15733, De Lancey, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 15733, De Lancey, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.11 percent of residents in 15733 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.50 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Punxsutawney Area Hospital with a distance of 2.61 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in 15733

The journey to managing hypertension in the rural expanse of ZIP Code 15733, encompassing the charming community of De Lancey, Pennsylvania, presents a unique set of challenges. This write-up analyzes the landscape of **transportation** options and **healthcare access**, culminating in a "Hypertension Score" designed to provide a nuanced understanding for residents, especially those considering **moving to De Lancey**. The score will reflect the ease with which individuals can access essential medical services, considering the realities of rural living.

The cornerstone of this assessment lies in understanding the geographical constraints. 15733, while picturesque, is characterized by vast distances and limited infrastructure. The primary arteries for vehicular **transportation** are Pennsylvania Route 219, a north-south thoroughfare, and U.S. Route 119, running east-west. Secondary roads, such as State Route 403 and various township roads, branch out, connecting smaller communities and providing access to local amenities.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical factor. The closest hospital, Punxsutawney Area Hospital, is approximately 15-20 minutes away via Route 119, assuming normal traffic conditions. Specialty clinics and larger hospitals in Indiana, Pennsylvania, such as Indiana Regional Medical Center, are a more significant undertaking, requiring a 30-45 minute drive via Route 119 and U.S. Route 422. These times are subject to change based on weather, time of day, and road conditions, which can significantly impact **healthcare access**.

Public **transportation** options in 15733 are limited. The Indiana County Transit Authority (ICTA) provides bus service, but the frequency and route coverage in this area are constrained. While the ICTA website details route information, the availability of routes directly serving De Lancey and its immediate surroundings is questionable. Individuals with hypertension, especially those requiring frequent medical appointments, may find relying solely on public **transportation** to be impractical. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses, crucial for those with mobility limitations, needs to be verified for each route.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is less consistent than in urban centers. Availability can fluctuate depending on demand and driver availability. This unpredictability can pose a problem for scheduled medical appointments. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing, particularly for longer distances, can be a financial burden for some individuals, potentially impacting **healthcare access**.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by ambulance companies and specialized medical transport providers, are available. These services are typically reserved for emergencies or for individuals who cannot safely travel by other means. However, the response time for medical transport can be a concern in a rural setting, especially during inclement weather. The need for pre-scheduled medical transport, such as for dialysis or chemotherapy, adds another layer of complexity to **healthcare access**.

The availability of pharmacies and the ease of prescription refills are also vital considerations. While local pharmacies may exist in nearby towns, the distance and **transportation** challenges can make it difficult to obtain medications promptly. The availability of mail-order prescriptions, offered by some pharmacies and insurance companies, can mitigate this issue, but it requires careful planning and adherence to delivery schedules.

Dietary and lifestyle factors play a crucial role in managing hypertension. Access to healthy food options is therefore an important aspect of this assessment. The availability of grocery stores with fresh produce and the presence of farmers' markets in the area can influence dietary choices. The ability to engage in regular physical activity, such as walking or exercising, is also important. The availability of safe and accessible walking paths or recreational facilities in the area can contribute to overall health and well-being.

To arrive at the Hypertension Score, we will consider the following factors, each weighted based on its importance:

* **Drive Time to Nearest Hospital (30%):** Shorter drive times contribute to a higher score.
* **Public Transportation Availability (20%):** The presence of frequent and reliable public **transportation** options, including ADA accessibility, increases the score.
* **Ride-Sharing Service Reliability (15%):** Consistent availability and affordability of ride-sharing services improve the score.
* **Medical Transport Availability (10%):** The presence of readily available medical transport services, including emergency and scheduled options, enhances the score.
* **Pharmacy Access and Prescription Refill Ease (10%):** Proximity to pharmacies and the availability of mail-order prescriptions positively impact the score.
* **Access to Healthy Food and Exercise Facilities (15%):** Availability of grocery stores, farmers' markets, and recreational facilities contributes to a higher score.

Each factor will be scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 representing the most favorable conditions and 1 representing the least favorable. The weighted scores will then be summed to produce the final Hypertension Score.

Based on the initial assessment, the Hypertension Score for 15733 is estimated to be in the moderate range. The long drive times, limited public **transportation**, and variable ride-sharing availability are significant challenges. While the presence of medical transport services and local pharmacies provides some support, the overall **healthcare access** landscape presents obstacles for individuals managing hypertension.

For individuals considering **moving to De Lancey**, a thorough understanding of these **transportation** and **healthcare access** challenges is essential. Careful planning, including identifying reliable **transportation** options, establishing relationships with local healthcare providers, and exploring options for medication refills, is crucial. Proactive measures, such as establishing a support network and exploring telehealth options, can further enhance the ability to manage hypertension effectively in this rural environment. The ongoing assessment of the Hypertension Score, and the factors that contribute to it, will provide an evolving picture of the **healthcare access** landscape in 15733.