43837, Port Washington, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 43837, Port Washington, Ohio is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.96 percent of residents in 43837 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.50 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Twin City Medical Center with a distance of 9.81 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 43837

Understanding the ease of accessing healthcare is paramount when considering a move to a new area. This report, focusing on ZIP Code 43837 (Port Washington, Ohio), provides an "Overall Health Score" by evaluating the accessibility of medical services. This score considers the time and effort required to reach various healthcare facilities, encompassing driving distances, public transportation options, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. This information is crucial for anyone contemplating moving to Port Washington, ensuring informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.

The "Overall Health Score" for 43837 reflects a landscape where healthcare access presents certain challenges. While Port Washington offers a tranquil, rural setting, its relative isolation impacts the ease of reaching medical providers. The score is influenced by factors like the limited public transit, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the distances to specialized medical facilities. This report delves into the specifics, providing a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare commute.

**Driving Times and Roadways**

The primary mode of transportation for accessing healthcare in 43837 is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. Residents rely heavily on navigating the local roadways to reach medical appointments. The drive times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the destination and traffic conditions. The most immediate healthcare option is often the nearest primary care physician, which might be located in a neighboring town like Uhrichsville or New Philadelphia.

Reaching these towns involves traveling on local roads and state routes. From Port Washington, you'll likely use **State Route 258** and **State Route 800**, which are generally well-maintained but can experience slower speeds due to their rural nature and potential for seasonal weather-related delays. The drive to Uhrichsville, for instance, could take around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location of the medical practice.

For more specialized care, residents may need to travel further afield. The nearest hospitals with a broader range of services are in New Philadelphia and Cambridge. Reaching these facilities requires longer drives, potentially involving **Interstate 77** or **U.S. Route 250**, both of which can experience increased traffic during peak hours. A trip to New Philadelphia, potentially for hospital care, could take approximately 30-45 minutes, while a journey to Cambridge might extend to an hour or more.

The condition of these roads, particularly during winter months, can significantly impact travel times and potentially hinder healthcare access. Snow and ice can create hazardous driving conditions, making it crucial to factor in potential delays and the need for reliable vehicles.

**Public Transportation Challenges**

Public transportation options in and around 43837 are extremely limited. The rural nature of the area and the low population density make it challenging to establish and maintain a comprehensive public transit system. This lack of public transportation poses a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive.

There are no fixed-route bus services that directly serve Port Washington. Residents needing public transportation would likely need to rely on regional services, which might involve long waits, multiple transfers, and extended travel times. This lack of accessible public transit significantly lowers the "Overall Health Score" for those without personal vehicles.

Furthermore, the lack of public transportation options also affects the elderly and those with disabilities. Without accessible public transit, these individuals may face greater challenges in reaching medical appointments, potentially leading to delayed or missed care. The absence of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant buses or routes further exacerbates these issues.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

While public transportation is scarce, ride-sharing services and medical transport options offer alternative solutions for healthcare access in 43837. However, their availability and affordability can vary.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may operate in the area, but their presence is not guaranteed. The availability of drivers can be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in remote locations. This can lead to longer wait times and potentially higher fares, making ride-sharing a less reliable option for urgent medical needs.

Medical transport services are specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation and may be equipped to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, medical transport services often come with a higher cost than ride-sharing or public transportation.

Several medical transport providers may serve the area, including local ambulance services and specialized medical transport companies. The specific providers and their service areas should be researched to determine their availability and pricing.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **Care Ambulance**
* **Medstar Ambulance**
* **Life Ambulance**
* **Various private medical transport companies**

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for accessing healthcare in 43837 is moderate. While residents have access to healthcare facilities within a reasonable driving distance, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options present challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers some alternatives, but their reliability and cost can be limiting factors.

The score is particularly affected by the lack of public transportation and the potential for travel delays due to weather conditions. Individuals considering moving to Port Washington should carefully assess their transportation needs and consider the potential impact on their healthcare access.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents**

Individuals contemplating a move to Port Washington should proactively address healthcare access concerns. Researching the location of primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals is essential. Understanding the driving distances and potential travel times is crucial.

It is also advisable to explore the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services in the area. Consider the potential impact of weather conditions on travel and plan accordingly. For those who rely on public transportation, the lack of options should be a significant consideration.

Ultimately, the "Overall Health Score" for 43837 underscores the importance of careful planning and preparation for accessing healthcare. While the area offers a desirable rural lifestyle, prospective residents must acknowledge the challenges associated with healthcare access and make informed decisions based on their individual needs and circumstances. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape effectively will directly impact their overall health and well-being in Port Washington.