15646, Jones Mills, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 15646, Jones Mills, Pennsylvania is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.14 percent of residents in 15646 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.33 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Excela Health - Frick Hospital with a distance of 11.27 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Assessing Healthcare Access in Jones Mills (ZIP Code 15646)

The quiet residential community of Jones Mills, Pennsylvania, nestled within ZIP code 15646, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering healthcare access, particularly for residents managing hypertension. This analysis explores the transportation landscape, crucial for reaching medical appointments, pharmacies, and other essential healthcare services. Understanding these factors allows us to develop a "Hypertension Score" – a metric reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing care, vital for individuals considering moving to Jones Mills or those already residing there.

The cornerstone of healthcare access is reliable transportation. For many residents, this translates to driving. Jones Mills’ location, primarily rural, means the primary mode of transport is personal vehicles. The main thoroughfare connecting Jones Mills to larger population centers and healthcare facilities is **Route 31**. Travel times vary significantly based on traffic and weather conditions, but a drive to the nearest hospitals, such as Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes. This is a critical consideration for individuals with hypertension, who may require frequent check-ups or experience sudden health events.

Other important roadways include **Route 711** and **Route 981**, offering alternative routes, although often winding and potentially slower. These routes provide access to smaller medical offices and pharmacies in nearby towns like Ligonier and Donegal. The condition of these roads, particularly during winter months, can impact travel times and safety, further influencing the Hypertension Score. The ease of navigating these routes, and the availability of parking at healthcare facilities, are essential elements of our assessment.

Public transportation options within ZIP code 15646 are limited. The Westmoreland County Transit Authority (WCTA) provides some bus service, but routes serving Jones Mills are infrequent and may not directly connect to all necessary healthcare locations. Route numbers, schedules, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features are vital data points for our score. Detailed information on WCTA routes, including the frequency of service, the presence of wheelchair lifts, and the availability of real-time tracking, is essential for evaluating the feasibility of public transit for hypertension patients.

The absence of robust public transit highlights the reliance on private transportation. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of these services, and the potential for longer wait times, also impact the Hypertension Score. The reliability and affordability of ride-sharing become crucial considerations for individuals without access to a personal vehicle.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer another avenue for accessing healthcare. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, including those specializing in non-emergency medical transport. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair accessibility. Researching the availability, cost, and service areas of these medical transport brands is vital to our analysis. Evaluating their responsiveness and ability to accommodate appointments is a key factor in the Hypertension Score.

The distance to pharmacies is another vital factor. Accessing medication refills and obtaining necessary prescriptions is crucial for managing hypertension. The availability of pharmacies within Jones Mills, or the proximity to pharmacies in neighboring towns, directly impacts the Hypertension Score. The availability of drive-through pharmacies and home delivery services further enhances accessibility.

For those considering moving to Jones Mills, the availability of healthcare providers within the community, or in nearby towns, is a significant factor. The presence of primary care physicians, cardiologists, and other specialists is essential for comprehensive hypertension management. The ability to schedule timely appointments and the acceptance of various insurance plans are important considerations.

Beyond physical access, the quality of healthcare services is crucial. The Hypertension Score must incorporate data on the quality of care available, including patient satisfaction scores, the availability of specialized programs for hypertension management, and the use of evidence-based practices. This involves reviewing hospital ratings, physician reviews, and data on the prevalence of hypertension control within the local healthcare system.

The analysis must also consider the demographic characteristics of the Jones Mills population. Factors such as age, income, and the prevalence of chronic diseases, including hypertension, influence the healthcare needs of the community. Understanding the specific needs of the population allows for a more tailored and accurate Hypertension Score.

The final Hypertension Score will be a composite metric, incorporating all the factors discussed above. The score will reflect the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare services, specifically for individuals managing hypertension. A higher score indicates better healthcare access, while a lower score suggests significant challenges. This score will serve as a valuable tool for residents, prospective movers, and healthcare providers, providing a clear picture of the healthcare landscape in Jones Mills.

In conclusion, assessing healthcare access in Jones Mills, ZIP code 15646, is a multi-faceted undertaking. The interplay of transportation options, healthcare provider availability, and the quality of care creates a complex picture. This detailed analysis, including specific highway and road names, public transit details, ride-share information, and medical transport brands, provides the foundation for a meaningful Hypertension Score. This score will ultimately inform residents and potential newcomers about the realities of healthcare access in this community, guiding their decisions and promoting better health outcomes.