18413, Clifford, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 18413, Clifford, Pennsylvania is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 18413 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lehigh Valley Hospital - Dickson City with a distance of 13.72 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Clifford, PA (ZIP Code 18413)

The pursuit of optimal health, especially when managing conditions like hypertension, necessitates reliable and efficient healthcare access. For residents of Clifford, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18413), the ability to navigate the surrounding landscape to reach medical appointments, pharmacies, and specialist care is paramount. This write-up explores the challenges and opportunities presented by the local transportation infrastructure, ultimately contributing to a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare within and beyond this rural community. This analysis will be a crucial consideration for anyone moving to Clifford.

Clifford, nestled in the heart of Lackawanna County, offers a tranquil lifestyle, but its rural setting presents unique transportation challenges. The nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities are located in larger towns and cities, demanding careful consideration of travel times, modes of transport, and potential barriers. Understanding these factors is vital for individuals with hypertension, who require consistent medical attention and medication adherence.

**Roadways and Drive Times:**

The primary arteries connecting Clifford to the wider world are Pennsylvania Route 106 and Pennsylvania Route 247. These roads, while scenic, can become congested during peak hours, potentially increasing travel times to healthcare providers. Driving to Scranton, the county seat and home to several hospitals and specialist practices, typically takes between 25 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination. This journey primarily involves navigating PA-106 and then connecting to Interstate 81, a major north-south highway.

Driving to Carbondale, a smaller city with some medical services, is a shorter commute, usually taking 15 to 25 minutes via PA-106 and PA-6. While this offers a quicker option for some appointments, the scope of medical services is more limited compared to Scranton. The condition of these roads, particularly during winter months, can significantly impact travel times and safety. Snow and ice can create hazardous conditions, necessitating careful planning and potentially delaying or canceling appointments. This is a crucial consideration for anyone with hypertension, as disruptions to medication schedules or check-ups can have serious consequences.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in and around Clifford are limited. Lackawanna County operates a public transit system, but its routes and schedules are geared towards serving larger population centers. Regular bus service to and from Clifford is not readily available. This lack of robust public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle, cannot drive, or prefer not to drive. The absence of accessible public transit necessitates reliance on other modes of transportation, which may not be readily available or affordable.

The absence of regular public transit can be particularly challenging for individuals with mobility limitations or those who require frequent medical appointments. The lack of ADA-compliant features on available transportation options further compounds the issue for individuals with disabilities. This situation underscores the need for alternative transportation solutions to ensure equitable healthcare access for all residents of Clifford.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Scranton area, but their presence in Clifford is less reliable. Availability can be sporadic, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments could be problematic due to unpredictable wait times and potential surge pricing.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another option. Several companies operate in the region, offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, these services often require advance booking and can be costly, potentially posing a financial burden for individuals with limited incomes. The availability of medical transport services is a crucial factor in the overall healthcare access equation for residents of Clifford.

**Healthcare Access Considerations:**

The limited transportation options in Clifford necessitate careful planning for healthcare access. Individuals with hypertension must consider the potential for delays, the cost of transportation, and the need for advance booking. Proximity to healthcare facilities is a key determinant of the Hypertension Score. The longer the commute, the lower the score.

The ability to maintain consistent medical appointments, medication refills, and lifestyle modifications is essential for managing hypertension effectively. The transportation challenges in Clifford can directly impact these factors, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes. This is a critical consideration for anyone moving to Clifford.

**Pharmacy Access:**

Access to pharmacies for medication refills is another vital aspect of healthcare access. While some pharmacies may offer home delivery services, this is not always a reliable option, particularly for controlled substances. The need to travel to a pharmacy can add another layer of complexity to healthcare access in Clifford.

**Hypertension Score Calculation:**

The Hypertension Score for Clifford, PA (18413) is determined by a weighted average of several factors:

* **Drive Time to Nearest Healthcare Facility:** (Weight: 40%) Longer drive times result in a lower score.
* **Availability of Public Transportation:** (Weight: 20%) Limited public transit lowers the score.
* **Reliability of Ride-Sharing Services:** (Weight: 15%) Unreliable ride-sharing lowers the score.
* **Availability and Cost of Medical Transport:** (Weight: 15%) High cost and limited availability lower the score.
* **Proximity to Pharmacies:** (Weight: 10%) Distance to pharmacies impacts the score.

Based on these factors, the Hypertension Score for Clifford, PA (18413) is likely to be moderate. The presence of nearby healthcare facilities and the availability of ride-sharing services offer some access, but the limited public transportation and the potential for long drive times create significant challenges. This score highlights the need for residents to carefully consider their transportation options and plan accordingly to ensure consistent healthcare access.

**Conclusion:**

Navigating the healthcare landscape in Clifford, PA (18413) requires careful planning and consideration of transportation options. While the community offers a peaceful lifestyle, the lack of robust public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially unreliable ride-sharing services present challenges for individuals with hypertension. This analysis underscores the importance of proactively addressing these transportation barriers to ensure equitable healthcare access for all residents, particularly those with chronic conditions. The Hypertension Score serves as a valuable tool for understanding and addressing the specific challenges faced by individuals seeking to manage their health in this rural community. For those considering moving to Clifford, a thorough assessment of transportation needs is essential for a successful transition.