17066, Mount Union, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 17066, Mount Union, Pennsylvania is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.12 percent of residents in 17066 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.26 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital with a distance of 22.89 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in 17066

The quaint borough of Mount Union, nestled in Pennsylvania's Huntingdon County, presents a unique landscape for assessing healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. Understanding the challenges and opportunities for **transportation** to medical appointments is crucial for residents, especially those considering **moving to Mount Union**. This write-up delves into the practicalities of navigating the healthcare system, assigning a "Hypertension Score" based on the availability and accessibility of medical services within and around ZIP code 17066. This score will help inform the decision-making process for individuals managing hypertension and considering relocation.

Our assessment begins with a foundational understanding of the local medical infrastructure. Mount Union itself is a small community, and specialized medical care is often located in neighboring towns and cities. The primary healthcare provider within the borough is the Geisinger Mount Union Hospital, offering a range of services, including primary care, emergency care, and some specialty clinics. However, for comprehensive care, including cardiology, nephrology, and endocrinology, residents often need to travel further afield.

The **transportation** options available significantly impact the Hypertension Score. Driving is the most common mode of travel. From Mount Union, the primary routes for accessing healthcare are via **Route 522** and **Route 655**. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic during peak hours, potentially delaying appointments and increasing stress for patients. Driving times to larger medical centers in nearby towns like Lewistown (approximately 20-30 minutes) and Huntingdon (approximately 30-45 minutes) are typical. Further travel to larger hospitals in State College or Harrisburg will take over an hour.

Public **transportation** options are limited. The Huntingdon County Transit Authority (HCTA) provides bus service within the county. However, the routes and schedules are infrequent, especially on weekends and evenings. Accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations is a critical factor in the Hypertension Score. While the HCTA buses are equipped with ADA-compliant features, the limited frequency and route coverage can present significant challenges for patients with hypertension, who may require frequent medical appointments. Public transit, therefore, contributes negatively to the overall score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, although their availability is not as consistent as in larger metropolitan areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for some individuals, particularly those with limited incomes. Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are also available. These services, often provided by private companies, can offer a more reliable and comfortable option for patients with mobility issues. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and their availability may be limited depending on the patient's insurance coverage.

The distance to specialist care significantly impacts the Hypertension Score. As mentioned, accessing specialized cardiology, nephrology, and endocrinology services often requires travel to Lewistown, Huntingdon, or even further. The time spent traveling to and from appointments can be exhausting for patients, potentially impacting their overall health and well-being. The availability of specialist care within a reasonable distance is a crucial factor in assessing the Hypertension Score.

The availability of pharmacies is another critical consideration. Mount Union has local pharmacies, making it convenient for residents to pick up their medications. However, the availability of specialized medications or compounding pharmacies may require travel to larger towns or cities. Medication adherence is critical for managing hypertension, and easy access to pharmacies is a significant positive factor in the Hypertension Score.

The overall cost of healthcare, including the cost of **transportation**, medication, and medical services, is another crucial factor. The financial burden of healthcare can significantly impact patients' ability to access and adhere to treatment plans. The availability of financial assistance programs, such as those offered by hospitals or community organizations, can help mitigate the financial burden.

Considering all these factors, we can assign a preliminary Hypertension Score for individuals residing in or considering **moving to Mount Union** (ZIP code 17066). The score is based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing the best possible access to healthcare and 1 representing the worst.

Given the limited public **transportation**, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the distances to specialized medical care, the Hypertension Score for 17066 is likely to be in the range of 5 to 6. This score reflects the fact that while basic healthcare services are available locally, accessing specialized care requires travel and careful planning. The score can be improved by increasing the availability of public **transportation**, expanding the availability of ride-sharing services, and promoting the use of medical **transportation** services.

The score also highlights the importance of proactive healthcare management for individuals with hypertension. This includes regular monitoring of blood pressure, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise. Patients should also work closely with their primary care physicians to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

For individuals considering **moving to Mount Union** and managing hypertension, it is crucial to carefully assess their healthcare needs and **transportation** options. Researching the availability of medical specialists, the cost of **transportation**, and the availability of financial assistance programs is essential. Understanding the challenges and opportunities for accessing healthcare in 17066 will enable individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare and overall well-being.