18245, Quakake, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 18245, Quakake, Pennsylvania is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.10 percent of residents in 18245 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.48 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital with a distance of 6.64 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 18245 (Quakake, Pennsylvania)**

The quiet expanse of Quakake, Pennsylvania, nestled within ZIP code 18245, offers a bucolic charm, but a critical consideration for residents, particularly those managing hypertension, lies in the intricate web of transportation and healthcare access. This write-up unveils a "Hypertension Score" assessment, scrutinizing the commute to healthcare facilities, a crucial factor in managing this chronic condition. The ability to quickly and reliably reach medical appointments, pharmacies, and emergency care directly impacts patient outcomes.

The primary challenge for residents of Quakake is the rural nature of the area. Healthcare facilities are not immediately accessible, necessitating travel. This immediately raises concerns for individuals with hypertension, as timely medical intervention is paramount. The score will evaluate the various transportation options available, considering drive times, public transit limitations, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The backbone of transportation in Quakake is the automobile. The most direct route to healthcare often involves navigating the Pennsylvania roadways. For those seeking medical attention, the journey typically begins on Quakake Road, a local artery that connects to more significant thoroughfares. From Quakake, the primary route to larger medical centers involves utilizing Interstate 80, a major east-west artery.

The drive to St. Luke's Miners Campus in Coaldale, a nearby hospital, typically takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This is a manageable timeframe, but it underscores the reliance on personal vehicles. The route involves navigating Route 209 South, a winding road that can experience delays, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather.

For more specialized care, patients might need to travel further. The drive to Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital in Orwigsburg, a regional healthcare hub, can take approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic on Interstate 81, another critical highway. This longer commute highlights the potential for increased stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact blood pressure control.

The drive times, while generally acceptable, highlight the dependence on personal vehicles. This is a significant consideration for individuals with hypertension who may experience mobility issues or who may not have access to a car. The rural setting presents challenges that are exacerbated by the need for regular medical checkups.

**Public Transit Limitations:**

Public transportation options in Quakake are extremely limited. The region lacks a comprehensive public transit system, which significantly restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. This is a major disadvantage for individuals managing hypertension, who may rely on public transit to attend regular appointments or pick up medications.

The absence of robust public transit creates a barrier to healthcare access. The lack of public transportation services in Quakake means that residents, especially those with mobility limitations, are forced to rely on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or family and friends for transportation. This can lead to missed appointments, delayed treatment, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes.

There are no readily available bus routes that directly serve Quakake. The lack of public transit options exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with hypertension in the area. The absence of reliable public transportation forces residents to rely on other, potentially less accessible, options.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The reliability of these services is crucial for patients with hypertension who require timely transportation to medical appointments or emergency care.

The availability of ride-sharing services is variable. While these services can provide a convenient alternative to personal vehicles, their availability is not guaranteed. The reliance on ride-sharing services can be problematic for individuals with hypertension, as it introduces an element of uncertainty into their healthcare access.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available in the region. These services are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. However, medical transport services can be costly and may require advance booking, which can be a barrier to accessing timely care.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

Several medical transport brands operate in the region. These include:

* **Med-Trans Corporation:** Offers air and ground ambulance services.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation.
* **CareRide:** Specializes in non-emergency medical transportation.

These services are crucial for individuals with hypertension who have mobility limitations or who require specialized medical assistance. However, the cost and availability of these services must be considered when assessing healthcare access in Quakake.

**Hypertension Score Considerations:**

The "Hypertension Score" for ZIP code 18245 would consider the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** The average drive time to the nearest hospitals and clinics.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The presence or absence of public transit routes.
* **Ride-Sharing Reliability:** The availability and reliability of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport Services:** The availability, cost, and accessibility of medical transport services.
* **Traffic Congestion:** The impact of traffic on drive times.
* **Accessibility Features:** The presence of ADA-compliant features on available transportation.

**Moving to Quakake:**

For individuals considering moving to Quakake, the "Hypertension Score" is a critical factor to consider. The rural setting presents unique challenges to healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services require careful planning.

Individuals with hypertension should assess their ability to drive, the availability of reliable transportation options, and the proximity of healthcare facilities. They should also investigate the availability of medical transport services and their associated costs.

The decision to move to Quakake should be made with a clear understanding of the transportation and healthcare access challenges. While the area offers a tranquil lifestyle, residents must be prepared to navigate the complexities of healthcare access, particularly when managing a chronic condition like hypertension. This requires proactive planning and a commitment to ensuring timely access to medical care.