18651, Plymouth, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 18651, Plymouth, Pennsylvania is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

81.37 percent of residents in 18651 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.76 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wilkes-Barre General Hospital with a distance of 4.27 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Plymouth, PA (ZIP Code 18651)

Plymouth, Pennsylvania, nestled in the Wyoming Valley, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering healthcare access, especially for individuals managing hypertension. This analysis, tailored for ZIP code 18651, explores the transportation landscape and its impact on reaching essential medical services, ultimately contributing to a "Hypertension Score" – a gauge of the ease and efficiency with which residents can access care. This score will help prospective residents understand the realities of moving to Plymouth and its impact on their health.

The cornerstone of this assessment is understanding the transportation options available. For residents of 18651, the primary mode of transportation for healthcare access is the personal vehicle. The road network, however, can present obstacles. The primary arteries are **Interstate 81 (I-81)**, a north-south thoroughfare, and **Pennsylvania Route 11**, which runs parallel to the Susquehanna River. Accessing these routes is crucial, but traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times.

For example, reaching the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Township, a major healthcare provider, typically involves navigating **Route 11** or **Route 315**, which connects to I-81. During rush hour, this commute can easily extend from a comfortable 15 minutes to upwards of 30 minutes, a critical delay for individuals experiencing hypertensive crises or requiring regular check-ups.

Other healthcare facilities, such as the Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, are also accessible via these routes. The drive, while relatively short in distance, is subject to the same traffic constraints. Even a seemingly short trip can become a significant hurdle, especially for those with mobility limitations or those without reliable personal vehicles.

Public transportation, while available, offers a less convenient alternative. The Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) provides bus service throughout the region. However, the routes serving Plymouth, PA, are limited, and direct routes to major healthcare facilities are often unavailable. This necessitates transfers, adding significant travel time and increasing the risk of missed appointments, especially for individuals with hypertension who require consistent medical attention.

The LCTA buses do offer some accessibility features, including wheelchair lifts and designated seating. However, the frequency of service, particularly on weekends and evenings, can be sparse, making it difficult for residents to adhere to strict medication schedules or attend urgent care appointments. For those relying on public transportation, healthcare access becomes a more complex and time-consuming endeavor.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area, offering another transportation option. While convenient, the availability of these services can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for individuals with limited incomes, potentially impacting their ability to afford regular medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as those provided by private ambulance companies, are available for individuals requiring assistance with mobility or medical needs. However, these services are typically reserved for emergencies or for patients with specific medical requirements, and they often come with a higher price tag than other transportation options.

The "Hypertension Score" for 18651 is therefore influenced by these transportation realities. It considers the following factors: the average drive time to major healthcare facilities, the frequency and accessibility of public transportation, the availability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transportation options.

The score is also weighted by the specific needs of individuals with hypertension. Factors like the need for frequent check-ups, the potential for hypertensive crises, and the impact of transportation delays on medication adherence are all considered. A higher score indicates easier and more reliable access to healthcare, while a lower score suggests greater challenges.

For someone moving to Plymouth, PA, understanding this score is crucial. It’s not just about the distance to the doctor's office; it's about the practicalities of getting there. Can you reliably access your medication refills? Can you get to your appointments on time, regardless of traffic or weather? These are the questions that the "Hypertension Score" aims to answer.

The availability of healthcare providers within the ZIP code is also a critical factor. While 18651 itself may not have a large concentration of specialists, its proximity to larger towns like Wilkes-Barre and Scranton provides access to a wider range of medical services. However, this access is contingent on the transportation options discussed above.

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. The opening of new clinics, the expansion of telehealth services, and the potential for improved public transportation can all impact the "Hypertension Score" over time. Therefore, this analysis is not static but rather a snapshot of the current situation.

For individuals with hypertension, the ability to manage their condition effectively is directly linked to their access to healthcare. Regular check-ups, medication adherence, and timely access to emergency care are all essential. The transportation infrastructure, therefore, plays a vital role in their overall health and well-being.

The "Hypertension Score" for 18651, considering the limitations of public transportation, the potential for traffic delays, and the cost of ride-sharing, would likely fall in the moderate range. While major healthcare facilities are within reasonable driving distance, the reliance on personal vehicles and the constraints of public transportation pose challenges for some residents.

For prospective residents, this analysis should be a key consideration when deciding to move to Plymouth. It’s important to assess your individual transportation needs, evaluate your access to reliable transportation, and factor in the potential for travel delays when planning your healthcare.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that individuals with hypertension can access the care they need, when they need it, without undue hardship. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a valuable tool for understanding the realities of healthcare access in 18651 and for making informed decisions about your health and your home. The journey to better health often begins with a reliable journey to the doctor.