15715, Big Run, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 15715, Big Run, Pennsylvania is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.27 percent of residents in 15715 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Big Run, PA (ZIP Code 15715)

Choosing a new home, especially in a rural area like Big Run, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15715), involves a complex web of considerations. For individuals managing hypertension, the ease of *healthcare access* becomes paramount. This write-up assesses the *transportation* landscape, crucial for timely medical appointments and medication refills, ultimately contributing to a "Hypertension Score" for prospective residents.

The ZIP code 15715 encompasses Big Run and surrounding communities, a region characterized by rolling hills and a sparse population. This geographic reality significantly impacts *transportation* options, particularly for those without personal vehicles. The ability to efficiently reach healthcare providers is a vital determinant of health outcomes, especially for individuals with chronic conditions like hypertension.

**Drive Times: The Road to Care**

The primary arteries serving Big Run are Pennsylvania Route 286 and U.S. Route 119. These roads offer the most direct routes to larger towns and cities where healthcare facilities are concentrated. A drive to the nearest hospital, Penn Highlands Brookville, located approximately 15 miles away in Brookville, typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The journey predominantly involves traveling on PA-286 East, a relatively well-maintained road.

For specialized care, residents may need to travel further. Punxsutawney, about 15 miles west via U.S. 119 North and PA-36, offers additional medical services, including some specialist practices. Expect a similar drive time of around 20-30 minutes. Clearfield, a larger regional hub, is approximately 45 miles south, accessible via U.S. 119 South and I-80 West. This trip, however, can take an hour or more, depending on traffic and road conditions.

The drive times, while manageable, highlight the reliance on personal vehicles. The relative distance to healthcare facilities underscores the importance of reliable *transportation* for managing hypertension effectively. For those considering *moving to Big Run*, the availability of a personal vehicle is a significant factor to consider.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public *transportation* options in 15715 are limited. The Jefferson County Transit Authority (JCTA) provides some bus services, but their routes and schedules are infrequent and primarily serve the larger towns like Brookville and Punxsutawney. Information on specific routes serving Big Run is difficult to obtain.

The JCTA buses may not be equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant features on all routes, making accessibility a potential concern for individuals with mobility limitations. Furthermore, the infrequency of service can make it challenging to schedule appointments and return home promptly. Reliance on public transit for regular medical appointments presents a significant challenge for residents managing hypertension.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have a presence in the region, but availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing, particularly for longer distances, can also be a barrier for some individuals.

Medical *transportation* services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available. Companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and some local ambulance services offer non-emergency medical *transportation*. These services typically require advance booking and may have eligibility requirements, such as participation in a specific insurance plan. However, they provide a valuable alternative for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to other *transportation* options.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Challenge**

The availability of primary care physicians and specialists within a reasonable distance is another crucial aspect of *healthcare access*. While Brookville and Punxsutawney offer a range of medical practices, access to specialists may require travel to larger cities like DuBois or Johnstown, further increasing *transportation* demands.

The availability of pharmacies for medication refills is also a factor. Pharmacies are generally located in the larger towns, requiring a drive for prescription pick-ups. Home delivery services, offered by some pharmacies, can mitigate this challenge, but they may not be available for all medications or insurance plans.

**Hypertension Score Considerations for Big Run**

The "Hypertension Score" for 15715 reflects the interplay of these factors. While drive times to basic healthcare facilities are relatively manageable, the limited public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles present significant challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services offers some mitigation, but their accessibility and cost can be limiting.

For individuals with hypertension, the score would likely be lower than in an urban area with robust public transit and readily available healthcare providers. The score would be elevated for individuals with reliable personal *transportation* or access to medical *transportation* services. The score would be further impacted by the proximity to pharmacies, access to specialist care, and the overall availability of supportive healthcare services.

**Conclusion: Weighing the Options for Big Run**

*Moving to Big Run* requires careful consideration of *healthcare access* and *transportation* options. While the area offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle, managing hypertension effectively necessitates proactive planning. Individuals considering this location should assess their *transportation* capabilities, investigate medical *transportation* options, and ensure they have a plan for accessing regular medical care and medication refills. The "Hypertension Score" for 15715, therefore, underscores the importance of personal preparedness and the need to navigate the complexities of *transportation* to ensure optimal health outcomes.