17049, Mc Alisterville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 17049, Mc Alisterville, Pennsylvania is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.70 percent of residents in 17049 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital with a distance of 16.65 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in McAlisterville (ZIP Code 17049)

The quest for optimal healthcare, particularly for individuals managing hypertension, demands a nuanced understanding of access. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 17049 (McAlisterville, Pennsylvania), unveils the transportation landscape influencing healthcare access, a crucial factor in controlling blood pressure and promoting overall well-being. This is especially important for those considering moving to McAlisterville, where transportation options are limited.

The core of hypertension management lies in consistent medical care, including regular check-ups, medication adherence, and lifestyle adjustments. The ability to reliably reach healthcare providers significantly impacts these aspects. We will delve into the realities of transportation in this rural Pennsylvania community, examining drive times, public transit availability, and alternative options to determine a “Hypertension Score” reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing necessary medical services.

**Drive Time Dynamics: The Arteries of Access**

The primary arteries for vehicular travel in and around McAlisterville are Pennsylvania Route 35 and Route 104. These roads, while offering scenic views, also dictate the time commitment for healthcare appointments. The nearest hospitals and specialized clinics are located in neighboring towns, extending drive times.

For instance, a trip to Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, a significant regional healthcare provider, typically involves a drive of approximately 25 to 35 minutes via Route 35 and Route 322. This duration can fluctuate based on traffic, weather conditions, and time of day. The journey to UPMC Harrisburg, a more distant but comprehensive facility, demands a drive of about an hour and 15 minutes, primarily utilizing Route 322. These extended drive times can become a barrier, especially for individuals with limited mobility or those experiencing acute hypertensive crises.

The quality of the roads also plays a role. While Route 35 is generally well-maintained, the potential for delays due to construction or inclement weather exists. Rural roads, particularly during winter, can pose challenges, increasing the risk of accidents and further complicating healthcare access.

**Public Transit: A Vein of Limited Circulation**

Public transportation options in McAlisterville are sparse. The Juniata County Transportation Authority (JCTA) provides limited bus services within the county. However, the frequency of these routes is often insufficient for frequent medical appointments. The JCTA primarily serves the needs of the elderly and disabled, with limited routes and operating hours.

The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a positive aspect, but the infrequent schedules and limited geographic coverage restrict the usefulness of public transit for many residents. The dependence on advance booking and the potential for long wait times further diminish the practicality of this option for those with time-sensitive healthcare needs. This lack of robust public transit can significantly impact healthcare access, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability is variable. The availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours or in rural areas, is not guaranteed. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies or non-profit organizations, provide a more specialized solution. These services are designed to transport individuals with medical needs to and from appointments. However, the availability of these services can be limited, and they often require pre-booking and may involve specific eligibility requirements.

**The Hypertension Score: A Prognosis of Access**

Considering the factors discussed, we can formulate a "Hypertension Score" for residents of ZIP code 17049. This score reflects the overall ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare services related to hypertension management.

**Factors Considered:**

* **Drive Time:** The average time required to reach the nearest hospitals and clinics.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The frequency, coverage, and accessibility of public transportation.
* **Ride-Sharing Reliability:** The availability and cost of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transportation Options:** The availability and accessibility of specialized medical transport.
* **Road Conditions:** The quality and safety of roads, particularly during adverse weather.

**Scoring System:**

* **Excellent (10-8 points):** Easy access to healthcare, with short drive times, reliable public transit, and readily available ride-sharing and medical transport options.
* **Good (7-6 points):** Moderate access to healthcare, with reasonable drive times, limited but functional public transit, and available ride-sharing and medical transport options.
* **Fair (5-4 points):** Difficult access to healthcare, with longer drive times, infrequent public transit, and unreliable ride-sharing and medical transport options.
* **Poor (3-1 points):** Very difficult access to healthcare, with long drive times, virtually no public transit, and limited or unavailable ride-sharing and medical transport options.

**Analysis for ZIP Code 17049:**

Based on the information presented, the Hypertension Score for ZIP code 17049 would likely fall in the "Fair" to "Poor" range. The extended drive times, the limited public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services contribute to this lower score.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve healthcare access for individuals managing hypertension in McAlisterville, several strategies could be implemented.

* **Enhance Public Transit:** Increase the frequency and coverage of JCTA bus routes, particularly those serving healthcare facilities.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing:** Partner with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments.
* **Expand Medical Transportation:** Increase the availability and accessibility of medical transportation services.
* **Improve Road Infrastructure:** Ensure the consistent maintenance of roads, especially during winter months.
* **Telehealth Integration:** Encourage the adoption of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

The transportation landscape in McAlisterville presents challenges for individuals managing hypertension. The extended drive times, limited public transit, and variable availability of alternative transportation options can impede access to necessary healthcare services. For those considering moving to McAlisterville, understanding these transportation limitations is crucial.

By recognizing these challenges and implementing targeted improvements, the community can enhance healthcare access and promote better health outcomes for all residents, particularly those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Addressing these issues will foster a healthier community and improve the quality of life for residents of ZIP code 17049.