18254, Tresckow, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 18254, Tresckow, Pennsylvania is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

92.39 percent of residents in 18254 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.35 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital with a distance of 6.98 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Tresckow, PA (ZIP Code 18254)

The quest for optimal health, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, is inextricably linked to the ease with which one can access healthcare. In the serene, yet geographically isolated, community of Tresckow, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18254), this access hinges significantly on the available **transportation** options. This write-up delves into the intricacies of **healthcare access** for residents of Tresckow, analyzing drive times, public transit, and ride-sharing alternatives, culminating in a "Hypertension Score" that reflects the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals seeking medical attention. This information is particularly pertinent for anyone **moving to Tresckow** and considering their long-term healthcare needs.

Tresckow, nestled within the Appalachian Mountains, presents a unique **transportation** landscape. The primary artery connecting the area to surrounding towns and healthcare facilities is Interstate 80 (I-80). This major east-west highway offers relatively swift access to larger population centers, but it also introduces potential delays due to traffic congestion, particularly during peak travel times. Route 924, a vital north-south thoroughfare, provides a more direct route to local services, although its winding nature and potential for seasonal weather-related hazards can impact travel times. Other local roads, such as Tresckow Road and Barnesville Road, are essential for navigating within the community but contribute to the overall distance to specialized medical care.

Driving times to healthcare providers are a critical factor in the Hypertension Score. The closest primary care physicians and urgent care facilities are located in the neighboring towns of Hazleton and Tamaqua. Driving to Hazleton, the largest nearby city, via I-80 and Route 924, typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Tamaqua, accessible via Route 924 and Route 309, is slightly closer, with a drive time averaging 15 to 25 minutes. These times can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day, weather conditions, and the specific location of the healthcare provider within those towns. Specialized medical services, such as cardiology, endocrinology, and nephrology, are often concentrated in larger hospitals in Wilkes-Barre or Allentown, requiring significantly longer travel times, potentially exceeding an hour.

Public transit options in Tresckow are limited. The Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) provides some bus service in the region, but its routes are infrequent and primarily serve Hazleton and surrounding areas. There are no direct bus routes that originate in Tresckow and directly connect to major hospitals or specialty clinics. The lack of comprehensive public transit presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access**, especially for individuals without personal vehicles, the elderly, or those with mobility limitations. The absence of dedicated ADA-accessible routes further compounds the challenge for those with disabilities. This lack of public transit necessitates reliance on other **transportation** methods.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in the region, but their availability in Tresckow can be sporadic. The remote location and limited population density may result in longer wait times and higher fares compared to more urban areas. Booking a ride-share for a medical appointment requires careful planning and consideration of potential delays. The reliability of ride-sharing as a primary mode of **transportation** for regular medical appointments is questionable, particularly for individuals managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution for individuals needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments. Several companies provide non-emergency medical **transportation** in the area, including ambulance services for emergencies and private companies that specialize in wheelchair-accessible vans and stretcher services. These services can be invaluable for those with mobility issues or those who cannot drive. However, they can be costly, and advance booking is often required. The availability of these services may also be limited, particularly during peak hours or in inclement weather.

The availability of pharmacy services within Tresckow is also a crucial factor. While there may be local pharmacies, the proximity of larger chain pharmacies in Hazleton and Tamaqua provides greater access to a wider range of medications and services. The ability to easily and quickly refill prescriptions is essential for managing hypertension, and the **transportation** options to reach these pharmacies directly impact patient adherence to their medication regimen.

Considering all these factors, we can formulate a Hypertension Score for residents of Tresckow. This score reflects the overall ease and convenience of accessing healthcare, specifically for individuals managing hypertension.

**Hypertension Score Components:**

* **Drive Time to Primary Care:** 20-30 minutes (Moderate)
* **Drive Time to Specialty Care:** 45-90 minutes (High)
* **Public Transit Availability:** Very Limited (Very Low)
* **Ride-Sharing Reliability:** Sporadic (Low)
* **Medical Transport Availability:** Available, but potentially costly (Moderate)
* **Pharmacy Access:** Moderate (Close proximity to pharmacies)

**Hypertension Score Calculation:**

The score is based on a weighted average of the above components. Drive times to specialty care and the lack of public transit are given the highest weight, as these factors pose the most significant challenges. The resulting score would place Tresckow in a category reflecting moderate to high difficulty in accessing timely and convenient healthcare, specifically for individuals managing hypertension. This underscores the importance of careful planning, reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential need for assistance from family, friends, or medical **transportation** services.

**Recommendations for Residents and Those Moving to Tresckow:**

* **Prioritize Proactive Healthcare:** Establish a relationship with a primary care physician in advance.
* **Plan for Travel:** Factor in longer travel times for appointments, especially to specialists.
* **Explore all Transportation Options:** Consider ride-sharing, medical transport, and the support of family and friends.
* **Understand Insurance Coverage:** Confirm coverage for medical transport and specialized care.
* **Consider Proximity to Pharmacies:** Ensure easy access to prescription refills.

**Conclusion:**

While Tresckow offers a peaceful and scenic environment, the challenges related to **transportation** significantly impact **healthcare access**, particularly for those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Understanding these challenges and proactively planning for medical appointments is crucial for residents and anyone **moving to Tresckow**. The Hypertension Score serves as a valuable tool for assessing the overall healthcare landscape and highlighting the need for careful consideration of **transportation** options to ensure timely and effective medical care.