16146, Sharon, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 16146, Sharon, Pennsylvania is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

83.56 percent of residents in 16146 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.61 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sharon Regional Health System with a distance of 0.32 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Sharon, PA (ZIP Code 16146)

Considering a move to Sharon, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16146)? Your health, particularly the management of hypertension, is paramount. This analysis provides a "Hypertension Score," a composite measure reflecting the ease of access to essential healthcare services within this community, considering factors like transportation options, drive times, and the availability of specialized care. The score aims to illuminate the realities of navigating the healthcare landscape, especially for individuals managing chronic conditions.

Our assessment focuses on the practicalities of accessing healthcare, acknowledging that effective hypertension management requires regular check-ups, medication adherence, and potentially specialized consultations. The score weighs the availability and efficiency of various transportation methods, recognizing that reliable transportation is a critical determinant of healthcare access.

**The Transportation Terrain:**

Sharon, nestled in Mercer County, presents a transportation landscape characterized by a reliance on personal vehicles. While public transportation exists, its reach and frequency are limited. The primary roadways influencing healthcare access are **Interstate 80 (I-80)**, a major east-west artery, and **Route 62**, a crucial north-south connector. **Route 18** and **Route 718** also play vital roles in local travel.

Driving is the most common mode of transportation. Drive times to healthcare facilities, therefore, become a primary factor in our score. We will consider drive times from the center of Sharon to key locations, including primary care physicians, pharmacies, and specialized clinics. The presence of traffic, particularly during peak hours, will be factored into our estimations.

Public transportation, provided by the **Mercer County Regional Planning Commission (MCRPC)**, offers limited bus routes. These routes, while potentially helpful for some, may not adequately serve all areas of Sharon, and their frequency might pose challenges for individuals needing regular appointments. The availability of ADA-accessible features on these buses is a crucial consideration for individuals with mobility limitations.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Sharon. However, their availability and cost can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with lower demand. These services can bridge transportation gaps, but their reliability needs careful evaluation.

Medical transportation services, specializing in transporting patients to medical appointments, are also present. These services can be invaluable for individuals who are unable to drive or lack access to other transportation options. However, availability and cost can vary.

**Healthcare Access Points and Drive Times:**

The primary healthcare provider in the area is **UPMC Horizon**, located in nearby Farrell, PA. Driving time from the center of Sharon to UPMC Horizon, via **Route 62** and **Route 18**, is typically under 10 minutes, making it a relatively accessible option. This facility offers a range of services, including primary care, cardiology, and pharmacy services.

Other healthcare facilities, such as specialty clinics and urgent care centers, are located in the surrounding areas. Drive times to these facilities will influence the overall score. For instance, accessing specialized cardiology services might necessitate a drive to a facility located further afield, potentially increasing travel time and impacting the score.

Pharmacies are readily available in Sharon, with several chain pharmacies and independent pharmacies offering prescription services. Proximity to a pharmacy is crucial for medication adherence, a cornerstone of hypertension management.

**Public Transit Considerations:**

The MCRPC bus routes offer a limited network. While the specific route numbers and schedules fluctuate, the availability of buses that directly serve key healthcare locations is a vital factor. The frequency of these routes, particularly during the morning and afternoon, when appointments are most common, is also critical. The presence of ADA-accessible features on the buses ensures that individuals with mobility limitations can access healthcare.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

The availability of Uber and Lyft provides an alternative transportation option, particularly for those who do not own a vehicle or cannot drive. However, the reliability of these services, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with lower demand, is a concern. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for individuals on fixed incomes.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for individuals needing assistance with transportation to medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, ensuring that patients can safely and comfortably reach their healthcare providers. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, and they may require advance booking.

**The Hypertension Score Methodology:**

The Hypertension Score will be calculated based on a weighted average of several factors:

* **Drive Time to Key Healthcare Facilities (40%):** This component considers the average drive time to primary care physicians, pharmacies, and specialized clinics, factoring in traffic conditions.
* **Public Transportation Accessibility (25%):** This component evaluates the availability, frequency, and ADA-accessibility of public transportation routes serving healthcare locations.
* **Ride-Share Availability and Cost (15%):** This component assesses the availability and cost of ride-sharing services, considering both peak and off-peak hours.
* **Medical Transportation Service Availability and Cost (10%):** This component evaluates the availability, cost, and reliability of medical transportation services.
* **Pharmacy Access (10%):** This component considers the proximity of pharmacies and the ease of accessing prescription services.

Each factor will be assigned a numerical score, and the weighted average will produce the final Hypertension Score. A higher score indicates greater ease of access to healthcare, while a lower score indicates potential challenges.

**Moving to Sharon: Implications for Hypertension Management:**

For individuals managing hypertension, the transportation infrastructure in Sharon presents both opportunities and challenges. The relatively short drive times to UPMC Horizon and the presence of pharmacies are positive factors. However, the limited public transportation options and the reliance on personal vehicles underscore the importance of having reliable transportation.

Individuals considering a move to Sharon should carefully assess their transportation needs and the availability of alternative transportation options. They should also familiarize themselves with the local healthcare providers and the services they offer.

The Hypertension Score provides a valuable framework for evaluating healthcare access in Sharon. It emphasizes the importance of transportation in managing chronic conditions and encourages individuals to consider these factors when making decisions about their healthcare and their living arrangements.

**Disclaimer:** This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The Hypertension Score is an estimate based on available data and may not reflect individual experiences. It is essential to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice and treatment plans.