authority (WTA). However, service frequency and route coverage are limited, presenting challenges for those relying on public transit for healthcare access.

WTA Route 2, serving the Greensburg area, offers a potential option. However, the route's frequency may not align with the needs of individuals requiring regular medical appointments. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations. Prospective residents should confirm the availability of accessible services and the frequency of Route 2 to assess its suitability.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in the Hannastown area, offering an alternative transportation option. Ride-sharing provides on-demand access to healthcare facilities, but costs can accumulate with frequent use.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for individuals with healthcare needs, are also available. These services, such as MedTrans and others, offer specialized transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and assistance from trained personnel. Medical transport services provide a crucial lifeline for those unable to drive or utilize public transportation.

**Assessing the "Hypertension Score":**

The "Hypertension Score" for Hannastown, considering the available transportation options, leans towards a moderate level of healthcare access. While the proximity to Greensburg and its healthcare facilities offers convenience, the limited public transit options and reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services present potential challenges.

The ease of access to pharmacies and primary care physicians in Greensburg is a positive factor. However, the longer drive times to specialist care in Pittsburgh and the potential reliance on ride-sharing services or medical transport for those without personal vehicles could impact the score.

**Factors to Consider When Moving to Hannastown:**

Individuals with hypertension considering a move to Hannastown should carefully assess their transportation needs. Owning a personal vehicle provides the most reliable access to healthcare services. If relying on public transit, the WTA Route 2 schedule and ADA accessibility should be thoroughly investigated.

Ride-sharing services offer a convenient alternative, but the associated costs should be factored into the budget. Medical transportation services provide a critical option for those with mobility limitations or those unable to drive.

**Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective:**

Hannastown offers a pleasant living environment. However, when assessing healthcare access for individuals with hypertension, a nuanced perspective is essential. The "Hypertension Score" highlights the importance of transportation in managing this condition.

While the proximity to Greensburg and its healthcare facilities is advantageous, the limited public transit options and the potential reliance on ride-sharing services or medical transport require careful consideration. Prospective residents should thoroughly research transportation options and assess their individual needs to ensure they can effectively manage their hypertension and maintain their health. The decision to move to Hannastown should be informed by a realistic understanding of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access.