26405, Moatsville, West Virginia Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 26405, Moatsville, West Virginia is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.83 percent of residents in 26405 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.32 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Broaddus Hospital Association, Inc with a distance of 9.63 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Moatsville (ZIP Code 26405)

Moatsville, West Virginia, nestled in the heart of Taylor County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for residents, particularly concerning healthcare access. For individuals managing hypertension, timely and reliable access to medical care, including regular check-ups and medication refills, is crucial. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape in ZIP code 26405, assessing its impact on healthcare access and formulating a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching necessary medical services. This score will consider the availability of various transportation options, the distances to healthcare facilities, and the overall accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations.

The geographic realities of Moatsville, characterized by rolling hills and a relatively low population density, significantly influence transportation options. The primary mode of transportation is undoubtedly personal vehicles. The town's central location provides access to major roadways, including **US Route 19** and **West Virginia Route 76**, which are essential arteries for commuting to healthcare facilities. These routes, however, are often subject to traffic delays, especially during peak hours or inclement weather. Furthermore, the availability of public transportation is limited, presenting a significant hurdle for those without personal vehicles.

For individuals relying on personal vehicles, the drive times to healthcare facilities in and around Moatsville are a critical factor. The closest primary care physicians and specialists are located in the surrounding towns of Grafton and Philippi. A drive to Grafton, utilizing **US Route 19**, typically takes approximately 15-20 minutes, assuming moderate traffic conditions. Philippi, accessible via **West Virginia Route 76**, is a similar distance, with a drive time of around 20-25 minutes. These drive times, while manageable for many, can be significantly impacted by weather conditions, such as snow or heavy rain, which are common in West Virginia.

Public transportation options in Moatsville are scarce. The availability of bus routes is limited, and those that exist may have infrequent schedules, making it difficult to coordinate appointments and medication pickups. The absence of a robust public transit system exacerbates the challenges for individuals with mobility limitations, the elderly, or those who cannot afford a personal vehicle. The lack of ADA-compliant features on the existing bus routes further restricts healthcare access for individuals with disabilities. This deficiency in public transit poses a significant barrier to healthcare access for a substantial portion of the population, particularly those managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not readily available in Moatsville. This absence further restricts transportation options, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The lack of these services necessitates reliance on alternative transportation methods, such as taxis or medical transportation services, which may be expensive and have limited availability. The dependence on these alternative methods increases the time and cost associated with accessing healthcare, potentially leading to delayed or missed appointments, impacting the management of hypertension.

Medical transportation services are available in the area, but their availability and cost vary. These services are specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. However, they often require advance booking and can be expensive, particularly for individuals with limited financial resources. The reliance on these services can add significant financial strain, potentially impacting the ability to adhere to prescribed treatment plans. The availability of these services is also subject to demand, which may lead to delays in scheduling appointments, further hindering healthcare access.

The availability of healthcare facilities within Moatsville is also a critical factor. The town itself may have limited medical services, necessitating travel to neighboring towns for specialized care. This travel requirement adds to the overall transportation burden, increasing the time and cost associated with healthcare access. The lack of readily available medical facilities within the town emphasizes the importance of efficient transportation options to ensure timely access to essential medical services.

Considering all these factors, we can formulate a "Hypertension Score" for ZIP code 26405. This score will reflect the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare for individuals managing hypertension. The score will be based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing the most difficult access and 10 representing the easiest.

**Factors considered in the Hypertension Score:**

* **Drive times to healthcare facilities:** Shorter drive times will contribute to a higher score.
* **Availability of public transportation:** The presence of frequent, accessible, and ADA-compliant public transit will increase the score.
* **Availability of ride-sharing services:** The presence of readily available ride-sharing services will positively impact the score.
* **Availability and cost of medical transportation services:** Affordable and readily available medical transportation services will increase the score.
* **Proximity of healthcare facilities:** The presence of healthcare facilities within Moatsville will increase the score.
* **Road conditions and traffic:** Well-maintained roads and minimal traffic congestion will contribute to a higher score.

Based on the analysis of the transportation landscape in Moatsville, the Hypertension Score for ZIP code 26405 is estimated to be a **4 out of 10**. This score reflects the challenges posed by limited public transportation, the absence of ride-sharing services, and the reliance on personal vehicles. While drive times to healthcare facilities are relatively manageable, the lack of alternative transportation options significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations.

For individuals considering **moving to Moatsville** and managing hypertension, this score highlights the importance of planning for transportation needs. Potential residents should assess their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation, and the potential cost of medical transportation services. Understanding the transportation challenges is crucial for ensuring consistent and timely access to healthcare.

To improve the Hypertension Score, several initiatives could be implemented. Investing in a more robust public transportation system, including ADA-compliant buses and expanded routes, would significantly enhance healthcare access. Encouraging the availability of ride-sharing services would provide an additional transportation option. Providing subsidies for medical transportation services would reduce the financial burden on individuals. Promoting the development of healthcare facilities within Moatsville would reduce the need for travel.

In conclusion, while Moatsville offers a charming rural setting, the limitations in transportation options present significant challenges for individuals managing hypertension. The Hypertension Score of 4 out of 10 reflects the need for improvements in healthcare access, particularly through investments in public transportation and the expansion of alternative transportation services. By addressing these transportation challenges, Moatsville can better support the health and well-being of its residents, making it a more accessible and livable community for everyone.