45874, Ohio City, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 45874, Ohio City, Ohio is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.98 percent of residents in 45874 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.67 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ridgeview Hospital with a distance of 11.19 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Ohio City (ZIP Code 45874)

This report evaluates the overall health score for residents of Ohio City, Ohio (ZIP Code 45874), focusing specifically on the accessibility of healthcare services. The core element of this assessment is the transportation infrastructure and its impact on a resident's ability to reach medical care. Factors considered include drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transportation services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview for individuals considering moving to Ohio City, highlighting the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare.

The foundation of healthcare access in Ohio City is largely dependent on personal vehicles. The primary arteries for transportation are **US Route 224** and **State Route 118**. Residents traveling to larger medical facilities in surrounding areas, such as Van Wert or Fort Wayne, Indiana, will likely utilize these highways. Commuting times are heavily influenced by traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary considerably. The closest options are likely the local family practices and urgent care clinics within Ohio City and the immediate vicinity. These facilities are generally accessible within a 10-15 minute drive. However, accessing specialized medical services, such as those offered by specialists or hospitals, requires longer travel times. The Van Wert Health hospital, for example, is approximately a 20-minute drive via US Route 224.

For those requiring specialized care not available locally, the drive time can extend significantly. Major hospitals in Fort Wayne, Indiana, like Parkview Regional Medical Center, can be reached in approximately an hour, depending on traffic and the specific route taken. This necessitates careful planning and consideration, especially for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent medical appointments.

Public transportation options in Ohio City are limited. The absence of a robust public transit system presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles, or those unable to drive. This lack of options disproportionately affects seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The absence of regular bus routes or dedicated transit services necessitates reliance on alternative methods for healthcare access.

While specific public transit routes are not available in Ohio City, individuals may explore options in neighboring cities like Van Wert. However, these options are likely to be infrequent and may not provide direct access to healthcare facilities. The lack of ADA-compliant features on any potential public transit options further exacerbates the challenges for individuals with disabilities.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Ohio City area, but their reliability and cost-effectiveness can vary. Availability is often dependent on driver density, which may be lower in rural areas compared to larger cities. The cost of ride-sharing can quickly accumulate, particularly for frequent medical appointments or longer distances.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for individuals who require assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. These services often cater to individuals with disabilities or those who are unable to drive. However, the availability of medical transportation services in Ohio City and the surrounding areas needs to be carefully investigated.

The presence of medical transportation brands like MedTrans or American Medical Response (AMR) would provide a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the specific service area and the range of services offered by these companies need to be confirmed. Furthermore, the cost of medical transportation can be a significant barrier to healthcare access for some residents.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Ohio City is moderate, with strengths and weaknesses. The proximity of local medical facilities provides a degree of convenience. However, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential challenges with ride-sharing and medical transportation services create barriers for some residents.

The lack of robust public transportation and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services raise concerns about healthcare equity. Individuals without access to personal vehicles may face significant difficulties in accessing necessary medical care. This can lead to delayed diagnoses, reduced adherence to treatment plans, and poorer health outcomes.

The availability of specialized medical services in nearby cities like Fort Wayne is a positive factor. However, the longer drive times necessitate careful planning and can be stressful for patients. The distance also presents challenges for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent medical appointments.

For individuals considering moving to Ohio City, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs is essential. Those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations should carefully evaluate the available transportation options and the potential costs associated with accessing medical care.

The overall health score is further impacted by the absence of readily available information about the availability and cost of medical transportation services. Prospective residents should proactively research these options and confirm their service areas.

The ease of access to healthcare significantly impacts the overall well-being of Ohio City residents. The availability of transportation options is a critical determinant of healthcare access. The current infrastructure, while providing some level of accessibility, presents challenges for certain populations.

The future of healthcare access in Ohio City could be improved by exploring options to enhance public transportation, such as partnering with neighboring cities to extend bus routes. Investigating the feasibility of a local, community-based transportation service for seniors and individuals with disabilities would be beneficial.

Furthermore, promoting ride-sharing programs and providing financial assistance for medical transportation services could improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations. Public awareness campaigns about the available transportation options and the importance of regular medical check-ups are also important.

In conclusion, while Ohio City offers some degree of healthcare accessibility, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options present challenges. The overall health score is moderate, with areas for improvement. Addressing these challenges through strategic planning and investment in transportation infrastructure will be crucial for ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all residents of Ohio City.