17765, Roaring Branch, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 17765, Roaring Branch, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.66 percent of residents in 17765 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.55 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Troy Community Hospital with a distance of 16.02 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Roaring Branch (ZIP Code 17765)

Considering a move to the serene landscapes of Roaring Branch, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17765)? While the area offers a tranquil escape, understanding healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension, is crucial. This write-up assesses the "Hypertension Score" by evaluating the transportation infrastructure and its impact on accessing necessary medical care. The score reflects the ease with which residents can reach healthcare providers, focusing on factors that affect timely appointments and medication refills, vital for managing hypertension effectively.

The primary challenge in Roaring Branch lies in its rural setting. The community is nestled within the embrace of Lycoming County, a region characterized by vast stretches of natural beauty and limited public transportation options. This geographic reality significantly influences the ease of access to healthcare, especially for those relying on public transit or experiencing mobility limitations. The ability to quickly and efficiently reach medical facilities is paramount for individuals with hypertension, a condition demanding consistent monitoring and treatment.

The primary arteries for transportation in and around Roaring Branch are Pennsylvania Route 14 and Pennsylvania Route 287. Route 14, a north-south thoroughfare, offers a direct path to the larger towns and cities where healthcare providers are concentrated. Route 287, running east-west, provides access to other regional hubs. However, the drive times to these healthcare centers can vary significantly depending on the destination and the time of day, impacting the overall Hypertension Score.

For residents of Roaring Branch, the closest significant healthcare facilities are located in the towns of Mansfield, Williamsport, and Wellsboro. Reaching these destinations necessitates a car, as public transportation is extremely limited. Driving to Mansfield, approximately 30 miles south via Route 14, might take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions. Williamsport, a larger city with a more comprehensive healthcare system, is about 45 miles south via Route 14 and could take over an hour, especially during peak commuting hours. Wellsboro, to the north, is roughly 35 miles via Route 287, offering a drive time of about an hour.

Public transportation options are virtually nonexistent within Roaring Branch itself. The Lycoming County Transportation Services (LCTS) provides limited demand-response transportation, primarily for seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, this service requires advance booking and may not be ideal for urgent medical needs or frequent appointments. The lack of readily available public transit significantly diminishes the Hypertension Score, particularly for individuals who do not drive or cannot drive due to health conditions. The absence of accessible transportation creates a barrier to **healthcare access**, potentially leading to delayed treatment and poorer health outcomes.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Williamsport area, but their presence in Roaring Branch is sporadic. Availability is not guaranteed, and wait times can be considerable, making them an unreliable option for time-sensitive medical needs. The limited availability of ride-sharing further compounds the transportation challenges, particularly for those without personal vehicles. This lack of readily available **transportation** options negatively affects the Hypertension Score.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by ambulance companies or specialized medical transport providers, are available in the region. However, these services are typically reserved for emergencies or individuals requiring specialized care. They are not designed for routine appointments or medication refills. While essential in critical situations, they do not address the everyday transportation needs of individuals managing hypertension.

The overall Hypertension Score for Roaring Branch is negatively impacted by the limited **transportation** infrastructure. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the scarcity of public transit and ride-sharing options, creates significant challenges for accessing healthcare. This is particularly concerning for individuals with hypertension, who require regular medical check-ups, medication management, and timely access to care.

The impact of these **transportation** limitations extends beyond simply getting to appointments. The time and effort required to travel to healthcare facilities can lead to increased stress and anxiety, potentially exacerbating hypertension symptoms. Furthermore, the lack of convenient access to pharmacies for medication refills can lead to missed doses and compromised treatment adherence. This underscores the critical need for residents to carefully consider their **healthcare access** needs when contemplating **moving to Roaring Branch**.

For individuals considering a move, understanding the implications of the **transportation** landscape is essential. While the tranquility and beauty of Roaring Branch are undeniable, the limitations in **healthcare access** must be weighed against the benefits. Those with hypertension should carefully assess their ability to manage their condition effectively, considering the travel times, the availability of support networks, and the potential need for assistance with **transportation**.

The future may bring changes. The potential for expansion of demand-response transit services, the increased availability of ride-sharing, or the development of telehealth options could improve the Hypertension Score. However, for now, residents must rely on personal vehicles or navigate the complexities of limited public and private **transportation** options to access the **healthcare access** they need.

The Hypertension Score for Roaring Branch, therefore, reflects the reality of rural **healthcare access**. The score is lower due to the limited **transportation** choices, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential challenges in reaching medical facilities in a timely manner. While the community offers a peaceful lifestyle, individuals with hypertension should carefully consider the impact of these factors on their ability to manage their condition effectively. This is a crucial consideration when **moving to Roaring Branch**.