16150, Sharpsville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 16150, Sharpsville, Pennsylvania is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.72 percent of residents in 16150 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.43 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sharon Regional Health System with a distance of 2.79 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Sharpsville, PA (ZIP Code 16150)

Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, nestled in Mercer County, presents a unique landscape for residents managing hypertension, a condition requiring consistent healthcare access. This write-up provides a "Hypertension Score" assessment for the area, focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare accessibility, especially for those considering moving to Sharpsville. This score considers the ease of reaching vital medical appointments, including primary care physicians, specialists, and pharmacies, crucial for effective hypertension management.

The foundation of our assessment lies in understanding the available transportation infrastructure. Driving remains a primary mode, with the primary artery being **Interstate 80 (I-80)**, offering relatively swift east-west travel. However, direct access to healthcare facilities within Sharpsville often necessitates navigating local roads like **East State Street**, **North Mercer Avenue**, and **Main Street**. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic during peak hours, potentially impacting appointment adherence. The drive-time to key healthcare locations is a critical factor in our score.

The nearest major hospitals, like UPMC Horizon in Farrell (approximately 10-15 minutes) and Sharon Regional Medical Center (around 15-20 minutes), are accessible via **Route 62** and **Route 18**. These drive times, while manageable, are contingent on traffic conditions. During inclement weather, these routes can become challenging, potentially delaying or even preventing access to necessary medical care. This is particularly relevant for individuals with hypertension, where consistent medication and monitoring are paramount.

Public transportation presents a less robust option. The **Mercer County Regional Transit Authority (MCRTA)** provides limited bus services within the county. Route information is readily available, though specific routes serving Sharpsville and directly connecting to healthcare facilities are scarce. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities, especially those requiring ADA-compliant features, needs thorough investigation. The frequency and operational hours of the MCRTA buses are crucial factors affecting the Hypertension Score. Public transit can be a lifeline for those without personal vehicles, but its limitations must be carefully considered.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. However, their availability and affordability in Sharpsville are crucial. The consistent presence of these services is not guaranteed, and surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather could pose a financial burden, potentially deterring individuals from seeking timely medical attention. The reliability and cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing significantly influence the Hypertension Score.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a specialized solution. Companies like **Medicaid Transportation** and **CareRide** provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services often require prior scheduling and may have specific eligibility requirements. Their availability, cost, and responsiveness are essential elements in evaluating healthcare access. The availability of these services can significantly improve the Hypertension Score, especially for those with mobility limitations.

Pharmacy access is another key element of our assessment. The availability of pharmacies within Sharpsville, such as **Rite Aid** and **CVS**, offers convenience for medication refills. Drive times to these pharmacies are typically short, providing easy access. However, the operating hours and staffing levels of these pharmacies, especially during weekends and holidays, can impact medication adherence.

The overall Hypertension Score reflects the interplay of these factors. A high score indicates easy and reliable access to healthcare facilities, while a low score suggests significant challenges. This score is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that considers the individual's needs and circumstances. For example, a person with limited mobility and without access to a personal vehicle would face greater challenges than someone with reliable transportation.

For individuals considering moving to Sharpsville, this assessment provides valuable insights into healthcare access. The proximity of healthcare facilities, the availability of transportation options, and the cost of these options are all critical considerations. The Hypertension Score should be a key factor in the decision-making process, particularly for those managing hypertension.

**Calculating the Hypertension Score:**

The score is determined by weighting the following factors:

* **Drive Time to Healthcare Facilities (40%):** Shorter drive times receive higher scores. This includes travel to primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and pharmacies.
* **Public Transportation Availability & Accessibility (20%):** The frequency, routes, and ADA compliance of public transportation are assessed.
* **Ride-Sharing Service Availability & Affordability (15%):** The presence, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing services are evaluated.
* **Medical Transportation Service Availability & Accessibility (15%):** The availability, cost, and ease of scheduling medical transportation services are considered.
* **Pharmacy Access & Operating Hours (10%):** The proximity of pharmacies and their operating hours are evaluated.

Each factor is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 representing the best access and 1 representing the worst. The weighted scores are then combined to produce the overall Hypertension Score.

The final Hypertension Score provides a comprehensive picture of healthcare access in Sharpsville, enabling informed decisions for residents and those considering moving to the area. This information is crucial for individuals managing hypertension, ensuring they can readily access the care they need to maintain their health and well-being. The goal is to facilitate informed decisions about transportation and healthcare access, empowering individuals to take proactive steps in managing their health.