19030, Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 19030, Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.19 percent of residents in 19030 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Mary Medical Center with a distance of 3.95 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Fairless Hills, PA (ZIP Code 19030)**

Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, nestled within ZIP code 19030, presents a unique tapestry of transportation options and healthcare access points, crucial factors for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up analyzes the commute landscape, focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation, to provide a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" perspective for residents and those considering moving to Fairless Hills. This score will reflect the ease and efficiency with which individuals can reach essential medical care, a vital consideration for managing this chronic condition.

The primary arteries of transportation in and around Fairless Hills are the major roadways: the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276), US Route 1, and the less-traveled but still significant Oxford Valley Road. The Turnpike, while offering a swift route, incurs tolls, a factor to consider in the overall cost of healthcare access. US Route 1, a bustling commercial corridor, often experiences heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours. Oxford Valley Road provides a more local, less congested alternative for shorter trips.

For individuals driving to healthcare facilities, the drive times vary significantly depending on the destination and the time of day. St. Mary Medical Center, a major healthcare provider, is located in Langhorne, PA, typically accessible via US Route 1 or the Turnpike. A trip to St. Mary's from the heart of Fairless Hills can take anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Other medical practices and specialists within the surrounding towns of Levittown, Bristol, and Newtown also impact drive times.

Public transportation, primarily provided by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), offers an alternative for those without personal vehicles. The SEPTA Trenton Line, a commuter rail service, has a station in nearby Levittown, providing access to Philadelphia and its extensive network of hospitals and medical specialists. However, the Levittown station is a short drive or a bus ride from Fairless Hills.

SEPTA bus routes, such as the 128, 129, and 130, serve the Fairless Hills area, connecting residents to local shopping centers, medical offices, and the Levittown train station. These routes are generally accessible, with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant features, including ramps, designated seating, and audio-visual announcements. While offering a valuable service, bus routes can be subject to delays and are not always the most direct route to healthcare facilities, especially those located outside of the immediate area.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, provide on-demand transportation options. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those who prefer not to drive. The availability and cost of ride-sharing can fluctuate depending on demand and time of day, but they provide a readily accessible option for transportation to and from medical appointments.

Medical transportation services cater specifically to individuals with healthcare needs. These services, often provided by companies like AMR (American Medical Response) or local ambulance services, offer non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) for those who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services are particularly beneficial for individuals with limited mobility or those who cannot safely use public transit or ride-sharing.

The "Hypertension Score" for Fairless Hills, considering these transportation factors, is nuanced. While the area benefits from a network of roadways and the availability of ride-sharing services, the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for traffic congestion on US Route 1 and the Turnpike can impact healthcare access. The public transit options, while available, may not always be the most direct or time-efficient route to all healthcare facilities.

For individuals with hypertension, the proximity of healthcare providers and the ease of access are critical. When considering moving to Fairless Hills, prospective residents should carefully evaluate the location of their preferred healthcare providers and assess the feasibility of reaching those providers using the available transportation options.

The presence of St. Mary Medical Center and numerous medical practices within a reasonable driving distance is a significant advantage. However, the potential for traffic delays on US Route 1 and the Turnpike should be factored into the equation. The availability of ride-sharing services provides a convenient alternative for those who do not drive or prefer not to drive.

The SEPTA bus routes offer a valuable service, but the travel times and potential for delays should be considered. The Levittown train station provides access to Philadelphia's healthcare facilities, but the need for a connecting bus or car ride adds to the overall travel time.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance. The availability of these services provides an essential safety net for those who cannot independently access healthcare.

Ultimately, the "Hypertension Score" for Fairless Hills is positive, but with caveats. The area offers a range of transportation options, including roadways, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport. However, the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for traffic congestion, combined with the limitations of public transit, necessitate careful planning for healthcare access.

Individuals managing hypertension should prioritize healthcare access when considering a move to Fairless Hills. They should assess the proximity of healthcare providers, the feasibility of using available transportation options, and the potential for travel delays. Careful consideration of these factors will help ensure that residents of Fairless Hills can effectively manage their hypertension and maintain their overall health and well-being. The goal is to ensure seamless transportation to healthcare, making Fairless Hills a viable and accessible location for those prioritizing their health.