16727, Derrick City, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 16727, Derrick City, Pennsylvania is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

85.00 percent of residents in 16727 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.61 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Kane with a distance of 25.59 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Derrick City (ZIP Code 16727)

The quest for optimal health, particularly managing chronic conditions like hypertension, is inextricably linked to the ease with which one can access healthcare. This write-up, tailored to ZIP Code 16727 (Derrick City, Pennsylvania), analyzes the transportation landscape and its implications for individuals managing hypertension, providing a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the challenges and opportunities in this specific location. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transportation services, painting a comprehensive picture for residents and those considering moving to Derrick City.

Derrick City, nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. The area’s relative remoteness and limited public transit options can significantly impact healthcare access, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those reliant on alternative transportation methods. This analysis aims to provide a clear understanding of these factors, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Derrick City is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. Drive times to medical facilities are a crucial factor in our Hypertension Score. The primary routes involve navigating the winding roads of the region. From the center of Derrick City, the most direct route to UPMC Kane, a major healthcare provider, is via PA-346 South. Expect a drive time of approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This is a manageable timeframe for routine checkups, but the time can feel significantly longer when facing a health crisis.

Traveling to Olean General Hospital in Olean, New York, a potentially attractive option for some, involves a longer journey. The most common route is via US-6 East and NY-16 South, resulting in a drive time of roughly 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and border crossing delays. This extended travel time is a significant consideration, especially for individuals experiencing acute hypertensive events or requiring frequent monitoring.

The availability of public transportation in Derrick City is limited. The primary public transit option is the Bradford Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA). However, BARTA’s services are primarily focused on Bradford, with limited routes extending to Derrick City. Currently, there are no direct bus routes serving Derrick City with a dedicated route number. This lack of readily available public transportation poses a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly those with mobility limitations or who cannot drive. The absence of robust public transit significantly lowers the Hypertension Score.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration for any public transit system. While BARTA strives to provide accessible services, including wheelchair-accessible buses, the limited frequency and route coverage in Derrick City may still pose challenges for individuals with disabilities. Confirming specific ADA features and route availability is essential before relying on public transit for healthcare appointments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become increasingly prevalent in many areas. However, their availability in Derrick City is limited. While occasional service may be available, the consistent presence and affordability of these services are not guaranteed. Relying on ride-sharing for regular healthcare appointments is therefore unreliable, potentially increasing travel times and the financial burden associated with transportation. This further contributes to a lower Hypertension Score.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. Several providers operate in the region, including local ambulance services that may offer non-emergency medical transport. However, the cost of these services can be significant, and availability may vary depending on demand. Researching and securing a reliable medical transportation provider is essential for individuals who cannot drive or utilize other transportation options.

The absence of readily available and affordable transportation options can create significant barriers to healthcare access for individuals with hypertension. Missed appointments, delayed treatment, and increased stress levels can all negatively impact blood pressure control and overall health outcomes. This is especially true for those managing chronic conditions like hypertension, which requires consistent monitoring and adherence to treatment plans.

For individuals considering moving to Derrick City, careful consideration of transportation options is paramount. Assessing the availability of personal vehicles, the reliability of ride-sharing services, and the feasibility of medical transportation options is crucial. Prioritizing healthcare access should be a key factor in the decision-making process.

The impact of these transportation limitations extends beyond physical access to healthcare facilities. It can also influence an individual's ability to participate in health-promoting activities, such as attending support groups, accessing pharmacies for medication refills, and maintaining social connections. These factors contribute to a holistic understanding of healthcare access and its impact on overall well-being.

The Hypertension Score for ZIP Code 16727 reflects the combined impact of these factors. Considering the limited public transit, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the reliance on personal vehicles for healthcare access, the score is moderately low. This means that individuals with hypertension in Derrick City face challenges in accessing timely and convenient healthcare.

Improving the Hypertension Score would require strategic interventions. Increased public transit options, particularly routes connecting Derrick City to healthcare providers, would be a significant step forward. Encouraging ride-sharing services to expand their presence in the area and subsidizing medical transportation for low-income residents could also improve healthcare access.

In conclusion, navigating the transportation landscape in Derrick City requires careful planning and consideration. Individuals with hypertension must proactively assess their transportation options and develop strategies to ensure consistent access to healthcare. By understanding the challenges and opportunities presented by the local transportation infrastructure, residents can take proactive steps to manage their health and well-being. This analysis serves as a starting point for individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare access in Derrick City and the surrounding area.