17320, Fairfield, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 17320, Fairfield, Pennsylvania is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.75 percent of residents in 17320 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.35 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Gettysburg Hospital with a distance of 9.49 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 17320**

Fairfield, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Adams County, offers a charming, rural atmosphere. Yet, for residents managing hypertension, the ease of accessing essential healthcare services, particularly those requiring specialized care, is a critical factor. This write-up assesses the "Hypertension Score" for residents of ZIP Code 17320, focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access. This analysis is crucial for anyone considering moving to Fairfield, particularly those with existing health conditions.

The "Hypertension Score" considers the time and difficulty involved in reaching medical facilities, including primary care physicians, specialists, pharmacies, and emergency services. It weighs factors like drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services. The goal is to provide a realistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access within this specific ZIP code.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Fairfield is the reliance on personal vehicles. The main arteries serving the area are US Route 30, a major east-west thoroughfare, and Pennsylvania Route 116, which runs north-south. These highways provide relatively direct routes to healthcare facilities, but traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times.

For instance, reaching Gettysburg Hospital, a major healthcare provider, typically involves a drive of approximately 15 to 20 minutes via PA-116 East. However, this time can easily double during rush hour. Similarly, accessing specialist care in nearby towns like Chambersburg or York necessitates longer drives, often exceeding 45 minutes via US-30 or US-15, respectively. These extended travel times can pose a significant burden for individuals with hypertension, who may require frequent medical appointments and rapid access to care in emergencies.

Public transportation options within ZIP Code 17320 are limited. The Gettysburg Transit System offers some routes within the town of Gettysburg, but these services have restricted reach into the more rural areas surrounding Fairfield. Furthermore, the frequency of these routes is limited, and they may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges. ADA accessibility, while present on some buses, requires prior planning and may not be ideal for urgent medical needs. This lack of robust public transit significantly impacts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Fairfield area, but their reliability and availability can vary. Demand is often higher during peak hours and on weekends, potentially leading to longer wait times and higher fares. For individuals with hypertension, who may need immediate transportation to a medical facility, relying solely on ride-sharing can be risky.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), offer specialized solutions for individuals with mobility limitations or medical conditions. These services provide door-to-door transportation to medical appointments and other healthcare-related destinations. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and availability may be limited, particularly during peak demand.

The location of pharmacies is also a key factor in the "Hypertension Score." While there are local pharmacies in Fairfield, access to a wider range of medications and specialized services may require travel to larger towns. The drive time to these pharmacies, combined with the potential for traffic delays, can impact the timely access to medications, which is crucial for managing hypertension.

The "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 17320 reflects the challenges of accessing healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services all contribute to a lower score. Individuals with hypertension considering moving to Fairfield should carefully assess their transportation needs and plan accordingly.

The availability of emergency services is another crucial aspect of the "Hypertension Score." The proximity of emergency medical services (EMS) to residents of ZIP Code 17320 is a critical factor in ensuring timely access to care during a hypertensive crisis. The response time of EMS to a medical emergency can be a life-or-death situation.

The proximity of hospitals and urgent care facilities is also a key factor. The availability of these facilities within a reasonable distance from residents of ZIP Code 17320 is essential for managing hypertension. The ability to quickly access these facilities during a hypertensive crisis can be the difference between life and death.

The "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 17320 is not static. It can change based on various factors, including improvements in transportation infrastructure, the expansion of public transportation services, and the availability of new healthcare providers. The score also depends on the individual's specific needs and circumstances.

For example, an individual with a severe case of hypertension who requires frequent medical appointments and rapid access to care would likely face greater challenges in ZIP Code 17320 than an individual with a less severe case of hypertension who only requires occasional medical appointments.

The score is also impacted by the individual's financial resources. The cost of transportation, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, ride-sharing services, and medical transport services, can be a significant burden for individuals with hypertension.

The "Hypertension Score" is a valuable tool for anyone considering moving to Fairfield, especially those with hypertension. It provides a realistic assessment of the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access within this specific ZIP code. It is essential to weigh these factors carefully when making a decision about where to live.

In conclusion, the "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 17320 reflects a complex interplay of factors. While the rural setting offers a peaceful lifestyle, healthcare access is significantly influenced by transportation limitations. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services can present challenges for individuals with hypertension. Careful planning and consideration of these factors are essential for anyone considering moving to Fairfield and managing this chronic condition. The need for robust transportation options and readily available healthcare services remains a priority for the well-being of the community.