18013, Bangor, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 18013, Bangor, Pennsylvania is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.92 percent of residents in 18013 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.61 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Luke's Hospital - Easton Campus with a distance of 12.37 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Bangor, PA (ZIP Code 18013)

Understanding healthcare access is paramount, especially for those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. This analysis provides a "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 18013 (Bangor, PA), focusing on transportation options to medical facilities, crucial for timely appointments and medication refills. This is particularly relevant for anyone considering moving to Bangor, as it directly impacts quality of life.

The Hypertension Score considers drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing services to estimate the ease of accessing healthcare. A higher score signifies better accessibility. The score is not a definitive medical assessment but a practical guide to navigating the healthcare landscape.

**Driving to Healthcare: The Arteries of Bangor**

Bangor's road network forms the primary artery for healthcare access. The most direct route to major medical facilities, like St. Luke's Hospital - Anderson Campus (in Easton), is via **Pennsylvania Route 33 South**. Expect a drive time of approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Alternatively, **Pennsylvania Route 512** provides access to facilities in the Nazareth area, though travel times can be similar, especially during peak hours. Navigating these routes requires careful planning, particularly during rush hour when congestion can significantly impact drive times.

Local roads, such as **North Main Street** and **Broadway**, offer access to local physician offices and pharmacies. While convenient for local appointments, they may not be the most efficient routes to larger hospitals. The condition of these roads, and the availability of parking, are factors that can affect healthcare access.

**Public Transit: A Vein of Support**

Public transportation plays a vital role in connecting residents to healthcare, particularly for those without personal vehicles. The **LANTA (Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority)** provides bus service in the Lehigh Valley, though service within Bangor itself is limited.

Route 219, a key LANTA route, connects Bangor to Easton, offering a potential link to healthcare facilities. However, the frequency of this route may necessitate careful scheduling to ensure timely arrival at appointments.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is crucial. LANTA buses are equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, it is vital to verify the specific route's ADA compliance and the availability of accessible stops near desired healthcare locations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Specialized Support**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation option. However, availability in Bangor may be limited compared to larger urban areas. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can also affect affordability.

Medical transportation services, often specializing in non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), provide a valuable service for individuals with mobility limitations. Companies like **CareRide** and **First Transit** may operate in the area, offering door-to-door service.

These services often require pre-booking and can be more expensive than public transit or ride-sharing. However, they provide a crucial link to healthcare for those who cannot drive or utilize other transportation options.

**Pharmacy Access: The Lifeline of Medication**

Access to pharmacies is another critical component of healthcare access. Bangor has several local pharmacies, including **Rite Aid** and **CVS**, providing convenient locations for medication refills and consultations. Drive times to these pharmacies are generally short, making medication adherence easier.

**Factors Influencing the Hypertension Score**

The Hypertension Score is influenced by several factors:

* **Drive Times:** Shorter drive times to hospitals and specialist offices increase the score.
* **Public Transit Frequency and Accessibility:** Frequent and accessible public transit options boost the score.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability and Affordability:** Reliable and affordable ride-sharing services contribute to a higher score.
* **Medical Transportation Options:** Availability of specialized medical transportation enhances the score.
* **Pharmacy Access:** Convenient access to pharmacies for medication refills positively impacts the score.

**Calculating the Hypertension Score (Hypothetical)**

To calculate a hypothetical Hypertension Score, we would assign points based on the factors above. For example:

* **Drive Times:** 20-30 minutes to major hospitals would receive a moderate score.
* **Public Transit:** Limited service with ADA accessibility would receive a moderate score.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Variable availability and potential surge pricing would receive a moderate score.
* **Medical Transportation:** Availability of specialized services would receive a moderate score.
* **Pharmacy Access:** Convenient access to local pharmacies would receive a high score.

Based on this hypothetical scoring, the overall Hypertension Score for Bangor, PA (18013) would likely fall in the moderate range. This suggests that while healthcare access is available, it requires careful planning and consideration of transportation options.

**Implications for Moving to Bangor**

For individuals considering moving to Bangor, understanding the Hypertension Score is crucial. Those with hypertension or other chronic conditions should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and the availability of healthcare services.

Consider the following:

* **Proximity to Healthcare:** Prioritize housing locations with easy access to major roads or public transit routes.
* **Transportation Options:** Assess the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation options.
* **Pharmacy Access:** Ensure convenient access to pharmacies for medication refills.
* **Appointment Scheduling:** Factor in travel times when scheduling appointments.

**Conclusion: Navigating Healthcare in Bangor**

Bangor, PA (18013) offers a mix of transportation options for accessing healthcare. While drive times to major hospitals may be manageable, the limited public transit options and variable ride-sharing availability require careful planning.

The Hypertension Score, though hypothetical in this example, serves as a valuable framework for evaluating healthcare access. For those managing hypertension or other chronic conditions, understanding the transportation landscape is critical for maintaining their health and well-being. Planning ahead, researching available services, and considering individual needs are essential steps in navigating the healthcare system in Bangor.