17306, Bendersville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 17306, Bendersville, Pennsylvania is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.39 percent of residents in 17306 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.57 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Gettysburg Hospital with a distance of 11.10 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Bendersville (ZIP Code 17306)

Understanding the challenges of healthcare access is crucial, especially for individuals managing conditions like hypertension. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape within and around Bendersville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17306), evaluating its impact on a resident's ability to reach necessary medical care. This "Hypertension Score" considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, providing a comprehensive view of the transportation barriers and opportunities for individuals managing hypertension. This is particularly relevant for anyone considering moving to Bendersville, offering a realistic perspective on healthcare access.

The primary consideration for residents of Bendersville is vehicular transportation. The town itself is relatively small, and the surrounding area is largely rural. Consequently, the reliance on personal vehicles is significant. Accessing specialized care often necessitates travel outside the immediate vicinity. The main arteries for travel are **Pennsylvania Route 30 (Lincoln Highway)**, which runs east-west, and **Pennsylvania Route 94**, which runs north-south. These routes connect Bendersville to larger towns and cities, providing access to hospitals and specialist clinics.

Drive times are a critical factor in the Hypertension Score. A simple doctor's visit for blood pressure monitoring or medication refills might involve a 15-20 minute drive to a primary care physician in Gettysburg, accessible via **Route 30** or **Route 94**. However, the drive to a cardiologist or endocrinologist in Gettysburg could extend to 25-30 minutes, potentially longer during peak traffic hours. For specialized care, such as a visit to the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, the drive could easily exceed an hour, particularly via **U.S. Route 15** and **Interstate 81**.

Public transportation options in Bendersville are limited. The **Gettysburg Transit System** provides some bus service within Gettysburg, but its routes are primarily focused on the town itself and don't offer extensive coverage to Bendersville. This is a significant disadvantage for individuals who do not drive or are unable to drive due to health concerns. The lack of readily available public transportation creates a significant barrier to healthcare access, potentially impacting medication adherence and follow-up appointments. This limited **transportation** infrastructure significantly impacts the Hypertension Score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can be unpredictable. While they provide a potential solution for **transportation** to healthcare appointments, availability can be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of these services can also be a significant burden, particularly for individuals with fixed incomes or those requiring frequent medical visits. This factor adds another layer of complexity to the challenge of healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are an option, but they also come with their own set of considerations. Companies like **Medicaid Transportation** and local ambulance services offer non-emergency medical **transportation**. However, these services often require pre-booking, potentially limiting spontaneous access to care. Furthermore, the cost of these services, even with insurance coverage, can be substantial. The availability of these specialized services is a positive aspect, but their limitations need to be considered.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features on available public transportation are essential for individuals with mobility challenges. While the Gettysburg Transit System does provide some ADA-compliant buses, the limited routes and frequency make it a less-than-ideal solution for many residents of Bendersville. The lack of readily accessible and reliable public **transportation** presents a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities, exacerbating the difficulties in managing hypertension.

The availability of pharmacies in Bendersville is a crucial component of healthcare access. While Bendersville might have local pharmacies, access to a wider range of medications or specialized services might require travel to Gettysburg or other nearby towns. This again underscores the importance of reliable **transportation**. The ability to quickly and easily obtain necessary medications is critical for managing hypertension effectively.

The Hypertension Score for Bendersville, therefore, reflects a mixed picture. While the town offers a relatively peaceful environment, the lack of robust public **transportation** and the reliance on personal vehicles create significant challenges for healthcare access. The drive times to specialized medical care, coupled with the limitations of ride-sharing and the cost of medical **transportation**, can create barriers to timely and consistent care.

For individuals considering **moving to Bendersville**, this analysis highlights the importance of carefully evaluating their healthcare needs and **transportation** options. Individuals with hypertension should consider the proximity to healthcare providers, the availability of reliable **transportation**, and the potential costs associated with accessing medical care.

The score is not simply a number; it is a reflection of the realities faced by residents of Bendersville in their pursuit of healthcare. It emphasizes the need for proactive planning and consideration of all available resources to ensure effective management of hypertension. This includes exploring options like telehealth, which can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, and advocating for improved public **transportation** options in the area.

In conclusion, while Bendersville offers a desirable lifestyle for many, the **transportation** landscape presents significant challenges for healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. The Hypertension Score serves as a valuable tool for understanding these challenges and making informed decisions about healthcare and **moving to Bendersville**. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public **transportation** options, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services all contribute to a complex healthcare access environment. The score underscores the importance of proactive planning, exploring all available resources, and advocating for improved **transportation** infrastructure to ensure that residents of Bendersville can effectively manage their health.