15698, Yukon, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 15698, Yukon, Pennsylvania is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

79.52 percent of residents in 15698 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.54 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ahn Emerus Westmoreland, Llc with a distance of 7.92 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Yukon, PA (ZIP Code 15698)

The journey to manage hypertension in Yukon, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15698) is a complex one, intricately woven with the fabric of transportation and healthcare access. This assessment, designed to provide a "Hypertension Score," will analyze the available options for residents, considering factors like drive times, public transit, and ride-sharing services. The ultimate goal is to understand the ease – or difficulty – of accessing vital medical care, a critical component in controlling high blood pressure. The score will reflect the accessibility and practicality of transportation choices.

The primary mode of transportation for many Yukon residents is the personal vehicle. The town's location, nestled amidst rolling hills and farmlands, necessitates reliance on roadways. The most direct route to healthcare facilities often involves navigating **Pennsylvania Route 30** (Lincoln Highway), a major east-west artery. Drive times to nearby hospitals and clinics can vary significantly depending on traffic, weather conditions, and the specific destination.

For instance, a trip to Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, a major regional healthcare provider, might take approximately 20-30 minutes under optimal conditions. However, during peak hours, particularly on weekdays, the commute along Route 30 can extend considerably. Other healthcare facilities located further afield, such as UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh, would require a longer drive, potentially exceeding an hour, primarily utilizing **Interstate 376** (Parkway East) and the **Pennsylvania Turnpike** (Interstate 76).

The condition of local roads, including **Yukon Road**, **Ruffsdale Road**, and **South Huntingdon Road**, can also impact drive times. Potholes, narrow lanes, and limited visibility, especially during inclement weather, can add to the travel time and increase the risk of accidents. The availability of parking at healthcare facilities is another consideration, particularly in urban areas like Greensburg and Pittsburgh.

Public transportation options in Yukon are limited, posing a significant challenge for individuals without access to a personal vehicle. The Westmoreland County Transit Authority (WCTA) provides bus service, but routes and schedules are often infrequent, particularly in rural areas. The specific routes serving Yukon and their frequency must be carefully examined to determine their viability for healthcare access.

The WCTA operates a limited number of routes that might serve the area, but their frequency and coverage may not be sufficient for regular medical appointments. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial factor, ensuring that individuals with mobility impairments can utilize public transit. Detailed information on route numbers, schedules, and ADA accessibility is essential for evaluating the practicality of public transportation for hypertension management.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option, but their availability and cost can vary. The presence of these services in Yukon and the surrounding areas needs to be confirmed. Ride-sharing can be a convenient option for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle, but the cost can be a barrier for some, especially for frequent medical appointments.

The cost of ride-sharing services can fluctuate based on demand, time of day, and distance traveled. The reliability of these services, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, is another important consideration. The availability of ride-sharing services for individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair accessibility, is a critical factor in determining their suitability for healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients requiring assistance, offer another avenue for accessing healthcare. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. The availability of medical transportation services in Yukon and the surrounding areas, along with their associated costs and eligibility requirements, needs to be investigated.

Medical transportation services can be a valuable resource for individuals with limited mobility or those who require specialized medical attention during transport. The types of medical transportation services available, such as wheelchair-accessible vans or stretcher transport, should be considered. The insurance coverage for medical transportation services is another important factor to assess.

The "Hypertension Score" for Yukon will reflect the overall ease of accessing healthcare, considering the various transportation options. A higher score would indicate greater accessibility, with shorter drive times, frequent public transit, and readily available ride-sharing or medical transportation services. A lower score would indicate challenges in accessing healthcare, with longer drive times, limited public transit, and a lack of readily available alternative transportation options.

The score will incorporate the following factors: average drive times to nearby healthcare facilities, frequency and accessibility of public transit routes, availability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transportation options. The score will also consider the impact of road conditions, traffic congestion, and weather conditions on transportation times.

This "Hypertension Score" is a dynamic assessment. Factors like new transportation services, changes in public transit routes, and the opening of new healthcare facilities can influence the score over time. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access for residents of Yukon, Pennsylvania.

For individuals considering moving to Yukon, this assessment provides critical information about the challenges and opportunities associated with accessing healthcare. Understanding the transportation landscape is essential for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. The availability of reliable and affordable transportation is a crucial factor in maintaining good health and quality of life.