16940, Nelson, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 16940, Nelson, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

81.25 percent of residents in 16940 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Wellsboro with a distance of 16.39 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Nelson, PA (ZIP Code 16940)

The tranquility of Nelson, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16940), nestled amidst the rolling hills of Tioga County, offers a peaceful respite. However, the idyllic setting presents unique challenges when it comes to healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access, culminating in a “Hypertension Score” designed to illuminate the complexities of navigating the system. It’s a crucial consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Nelson.

The ability to swiftly and reliably reach medical appointments is paramount for individuals with hypertension. Regular check-ups, medication management, and potential emergency care are all vital components of managing this chronic condition. The availability and efficiency of *transportation* options directly influence the quality of care and, consequently, the overall health outcomes of Nelson residents.

The primary mode of *transportation* in Nelson is, unsurprisingly, the automobile. The town is largely rural, and public transit is limited. The main arteries for travel are Pennsylvania Route 49, which bisects the town, and Pennsylvania Route 287, which provides access to the north and south. Driving times to healthcare facilities are heavily dependent on the destination and the patient's location within the ZIP code.

For routine appointments, the closest options are often the medical practices within Nelson itself, which are generally accessible within a few minutes' drive. However, specialized care, such as cardiology or nephrology, may necessitate travel to larger towns like Wellsboro or Mansfield.

Wellsboro, approximately 20 miles east via PA-6, offers a more comprehensive range of medical services, including UPMC Wellsboro Hospital. The drive typically takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Mansfield, situated about 15 miles south via PA-6 and US-15, is another potential destination, boasting Guthrie Troy Community Hospital. The drive time to Mansfield is generally around 25-35 minutes.

These drive times, while manageable, are not without their potential drawbacks. Winter weather can significantly increase travel times and pose safety risks. Furthermore, individuals without personal vehicles face considerable challenges. The availability of reliable *transportation* is, therefore, a critical factor in assessing *healthcare access*.

Public *transportation* options in Nelson are extremely limited. Tioga County does offer a demand-response service, the Tioga County Transportation Authority (TCTA). This service, however, requires advance booking and may not be suitable for urgent medical needs. TCTA operates within the county, and its routes are not fixed. The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is dependent on the specific request and the availability of resources.

The lack of robust public *transportation* options places a significant burden on individuals without personal vehicles, particularly the elderly, those with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. Reliance on friends, family, or neighbors becomes crucial, which can introduce logistical difficulties and potentially delay or hinder *healthcare access*.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not readily available in Nelson. The sparse population density and the rural nature of the area make it economically unfeasible for these services to operate consistently. This absence further compounds the *transportation* challenges.

Medical *transportation* services, specifically designed for non-emergency medical needs, are an alternative. Companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and LogistiCare (now Modivcare) may operate in the area, providing transportation to and from medical appointments. However, these services often require pre-authorization and may have limited availability, particularly for short-notice appointments. The cost of these services can also be a significant barrier for some individuals.

Emergency medical services (EMS) are available in Nelson, but response times can be affected by the town’s rural location. Ambulance services are provided by local volunteer fire departments and private ambulance companies. The response time to a medical emergency will vary depending on the location within the ZIP code and the availability of resources.

The *healthcare access* landscape in Nelson is a complex tapestry woven with threads of convenience and challenge. While routine care may be readily accessible, specialized services and emergency care necessitate reliance on personal vehicles, limited public *transportation*, and potentially costly medical *transportation* services. The absence of ride-sharing services further exacerbates the difficulties.

For individuals with hypertension, the implications are significant. The need for regular medical appointments, medication refills, and potential emergency care demands reliable and efficient *transportation*. Delays in accessing care can lead to complications and adverse health outcomes.

Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of the *transportation* infrastructure and its impact on *healthcare access* is crucial for anyone considering moving to Nelson, particularly those managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

**Hypertension Score Methodology:**

The Hypertension Score is a subjective assessment based on the factors described above. It considers the availability of *transportation* options, the drive times to healthcare facilities, and the potential barriers to *healthcare access*. The score is presented on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing the most challenging and 5 representing the least challenging.

**Factors Considered:**

* **Availability of Personal Vehicle:** 40% (Essential for reliable *transportation*.)
* **Drive Time to Nearest Hospital (UPMC Wellsboro):** 20% (Shorter drive times are favorable.)
* **Availability of Public *Transportation*:** 10% (Limited availability is a negative factor.)
* **Availability of Ride-Sharing Services:** 5% (Absence is a negative factor.)
* **Availability of Medical *Transportation* Services:** 10% (Presence is a positive factor, but cost and availability are considered.)
* **Winter Weather Impact on *Transportation*:** 15% (Increased travel times and safety concerns are negative factors.)

**Hypertension Score for Nelson, PA (ZIP Code 16940): 2.5**

**Rationale:**

The score reflects the challenges associated with *healthcare access* in Nelson. While routine care may be readily available, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public *transportation*, and the absence of ride-sharing services create significant barriers. The long drive times to specialized care facilities and the potential impact of winter weather further contribute to the score. The availability of medical *transportation* services provides some relief, but the cost and availability of these services remain a concern.

**Recommendations:**

* Individuals with hypertension considering moving to Nelson should prioritize having a reliable personal vehicle.
* Thoroughly research the availability and cost of medical *transportation* services.
* Factor in the potential impact of winter weather on travel times.
* Explore the possibility of establishing a network of support from family, friends, or neighbors for *transportation* assistance.
* Advocate for improved public *transportation* options within Tioga County.
* Contact the local healthcare providers to determine the availability of home health services.

The “Hypertension Score” serves as a starting point for understanding the complexities of *healthcare access* in Nelson. It is crucial for individuals to conduct their own research and assess their personal needs and circumstances before making a decision about moving to this community. The tranquility of Nelson is undeniable, but careful planning and consideration of *transportation* and *healthcare access* are essential for ensuring a healthy and fulfilling life. The decision to move is a personal one, but the information presented here provides a framework for making an informed choice.