18210, Albrightsville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 18210, Albrightsville, Pennsylvania is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

35.49 percent of residents in 18210 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.13 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Luke's Hospital - Carbon Campus with a distance of 12.25 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Albrightsville (ZIP Code 18210)

The quest for optimal health, particularly managing conditions like hypertension, necessitates a thorough understanding of healthcare access. This write-up, focusing on ZIP code 18210 (Albrightsville, Pennsylvania), aims to provide a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" assessment, evaluating the ease with which residents can access necessary medical care. We’ll delve into the intricacies of transportation options, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, all crucial elements in determining the overall accessibility of healthcare. This analysis is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Albrightsville, as it directly impacts their ability to manage hypertension effectively.

Albrightsville, nestled within Carbon County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. The area’s relative remoteness, coupled with the specific transportation infrastructure, creates a complex interplay of factors influencing the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities. The "Hypertension Score" will reflect this complexity, providing a realistic picture of the challenges and opportunities for individuals managing hypertension within this ZIP code.

**Drive Times: The Road to Wellness**

For many Albrightsville residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The availability of a car significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for those requiring frequent appointments or experiencing acute health events. The primary roadways serving the area include Interstate 80 (I-80), a major east-west artery, and Pennsylvania Route 903 (PA-903), which provides north-south connectivity.

Driving to the closest major healthcare hub, St. Luke's Hospital - Monroe Campus in Stroudsburg, necessitates navigating these roads. The drive, typically taking around 30 to 45 minutes, involves traveling east on I-80 and then south on PA-611. Traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours, can significantly extend this drive time, impacting individuals with hypertension who may require prompt medical attention.

Smaller clinics and physician offices are scattered throughout the region, offering more immediate care options. However, the availability of specialized care, such as cardiology or nephrology, often necessitates travel to larger facilities. The drive to Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono in East Stroudsburg, another significant healthcare provider, is comparable to the St. Luke's drive, involving similar roadways and travel times.

The distance to these facilities underscores the importance of reliable transportation. For individuals managing hypertension, timely access to medication refills, regular check-ups, and emergency care are paramount. The drive times, therefore, directly influence the "Hypertension Score," with longer drive times negatively impacting the score.

**Public Transit: A Limited Alternative**

Public transportation options in Albrightsville and the surrounding areas are limited. The lack of a comprehensive public transit system presents a significant challenge for individuals without access to a personal vehicle. This limitation particularly affects those with mobility issues, the elderly, and individuals with lower incomes, who may rely on public transit.

The Carbon Transit Authority (CTA) provides some bus service within Carbon County. However, routes and schedules are limited, and service to Albrightsville may be infrequent. Information on specific routes, such as route numbers and schedules, can be obtained from the CTA website or by contacting their customer service. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial consideration for individuals with disabilities.

The limited public transit options significantly impact the "Hypertension Score." The lack of readily available and convenient public transportation increases the reliance on other, potentially less accessible, transportation methods.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Albrightsville area, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary depending on demand and the time of day. Individuals with hypertension may need to factor in the potential cost and wait times when planning appointments.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available for individuals who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services are particularly crucial for those with mobility limitations or who are unable to drive themselves. The availability and cost of these services should be considered when evaluating the "Hypertension Score."

The presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides a valuable safety net for individuals with hypertension. However, the cost and availability of these services can vary, and their impact on the "Hypertension Score" will depend on their accessibility and affordability.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **Ambulance Services:** Lehighton Ambulance Association, Palmerton Ambulance Association.
* **Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT):** Often provided by local ambulance companies, private transportation companies, or through insurance-covered programs.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Approach**

The "Hypertension Score" for Albrightsville (ZIP code 18210) reflects the complex interplay of transportation options and healthcare access. The score will consider drive times to medical facilities, the availability of public transit, the accessibility of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical transport options.

The proximity of healthcare facilities is a crucial factor. While larger hospitals are accessible within a reasonable drive time, the availability of local clinics and physician offices offering primary care and medication management is also essential.

The ability to manage hypertension effectively requires regular access to medical care, including medication refills, check-ups, and specialist consultations. The transportation options available to residents directly impact their ability to access this care.

**Moving to Albrightsville: Considerations for Hypertension Management**

For individuals considering moving to Albrightsville, the "Hypertension Score" provides valuable insights into the healthcare landscape. The score can help prospective residents assess the ease with which they can manage their hypertension, considering their individual transportation needs and preferences.

Individuals who rely on public transit or have mobility limitations should carefully evaluate the limited public transit options. Those without access to a personal vehicle may need to factor in the cost and availability of ride-sharing services or medical transport.

The availability of local clinics and physician offices offering primary care and medication management is also an important consideration. Prospective residents should research the availability of healthcare providers in the area and assess their ability to meet their specific healthcare needs.

**Conclusion: A Holistic Assessment**

The "Hypertension Score" for Albrightsville (ZIP code 18210) is not a single number but a holistic assessment of healthcare access. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport availability. The score reflects the challenges and opportunities for individuals managing hypertension in this area.

Understanding the intricacies of transportation and healthcare access is crucial for anyone considering moving to Albrightsville or for current residents seeking to optimize their healthcare management. By carefully considering these factors, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare and ensure they have the resources they need to manage their hypertension effectively. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a valuable tool for navigating the healthcare landscape and promoting optimal health and well-being within the community.