17023, Elizabethville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 17023, Elizabethville, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.12 percent of residents in 17023 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center with a distance of 21.46 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Elizabethville (ZIP Code 17023)

Elizabethville, Pennsylvania, nestled in the rolling hills of Dauphin County, presents a unique landscape for residents seeking healthcare, especially concerning the management of hypertension. This write-up analyzes the transportation infrastructure and options available within and around ZIP Code 17023, providing a "Hypertension Score" – a subjective assessment of healthcare accessibility based on commute times, transportation availability, and the challenges faced by individuals managing hypertension. The goal is to paint a clear picture for current and prospective residents, particularly those considering moving to Elizabethville and prioritizing healthcare access.

The "Hypertension Score" isn't a scientific metric but a qualitative evaluation. Factors like drive times, public transportation limitations, and the availability of ride-sharing services are considered. The higher the score, the better the perceived healthcare accessibility.

**Drive Times: The Dominant Transportation Mode**

For residents of Elizabethville, personal vehicles are the most common mode of transportation. The geography of the area, characterized by rural roads and limited public transit, makes driving essential for accessing healthcare facilities. The primary arterial routes impacting healthcare access include **Route 225**, **Route 209**, and **Interstate 81**.

Traveling to the nearest hospitals and specialist clinics often involves navigating these roads. **UPMC Harrisburg Hospital** is approximately a 45-60 minute drive, depending on traffic, which can be a significant hurdle for someone experiencing a hypertensive crisis. The drive involves using **Route 225** south to **Route 322** and then onto **I-81** south. **Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital** in Camp Hill is a similar distance and route. These drive times can be stressful for individuals with hypertension, potentially exacerbating their condition.

Smaller clinics and primary care physicians within Elizabethville and surrounding towns like Gratz, Lykens, and Millersburg offer shorter drive times, typically 10-20 minutes. However, these facilities may not offer the specialized care needed for complex hypertension management, necessitating longer journeys. The condition of the roads, particularly during winter months, can further complicate these commutes, impacting healthcare access.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options within ZIP Code 17023 are severely limited. The **Capital Area Transit (CAT)**, the primary public transit provider for the Harrisburg area, does not offer regular service to Elizabethville. The nearest CAT routes would require a significant drive to reach a transfer point, rendering them impractical for most residents.

This lack of public transportation presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles, those unable to drive due to health conditions, or those who prefer not to drive. The absence of accessible public transit directly impacts healthcare access, particularly for those managing hypertension who may require frequent check-ups, medication refills, or urgent care.

ADA accessibility is a critical consideration for any public transit system. The lack of public transportation means residents with mobility limitations face significant obstacles in accessing healthcare.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Harrisburg area, but their availability in Elizabethville is less reliable. While ride-sharing can offer a convenient alternative to driving, particularly for shorter trips or for those unable to drive, the potential for surge pricing and limited availability in a rural area can be a deterrent.

Medical transportation services, such as **CareRide** or **Medical Transportation Services**, offer a more specialized option for individuals requiring assistance. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation to medical appointments. However, they can be expensive and may require advance booking, making them less suitable for urgent situations. These services are a crucial option for individuals managing hypertension who lack other transportation options.

**Healthcare Access Challenges for Hypertension Management**

The combination of long drive times, limited public transportation, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services creates several challenges for individuals managing hypertension in Elizabethville.

* **Medication Adherence:** Regular access to medication refills is crucial for managing hypertension. Long distances to pharmacies and limited transportation options can make it difficult for residents to adhere to their prescribed medication schedules.
* **Regular Check-ups:** Frequent monitoring of blood pressure and overall health is essential for effective hypertension management. The time and effort required to travel to appointments can discourage residents from attending regular check-ups.
* **Emergency Care:** In the event of a hypertensive crisis, immediate access to medical care is paramount. The drive times to hospitals and the lack of readily available transportation can delay critical treatment.

**The "Hypertension Score" for Elizabethville (ZIP Code 17023)**

Considering the factors discussed, the "Hypertension Score" for Elizabethville is **Moderate**. The reliance on personal vehicles for transportation, while providing a degree of autonomy, presents challenges related to drive times, especially to specialized care. The absence of robust public transportation and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services further restrict healthcare access.

**Recommendations and Considerations for Moving to Elizabethville**

For individuals considering moving to Elizabethville, particularly those managing hypertension, careful consideration of transportation and healthcare access is essential.

* **Proximity to Healthcare:** Prioritize living within a reasonable distance of primary care physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals.
* **Transportation Planning:** Develop a reliable transportation plan that includes personal vehicles, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services.
* **Healthcare Provider Selection:** Choose healthcare providers who offer telehealth options or have convenient appointment scheduling and medication refill processes.
* **Community Support:** Explore local community resources that may offer transportation assistance or support services for individuals with chronic health conditions.

Elizabethville offers a tranquil lifestyle, but its rural setting presents challenges for healthcare access. Prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements before making a move. The ability to effectively manage hypertension requires proactive planning and a clear understanding of the transportation landscape within and around ZIP Code 17023.