17812, Beaver Springs, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 17812, Beaver Springs, Pennsylvania is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.36 percent of residents in 17812 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 25.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 35.58 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Beaver Springs (ZIP Code 17812)

Beaver Springs, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Snyder County, presents a unique landscape for residents seeking healthcare. The rural nature of the area, while offering tranquility, also shapes the realities of healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up explores the transportation challenges and opportunities within ZIP code 17812, providing a "Hypertension Score" based on the ease and efficiency of reaching medical facilities. This score aims to inform both current residents and those considering moving to Beaver Springs about the practicalities of managing their health in this location.

The core challenge in Beaver Springs revolves around transportation. The area lacks a robust public transportation network, and the distances to healthcare providers can be significant. This necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transport, all of which can impact the timeliness and affordability of healthcare access. The "Hypertension Score" will consider these factors, along with the availability of local resources, to provide a comprehensive assessment.

**The Highway to Healthcare:**

The primary arteries connecting Beaver Springs to healthcare facilities are Pennsylvania Route 35 (PA-35) and Pennsylvania Route 522 (PA-522). These roads, while well-maintained, can experience traffic during peak hours, particularly near larger towns like Selinsgrove and Lewistown. PA-35 provides a direct route south towards Selinsgrove, home to Evangelical Community Hospital, the closest major hospital. The drive, typically taking 20-30 minutes depending on traffic, is a critical factor in our "Hypertension Score." PA-522, heading west, leads to Lewistown, where Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital offers another option, though the drive is generally longer, around 40-50 minutes. The condition of these roads, especially during winter weather, can significantly impact travel times and safety, further influencing the score.

Secondary roads, such as Swineford Road and Middle Creek Road, offer alternative routes, but they are often narrower and less direct, potentially adding to travel time. These roads are less likely to be plowed and salted during winter storms, making them less reliable for emergency situations. The "Hypertension Score" must account for the potential for delays caused by weather and road conditions.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Beaver Springs are extremely limited. The Susquehanna Valley Transportation Authority (SVTA) provides some bus service within Snyder County, but the routes are infrequent and primarily focus on connecting larger towns. There are no direct bus routes that serve Beaver Springs with regular service to healthcare facilities. This lack of public transportation significantly impacts the "Hypertension Score," particularly for individuals who do not drive or have limited access to a vehicle.

The absence of accessible public transportation disproportionately affects individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot afford a car. While the SVTA offers ADA-compliant buses, the limited route coverage makes them impractical for many residents of Beaver Springs seeking healthcare. The "Hypertension Score" acknowledges this significant barrier to healthcare access.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is often sporadic, and availability can be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, particularly for frequent medical appointments. This variable availability and potential cost factor into the "Hypertension Score."

Medical transport services, such as Life Lion and other private companies, offer specialized transportation for medical appointments. These services are often more expensive than ride-sharing and require pre-booking. However, they provide a crucial service for individuals who need assistance with mobility or require specialized medical equipment during transport. The "Hypertension Score" recognizes the importance of medical transport but acknowledges its limitations in terms of cost and accessibility.

**Healthcare Access: A Local Perspective:**

The availability of local healthcare providers within Beaver Springs itself is limited. There are family practices and some specialists in nearby towns, but the need to travel for specialized care, such as cardiology or endocrinology, is common. This travel requirement directly impacts the "Hypertension Score," as it increases the time and effort required to manage hypertension effectively.

The presence of pharmacies in the area is essential for medication access. The ability to fill prescriptions locally is a positive factor, but the need to travel for specialist appointments and diagnostic testing remains a significant challenge. The "Hypertension Score" considers the balance between local resources and the need for travel to access comprehensive healthcare.

**The "Hypertension Score" and Moving to Beaver Springs:**

The "Hypertension Score" for Beaver Springs, based on the above analysis, would likely be moderate. While the area offers a peaceful environment and access to essential services, the transportation challenges significantly impact healthcare access.

**Factors contributing to the score:**

* **Drive Times:** Moderate, with 20-50 minute drives to major hospitals.
* **Public Transportation:** Very Limited, with no direct routes to healthcare facilities.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Variable availability and potential cost.
* **Medical Transport:** Available but expensive and requires pre-booking.
* **Local Healthcare Providers:** Limited, requiring travel for specialized care.

For individuals considering moving to Beaver Springs, particularly those managing hypertension, careful consideration of these factors is essential. The ability to drive or have access to a reliable vehicle is crucial. Understanding the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services is also vital. Prospective residents should also research the availability of local pharmacies and the proximity of specialists and hospitals.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize Reliable Transportation:** Ensure access to a personal vehicle or a readily available transportation alternative.
* **Plan for Travel Time:** Factor in travel time to appointments and potential delays due to weather or traffic.
* **Explore Local Resources:** Identify local pharmacies and primary care physicians.
* **Research Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** Understand the availability and cost of these services.
* **Consider Proximity to Healthcare:** Evaluate the distance to hospitals and specialists when choosing a residence.

By understanding the transportation challenges and opportunities within Beaver Springs, individuals can proactively manage their healthcare and ensure effective hypertension management. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a starting point for this assessment, highlighting the importance of careful planning and resourcefulness in navigating healthcare access within this rural community.