17729, Cross Fork, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 17729, Cross Fork, Pennsylvania is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.00 percent of residents in 17729 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.50 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bucktail Medical Center with a distance of 9.36 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Cross Fork, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17729)**

The rugged beauty of Cross Fork, Pennsylvania, nestled deep within the Pennsylvania Wilds, offers a unique lifestyle. However, the serenity of this remote location presents a significant challenge: healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape within and around ZIP Code 17729, providing a “Hypertension Score” to assess the ease with which residents can reach essential medical care. The score will consider drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services, offering insights for those considering moving to Cross Fork or seeking to improve their healthcare journey.

The foundation of this analysis lies in understanding the primary roads and highways that connect Cross Fork to vital medical facilities. Route 144, the main artery through the area, snakes north and south, providing the most direct route to several healthcare destinations. Route 120, intersecting with Route 144 near Renovo, offers another crucial path, leading eastward. These two routes are the lifeblood for transportation, and their condition and accessibility directly impact the Hypertension Score.

The nearest hospitals and specialized clinics are located in Lock Haven, Williamsport, and Clearfield, each presenting unique travel considerations. Driving to UPMC Susquehanna Lock Haven Hospital, approximately 45 miles south via Route 144 and Route 220, typically takes around one hour, assuming favorable road conditions. Williamsport, home to UPMC Williamsport Hospital, is roughly 70 miles east, requiring a drive of about one hour and 45 minutes via Route 120 and Interstate 80. Clearfield, with Penn Highlands Clearfield, is a similar distance west, with a drive of around one hour and 45 minutes, largely on Route 120 and Interstate 80.

The Hypertension Score must account for the unpredictable nature of mountain driving. Winter weather, in particular, can significantly extend travel times and increase the risk of accidents. The condition of Route 144, often narrow and winding, can be challenging, especially during inclement weather. Regular maintenance and snow removal are critical, but residents must always factor in potential delays.

Public transportation options in Cross Fork are extremely limited. The area lacks a dedicated public bus system. This absence significantly impacts the Hypertension Score, particularly for individuals who do not drive or have limited mobility. The lack of public transit underscores the reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation services.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are generally unavailable in Cross Fork and the surrounding rural areas. This further restricts transportation options for those without access to a car. The lack of readily available ride-sharing options necessitates a proactive approach to healthcare appointments, requiring careful planning and reliance on alternative solutions.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a potential solution. However, the availability of these services in Cross Fork is limited. While some regional providers may serve the area, their capacity and response times can vary. Thorough research is essential to identify and secure reliable medical transportation.

The Hypertension Score must also consider the accessibility of these transportation options for individuals with disabilities. The absence of public transit, the potential limitations of medical transportation services, and the challenging terrain all contribute to a lower score for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility. This underscores the need for accessible vehicles and services to ensure equitable healthcare access.

The "Hypertension Score" for Cross Fork, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17729) is, therefore, relatively low. The score is primarily influenced by the following factors: long drive times to healthcare facilities, the absence of public transportation, the limited availability of ride-sharing services, and the potential constraints of medical transportation. The score reflects the challenges faced by residents managing hypertension in accessing timely and convenient medical care.

For those considering moving to Cross Fork, this score highlights the importance of careful planning and preparation. Individuals with hypertension should assess their ability to drive or secure reliable transportation. Establishing relationships with local medical transportation providers, if available, is crucial. Developing a proactive approach to managing healthcare appointments, including scheduling appointments well in advance and allowing ample travel time, is essential.

The score also underscores the need for potential improvements in healthcare access. Exploring the feasibility of establishing a local transportation service, even on a limited scale, could significantly improve the Hypertension Score. Supporting initiatives that promote telehealth services, allowing for remote consultations and monitoring, could also mitigate some of the challenges associated with geographical isolation.

In conclusion, while Cross Fork offers a unique and desirable lifestyle, the challenges of healthcare access, particularly for individuals with hypertension, cannot be ignored. The low Hypertension Score reflects the transportation limitations and underscores the need for careful planning, proactive healthcare management, and potential community-based solutions to improve access to essential medical care. The journey to healthcare in Cross Fork requires a commitment to navigating the unique challenges of its remote location.