17813, Beavertown, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 17813, Beavertown, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.06 percent of residents in 17813 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 26.96 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 33.23 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Beavertown, PA (ZIP Code 17813)

The quaint charm of Beavertown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17813), offers a slower pace of life, attracting those seeking respite from bustling urban centers. However, the bucolic setting presents unique challenges, particularly regarding healthcare access, especially for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape within and surrounding Beavertown, providing a "Hypertension Score" assessment, considering the critical link between transportation and the ability to manage this chronic condition. The score will reflect the ease with which residents can access necessary medical appointments, medications, and support services.

The primary consideration is the time and difficulty involved in reaching healthcare facilities. For residents of Beavertown, the closest significant medical center is Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, approximately 20 miles away. Driving is the most common mode of transportation. This journey typically involves using **Pennsylvania Route 522** south, connecting to **US Route 11/15** towards Lewisburg. The drive, under normal traffic conditions, takes around 30 to 40 minutes. This time frame can significantly increase during peak hours or inclement weather, posing a challenge for individuals with hypertension, who may require frequent check-ups or experience sudden health events.

Beyond Evangelical Community Hospital, access to specialized care may necessitate travel to larger cities like Harrisburg or Philadelphia. Reaching Harrisburg requires navigating **US Route 11/15** south to **Interstate 81** or **US Route 322**. This drive extends the commute to approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Philadelphia, a more distant option, involves a journey of around 3 hours, predominantly via **US Route 322** and **Interstate 76**. These longer travel times underscore the importance of reliable transportation for residents managing hypertension in Beavertown.

Public transportation options in the area are limited. The primary provider is the Susquehanna Valley Transportation Authority (SVTA). However, SVTA's services are sparse in Beavertown and the surrounding rural areas. There are no direct routes connecting Beavertown to Lewisburg or other medical centers. This lack of public transit significantly impacts individuals without personal vehicles, particularly the elderly or those with mobility limitations. Moreover, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is limited, further hindering access for individuals with disabilities.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence is often sporadic, especially in rural areas like Beavertown. Availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability presents a significant barrier for individuals with hypertension, who may require immediate transportation to a medical facility. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a deterrent, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services are another option. Companies like Medical Transportation Services (MTS) and other regional providers offer non-emergency medical transportation. These services can be pre-booked and provide door-to-door assistance, which can be particularly helpful for individuals with mobility issues. However, these services often come with a higher price tag than other transportation methods, adding to the financial burden of healthcare access. Furthermore, availability may be limited, requiring advance booking and potentially impacting the flexibility of scheduling medical appointments.

The "Hypertension Score" for Beavertown, PA (ZIP Code 17813) reflects these transportation challenges. The score considers factors like travel time to medical facilities, the availability and reliability of public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transportation services. The score also weighs the cost and accessibility of each transportation option, reflecting the overall ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare.

The score is influenced by the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options. The distance to the nearest major medical facility, Evangelical Community Hospital, adds to the complexity of accessing healthcare. The lack of reliable ride-sharing and the potential cost of medical transportation services further contribute to the challenges.

For individuals considering moving to Beavertown, or those already residing there, understanding these transportation limitations is crucial. It is essential to assess individual transportation needs and resources, considering the potential impact on healthcare access. Individuals managing hypertension should factor in the travel time to medical appointments, the availability of reliable transportation, and the potential costs associated with accessing healthcare.

The "Hypertension Score" for Beavertown, PA (ZIP Code 17813) is moderate, reflecting the dependence on personal vehicles and the limited availability of alternative transportation options. While the drive to Evangelical Community Hospital is manageable, the lack of public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services pose challenges. The cost of medical transportation services can also be a barrier for some residents.

To improve the "Hypertension Score," several measures could be considered. Increased public transportation services, including routes connecting Beavertown to Lewisburg and other medical centers, would significantly improve access. Collaboration between healthcare providers and transportation companies could facilitate transportation options for patients. Expanding the availability and reliability of ride-sharing services in the area would also be beneficial.

For individuals with hypertension, proactive planning is crucial. Establishing a reliable transportation plan, whether it involves personal vehicles, pre-booked medical transportation, or a network of family and friends, is essential. Understanding the transportation landscape in Beavertown is key to effectively managing hypertension and ensuring timely access to necessary medical care. This knowledge empowers residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare and overall well-being. The journey to healthcare, while manageable, requires careful consideration and planning in this rural setting.