43713, Barnesville, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 43713, Barnesville, Ohio is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.35 percent of residents in 43713 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Barnesville Hospital Association, Inc with a distance of 1.14 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Barnesville, OH (ZIP Code 43713)

The health of a community is intricately woven with its ability to access essential services, particularly healthcare. For residents of Barnesville, Ohio (ZIP Code 43713), this access hinges significantly on their ability to **transport** themselves to medical facilities. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering the multifaceted aspects of healthcare **access** within the context of the local **transportation** landscape. Prospective residents **moving to Barnesville** should consider this information carefully.

The score is derived from a composite of factors, including drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services. Each category is weighted based on its impact on healthcare accessibility, acknowledging the importance of timely and reliable access to care for maintaining overall well-being. This write-up aims to paint a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities facing Barnesville residents in their pursuit of healthcare.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary arteries for accessing healthcare from Barnesville are State Route 800 and Interstate 70. State Route 800 provides a direct north-south connection, while Interstate 70 offers an east-west corridor. The nearest major hospitals are located in Wheeling, West Virginia, approximately a 30-45 minute drive via I-70, and in Cambridge, Ohio, roughly 40-55 minutes away, also via I-70 and US-40. Local clinics and physician offices within Barnesville are generally accessible within a 5-15 minute drive.

The condition of these roads is a critical factor. State Route 800, while scenic, can experience delays due to its two-lane configuration and occasional seasonal weather conditions. Interstate 70, being a major thoroughfare, often experiences traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, potentially extending travel times. The presence of well-maintained roads is crucial for the safety and efficiency of medical **transportation**.

The accessibility of these routes is generally good. However, residents in more rural areas of the ZIP code may face longer drive times to reach these primary routes, adding to the overall commute time for healthcare. The availability of parking at healthcare facilities is also a consideration, particularly in larger cities like Wheeling and Cambridge, where parking can be limited and costly.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transit options in Barnesville are limited. The Belmont County Transportation Department (BCTD) provides demand-response services, which require advance booking and are primarily designed for elderly and disabled individuals. These services are not ideal for spontaneous medical needs. The availability of fixed-route bus services to larger cities, such as Wheeling or Cambridge, is virtually non-existent, severely limiting the public **transportation** options for those without personal vehicles.

The BCTD vehicles are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, including wheelchair lifts and ramps. However, the limited service area and the need for pre-booking make this option less than ideal for general healthcare **access**. The lack of robust public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare for individuals who are unable to drive, do not own a car, or cannot afford the costs associated with private **transportation**.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are sporadically available in Barnesville. Their availability is often dependent on driver availability, which can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for time-sensitive medical appointments can be risky. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden for some residents.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT), are available in the area. Barnesville has its own volunteer fire department that provides ambulance services. NEMT providers, such as First Transit and Medical Transport Services, specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services are often covered by insurance, but require pre-authorization and scheduling, which may not always be feasible for urgent medical needs.

The availability and responsiveness of medical transport services are crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized care. However, the reliance on these services can add to the overall cost and complexity of healthcare **access**.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare **access** in Barnesville (ZIP Code 43713) is moderate. While local clinics and physician offices provide convenient access, the reliance on personal vehicles for accessing larger hospitals and specialized care facilities presents a challenge. The limited public **transportation** options and the sporadic availability of ride-sharing services further exacerbate these challenges.

The score is influenced by the following:

* **Drive Times:** Moderate, with reasonable access to local facilities but longer commutes to major hospitals.
* **Public Transit:** Poor, with limited availability and reliance on demand-response services.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Limited and unreliable, dependent on driver availability.
* **Medical Transport:** Available, but requires pre-planning and can be costly.

**Recommendations:**

* **Enhance Public Transit:** Advocate for increased public transit options, including fixed-route bus services connecting Barnesville to larger cities with healthcare facilities.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing:** Encourage the expansion of ride-sharing services in the area by incentivizing driver participation.
* **Improve Road Infrastructure:** Advocate for the maintenance and improvement of roads, including State Route 800 and Interstate 70, to ensure safe and efficient **transportation**.
* **Expand Medical Transport:** Support the expansion of medical transport services, including NEMT, to ensure accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations.
* **Community Awareness:** Educate residents about available healthcare **access** options, including public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services.
* **Telemedicine:** Encourage the adoption of telemedicine services to provide remote healthcare consultations and reduce the need for travel.

For individuals **moving to Barnesville**, understanding the nuances of healthcare **access** is crucial. While the community offers a peaceful environment, the limitations in **transportation** options require careful consideration. The overall health score reflects the need for continued efforts to improve healthcare accessibility, ensuring that all residents can receive the care they need, when they need it.