16444, Edinboro, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 16444, Edinboro, Pennsylvania is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

94.44 percent of residents in 16444 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.57 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Millcreek Community Hospital with a distance of 14.08 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Edinboro (ZIP Code 16444)

Considering a move to the charming borough of Edinboro, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16444)? Perhaps you’re already a resident, seeking to understand the practicalities of accessing healthcare, particularly if you or a loved one manages hypertension. This write-up provides a comprehensive overview of transportation options and their impact on healthcare access, culminating in a “Hypertension Score” tailored to your specific needs. We'll examine the ease of getting to appointments, the availability of emergency services, and the overall accessibility of medical care within and around Edinboro.

The primary concern for individuals with hypertension is the timely and reliable access to medical attention. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and prompt responses to health crises are paramount. This necessitates a clear understanding of the transportation landscape, especially when considering the potential for stress-induced blood pressure spikes associated with travel difficulties.

Edinboro, nestled in the heart of Erie County, offers a blend of rural tranquility and convenient access to essential services. However, the availability and efficiency of transportation options directly influence healthcare access. The ability to reach medical facilities quickly and without undue stress is a critical factor in managing hypertension effectively.

**Roadways and Drive Times:**

The most common mode of transportation in Edinboro is the personal vehicle. The primary roadways serving the area are **Interstate 79 (I-79)**, **Route 6N**, and **Route 99**. Driving times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the destination and the time of day.

For routine appointments, the **Edinboro Medical Center**, located within the borough, offers convenient access. Driving times are typically minimal, often under 10 minutes, depending on your precise location within 16444. This proximity is a significant advantage for managing hypertension, reducing the stress and time commitment associated with healthcare visits.

For specialized care or emergency situations, travel to Erie, approximately 20 miles northwest, becomes necessary. The most direct route is via I-79 North. Under normal traffic conditions, this drive takes roughly 30-40 minutes. This travel time must be factored into the management of hypertension, especially during emergencies. The availability of reliable transportation becomes even more critical in these situations.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in Edinboro are limited. The **Erie MetroErie Metropolitan Transit AuthorityMetropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA)** provides bus service, but its routes and frequency in Edinboro are restricted. The primary route serving the area is the **Route 19 (Edinboro)**.

However, the service frequency is limited, and the routes may not directly serve all medical facilities. ADA-accessible buses are available, providing accommodations for individuals with mobility challenges. The reliance on public transit for healthcare access in Edinboro is, therefore, less than ideal, especially for individuals with hypertension who may require frequent or urgent medical attention.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in Edinboro, though their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The reliability of ride-sharing for scheduled appointments or emergency situations should be carefully considered.

Medical transportation services, such as **MedExpress Transportation** and **CareRide**, offer specialized transportation for medical appointments. These services are often pre-booked and can provide door-to-door service, including assistance with mobility. However, these services typically come at an additional cost and require advance planning.

**Healthcare Facilities and Accessibility:**

Beyond the Edinboro Medical Center, residents of 16444 have access to a range of healthcare facilities in the surrounding areas. **UPMC Hamot** and **Saint Vincent Hospital**, both located in Erie, offer comprehensive medical services, including cardiology departments and emergency care.

The accessibility of these facilities is crucial. While driving times are reasonable, the availability of alternative transportation options is limited. This highlights the importance of having a reliable personal vehicle or access to a reliable ride-sharing or medical transportation service.

**Emergency Services:**

In the event of a medical emergency, the speed and efficiency of emergency services are paramount. **Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department** provides emergency medical services (EMS). However, the response time and the transport to the nearest hospital, often in Erie, depend on the location of the emergency and traffic conditions.

**Hypertension Score:**

To assess the suitability of Edinboro for individuals managing hypertension, we'll create a "Hypertension Score" based on the following factors:

* **Proximity to Medical Facilities:** (High score for facilities within Edinboro, lower for those requiring travel to Erie).
* **Transportation Options:** (Higher score for reliable personal vehicle access, lower for dependence on limited public transit or ride-sharing).
* **Emergency Service Response Time:** (High score for quick response and transport to a nearby hospital).
* **Accessibility of Services:** (Higher score for facilities with specialized cardiology services and easy appointment scheduling).

**Scoring:**

* **Excellent (4-5 points):** Easy access to medical facilities within Edinboro, reliable personal transportation, and quick emergency response times.
* **Good (3 points):** Access to medical facilities within a reasonable drive time, with some reliance on personal transportation, and acceptable emergency response times.
* **Fair (2 points):** Limited public transportation options, longer drive times to specialized care, and potential challenges in accessing emergency services.
* **Poor (1 point):** Significant reliance on limited transportation options, long drive times, and potential difficulties in accessing emergency care.

**Applying the Score to 16444:**

Considering the factors discussed, the "Hypertension Score" for Edinboro (16444) is likely to be **Good (3 points)**.

Edinboro offers the advantage of the Edinboro Medical Center, providing convenient access to primary care. However, the reliance on personal vehicles for travel to specialized care in Erie, the limited public transportation options, and the potential for longer emergency response times, especially during inclement weather, slightly lower the score.

**Conclusion:**

Edinboro presents a generally favorable environment for individuals managing hypertension, offering a balance of convenience and access. However, the limitations in public transportation and the reliance on personal vehicles for accessing specialized care necessitate careful planning and consideration. Understanding the transportation landscape, including drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, is crucial for making informed decisions about healthcare access. Individuals considering moving to Edinboro should carefully assess their transportation needs and ensure they have a reliable means of reaching medical facilities, particularly in the event of an emergency.