17210, Amberson, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 17210, Amberson, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.33 percent of residents in 17210 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.80 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellspan Chambersburg Hospital with a distance of 17.17 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 17210

The quest for optimal health often hinges on a fundamental factor: accessibility to quality healthcare. This is particularly crucial for individuals managing chronic conditions like hypertension, where consistent monitoring and timely interventions are paramount. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape within ZIP Code 17210, focusing on how residents, especially those considering moving to the Amberson neighborhood, can navigate the complexities of healthcare access, particularly concerning their hypertension management. We’ll examine drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation, providing a comprehensive “Hypertension Score” assessment.

The primary challenge for residents of 17210, a region encompassing Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, lies in its suburban nature. While offering a sense of community and relative affordability, this environment often translates to a reliance on personal vehicles for transportation. This directly impacts healthcare access, particularly for those with mobility limitations or those who are unable to drive.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries of Care**

The efficiency of healthcare access in 17210 is significantly influenced by the local road network. Interstate 81 (I-81) acts as the major north-south artery, providing relatively quick access to larger medical facilities located outside of Chambersburg. However, traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly extend travel times, creating a barrier to timely medical appointments.

For residents of Amberson, the drive to Chambersburg Hospital, a primary healthcare provider, typically involves navigating local roads such as Lincoln Way East and South Main Street. During off-peak hours, this journey can be completed in under 10 minutes. However, during rush hour, particularly between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM, travel times can easily double, impacting the ability to attend appointments, pick up prescriptions, or seek urgent care.

Accessing specialists or more comprehensive medical services might necessitate travel to Harrisburg or Hershey, Pennsylvania. This journey involves utilizing I-81, with travel times ranging from one to two hours, depending on traffic conditions. This longer travel time significantly impacts the “Hypertension Score” by adding to the burden of healthcare management.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in 17210 are limited, presenting a significant challenge for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The primary public transit provider is the Franklin County Transit Authority (FCTA). The FCTA operates a bus network within Chambersburg and the surrounding areas.

The availability of public transit routes serving Amberson and connecting to healthcare facilities is limited. While the FCTA offers routes that pass near Chambersburg Hospital, the frequency of these routes might not be sufficient to meet the needs of individuals with frequent medical appointments. Furthermore, the FCTA's ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts and accessible seating, are essential for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the overall coverage and frequency of these services are crucial to the “Hypertension Score”.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible transportation option for residents of 17210. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary depending on demand and the time of day. For individuals with limited financial resources, ride-sharing might not be a sustainable solution for regular healthcare appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by medical transport companies, provide specialized transportation for individuals with specific medical needs. These services often include wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained staff to assist with patient transfers. While these services can be invaluable for individuals with mobility limitations, they can also be expensive and require advance booking.

**The “Hypertension Score” Assessment**

The “Hypertension Score” for 17210, particularly for residents of Amberson, reflects a mixed bag. While the proximity of Chambersburg Hospital offers a degree of convenience, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create significant challenges. The potential for increased travel times due to traffic congestion further compounds these difficulties.

The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation options offers some relief, but the cost and availability of these services can be a barrier. For individuals managing hypertension, the need for regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential urgent care visits necessitates reliable and affordable transportation.

**Moving to Amberson: A Healthcare Access Perspective**

For those considering moving to Amberson, a thorough assessment of healthcare access is crucial. While the neighborhood offers a desirable living environment, the transportation challenges must be carefully considered. Individuals who are unable to drive or have limited access to a personal vehicle should carefully evaluate the availability and reliability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options.

The “Hypertension Score” for Amberson residents can be improved by proactive planning. This includes identifying healthcare providers within close proximity, exploring transportation assistance programs, and coordinating appointments to minimize travel time. Understanding the transportation landscape and proactively addressing potential challenges is key to ensuring seamless healthcare access and effective hypertension management.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Road to Wellness**

The journey to healthcare access in 17210, particularly for residents of Amberson managing hypertension, requires a strategic approach. While the region offers a degree of convenience, the limitations of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles necessitate careful planning. By understanding the local transportation options, utilizing available resources, and proactively addressing potential challenges, residents can navigate the road to wellness and ensure effective hypertension management. The “Hypertension Score” serves as a reminder that healthcare access is not merely about the availability of medical services, but also about the ability to reach them efficiently and affordably.