15333, Fredericktown, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 15333, Fredericktown, Pennsylvania is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.01 percent of residents in 15333 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.55 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Washington Health System Greene with a distance of 11.64 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Fredericktown, PA (ZIP Code 15333)

The health and well-being of a community are inextricably linked to its ability to access essential services, particularly healthcare. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of Fredericktown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15333), focusing on the crucial element of transportation to healthcare facilities. Understanding the ease or difficulty of reaching medical appointments, pharmacies, and emergency care is paramount for anyone considering moving to Fredericktown or already residing within its borders. This score encompasses drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation availability, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access.

Fredericktown, nestled in Washington County, presents a unique challenge. Its rural setting, while offering scenic beauty, often translates to limited transportation options and longer travel times to healthcare providers. This analysis will dissect the realities of navigating the roads and services to determine the overall health score for this specific ZIP code.

**Drive Times: The Road to Wellness**

The most common mode of transportation in Fredericktown is the personal vehicle. This reliance on cars necessitates an examination of drive times to nearby healthcare facilities. Residents typically need to travel to the larger towns of California, Brownsville, or Washington for comprehensive medical care.

Reaching California, PA, a drive of approximately 10-15 minutes, often involves navigating local roads like Route 88 and Old National Pike. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, potentially extending travel times. Brownsville, a similar distance, offers another option for healthcare, accessible via Route 40, a major thoroughfare. However, Route 40, while a faster route, can be subject to heavy truck traffic.

Washington, PA, a more significant regional hub, provides a wider array of healthcare options, including hospitals and specialist clinics. The drive to Washington, roughly 25-35 minutes, involves traveling on I-70, a major interstate highway. While I-70 offers a high-speed route, traffic, particularly during rush hour, can significantly impact travel times. The condition of the roads and the potential for inclement weather, especially during winter months, can also affect drive times. The reliance on a personal vehicle emphasizes the importance of vehicle maintenance and the financial burden of car ownership, a critical factor in assessing healthcare access.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Fredericktown are severely limited. The availability of buses and other forms of public transit is a crucial factor in healthcare access, particularly for individuals who do not own a car, are unable to drive, or prefer not to drive. Unfortunately, the area's rural nature presents significant challenges for implementing and maintaining a robust public transit system.

The Washington County Transportation Authority (WCTA) provides some limited bus service throughout the county. However, the frequency of routes and the geographical coverage in the Fredericktown area are minimal. Specific route numbers and schedules should be checked for up-to-date information, but it is highly unlikely that a direct, convenient route exists from Fredericktown to major healthcare facilities.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration for public transit. The WCTA is required to provide accessible services, including wheelchair-accessible buses. However, the limited availability of routes and the potential for long wait times can still pose significant challenges for individuals with disabilities. The lack of robust public transit significantly impacts the overall health score for Fredericktown.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become increasingly popular in many areas. However, their availability in Fredericktown is variable. The presence of these services depends on driver availability and demand. Residents should not assume that ride-sharing is a reliable option for healthcare transportation, especially for appointments scheduled at specific times.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for transporting patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance during transport. Several medical transportation companies may serve the Washington County area, including those that focus on non-emergency medical transportation. However, the cost of these services can be a barrier for some residents.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations**

Considering the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for transportation to healthcare in Fredericktown, PA (ZIP Code 15333), is **moderate to low**. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create significant challenges for healthcare access.

Anyone considering moving to Fredericktown should carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Individuals without access to a personal vehicle, those with mobility limitations, or those who rely on public transportation should thoroughly investigate the available options and plan accordingly.

Factors influencing the score include the distance to healthcare facilities, the reliability of transportation options, the cost of transportation, and the availability of specialized services. The potential for long travel times, the limited public transit, and the potential for high transportation costs all contribute to a lower score.

**Recommendations**

To improve the "Overall Health Score," several initiatives could be implemented. Expanding public transit routes and increasing the frequency of service would significantly improve healthcare access. Promoting ride-sharing programs and ensuring the availability of medical transportation services are also crucial. Community initiatives to support carpooling or volunteer driver programs could also provide valuable assistance.

Ultimately, the health and well-being of Fredericktown residents depend on their ability to access healthcare services. Addressing the transportation challenges is a critical step in ensuring that all residents have equal opportunities to receive the care they need. The health score reflects the current situation and the need for ongoing efforts to improve transportation and healthcare access for the community. The integration of these services is essential for anyone moving to Fredericktown.