15323, Claysville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 15323, Claysville, Pennsylvania is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.27 percent of residents in 15323 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.35 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Washington Hospital, The with a distance of 9.67 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Claysville (ZIP Code 15323)

Considering a move to the charming borough of Claysville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15323)? Beyond the picturesque landscapes and close-knit community, a crucial factor to assess is **healthcare access**. This comprehensive analysis, the "Overall Health Score," delves into the complexities of **transportation** options available for accessing medical facilities, ensuring a clear understanding of the ease and potential challenges of reaching necessary care.

Claysville, nestled in Washington County, offers a rural setting, which inherently influences the availability and efficiency of **transportation** options. This analysis will examine the primary modes of travel: personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, providing a detailed picture of how residents navigate the journey to receive medical attention.

**Drive-Time Dynamics:**

The cornerstone of **healthcare access** in Claysville relies heavily on personal vehicles. The primary arteries for travel are **Interstate 70 (I-70)**, the major east-west thoroughfare, and **U.S. Route 40 (US-40)**, a historic roadway that provides access to nearby towns and cities. Smaller roads, such as **PA-231** and various local routes, serve as connectors, but their winding nature and potential for congestion during peak hours must be considered.

The nearest major hospitals are located in Washington, PA, and Wheeling, WV. Driving to Washington Hospital, approximately 20 miles east via I-70, typically takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Wheeling Hospital, located roughly 30 miles west via I-70, presents a similar drive-time scenario, with potential travel times ranging from 40-60 minutes. These estimates assume normal traffic flow. Inclement weather, such as snow or heavy rain, can significantly extend these drive times, impacting **healthcare access** in critical situations.

Smaller medical facilities, such as urgent care clinics and primary care physician offices, are scattered throughout the surrounding areas. These facilities, accessible via US-40 and local roads, offer more immediate care options, though their scope of services may be limited compared to the larger hospitals.

**Public Transit Pathways:**

Public transit options in Claysville are limited. The **Washington County Transportation Authority (WCTA)** provides some bus service, but routes and schedules are infrequent, particularly in rural areas. The WCTA's services may extend to Washington, PA, offering a connection to the hospital, but the journey would likely involve multiple transfers and extended travel times, making it a less desirable option for urgent medical needs.

The WCTA strives to provide **ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)** compliant services, including accessible vehicles and ramps. However, the infrequency of service and the potential for long travel times may still present challenges for individuals with mobility limitations. The availability of accessible routes should be verified directly with the WCTA.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Claysville area, but their reliability and availability can be variable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Securing a ride to a medical appointment might require advance planning, and surge pricing during periods of high demand could add to the overall cost.

Specialized medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available for individuals who require assistance with their medical journeys. Ambulance services are essential for emergency situations, providing immediate transport to the nearest hospital. NEMT services cater to individuals who need assistance with transportation to routine medical appointments, offering a more comfortable and reliable alternative to public transit or ride-sharing.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

Several medical transport brands operate in the Claysville area. **STAT MedEvac** is a well-known air medical transport service that provides rapid transport for critical patients. **Emergency Medical Services (EMS)** providers offer ambulance services. **NEMT** services are available, but their specific providers and service areas should be researched locally.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

The "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in Claysville, ZIP Code 15323, is moderately impacted by the rural setting. While the primary mode of **transportation** is a personal vehicle, the drive times to major hospitals are reasonable. However, the limited public transit options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services pose challenges for individuals without access to a car or those who require specialized medical transport.

The reliability of **healthcare access** hinges on the availability of personal vehicles and the ability to navigate the roads safely. The infrequency of public transit and the potential for delays with ride-sharing services highlight the need for careful planning and contingency strategies, especially for individuals with chronic health conditions or limited mobility.

**Moving to Claysville** requires a realistic assessment of **healthcare access**. While the community offers a peaceful environment, the potential limitations in **transportation** options must be considered when evaluating the overall health and well-being of residents. Prospective residents should research the availability of medical facilities, assess their personal **transportation** needs, and explore the options for specialized medical transport, ensuring that their **healthcare access** requirements can be met.