15085, Trafford, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 15085, Trafford, Pennsylvania is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.62 percent of residents in 15085 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.23 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Forbes Hospital with a distance of 2.88 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Trafford, PA (ZIP Code 15085)

Moving to a new community, especially with a health condition like asthma, requires careful consideration of healthcare access. This write-up provides an "Asthma Score" assessment for Trafford, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15085), focusing on transportation options to healthcare facilities, a critical factor for managing this respiratory condition. The score aims to provide a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities for residents seeking medical care.

Trafford, a small borough in Westmoreland County, offers a blend of suburban and semi-rural living. Its location, however, presents unique transportation challenges, particularly for those with asthma who may require frequent doctor visits, urgent care, or emergency services. The ability to quickly and reliably reach healthcare providers is paramount for effective asthma management.

**Driving Times: The Road Ahead**

The primary mode of transportation in Trafford is by personal vehicle. Several major roadways influence healthcare access. The Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) provides relatively fast access to facilities further afield, but it is a toll road. The Lincoln Highway (US-30) runs east-west, offering access to local businesses and healthcare providers in neighboring communities.

Driving times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the destination and traffic conditions. UPMC East, a major hospital, is approximately a 15-20 minute drive via US-30 East. Allegheny Health Network’s Forbes Hospital, another significant healthcare provider, is roughly a 20-25 minute drive, depending on the route taken, usually via US-30 West or the Parkway East (I-376). During peak hours, these drive times can increase significantly, posing a challenge for individuals experiencing an asthma exacerbation.

Smaller clinics and urgent care facilities are scattered throughout the surrounding areas. The drive to these facilities typically takes 5-15 minutes, depending on the location. However, the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists and allergists, may require longer travel times to facilities in Pittsburgh or other larger cities.

**Public Transportation: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Trafford are limited. The Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAT) provides bus service in the region, but routes are infrequent and primarily focused on connecting to Pittsburgh. The primary bus route serving Trafford is the 67, which runs along US-30.

The 67 bus offers a potential transportation option for healthcare access, but its limited schedule and potential for delays can be problematic for those with asthma. The route does not operate late into the evening or on Sundays, restricting access to urgent care or emergency services during those times. Furthermore, the 67 bus may not directly serve all healthcare facilities. Passengers may need to transfer buses, adding to travel time and potential exposure to environmental triggers.

ADA accessibility on PAT buses is generally good, with ramps and designated seating. However, the reliability of the system and the potential for crowded buses during peak hours can pose challenges for individuals with asthma. The lack of dedicated asthma-friendly transportation options, such as specialized medical transport, further limits the accessibility of public transportation.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Alternative Routes**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to personal vehicles and public transportation. These services are readily available in Trafford and can provide on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by medical transport companies, provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist with transportation. However, medical transport services can be expensive and may require advance booking, which is not ideal for unexpected asthma attacks.

**The Asthma Score: A Composite View**

The "Asthma Score" for Trafford, PA (15085) reflects the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access. The score considers factors such as drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services.

**Factors Considered:**

* **Drive Times:** The time required to reach various healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers.
* **Public Transportation:** The frequency, accessibility, and reliability of bus routes serving the area.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The availability and cost of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability and cost of medical transport services.
* **Proximity to Specialized Care:** The distance to pulmonologists, allergists, and other specialists.

**Challenges:**

* **Reliance on Personal Vehicles:** The need for a personal vehicle for convenient access to healthcare facilities.
* **Limited Public Transportation:** The infrequent and limited service of the 67 bus route.
* **Cost of Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** The expense of alternative transportation options.
* **Traffic Congestion:** The potential for increased drive times during peak hours.

**Opportunities:**

* **Proximity to Healthcare Facilities:** The relatively short drive times to some healthcare providers.
* **Availability of Ride-Sharing:** The on-demand availability of ride-sharing services.
* **ADA Accessibility:** The ADA compliance of public transportation and medical transport options.

**Recommendations for Moving to Trafford with Asthma:**

Individuals considering moving to Trafford with asthma should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare requirements.

* **Assess Transportation Options:** Determine the feasibility of relying on a personal vehicle, public transportation, ride-sharing, or medical transport.
* **Research Healthcare Providers:** Identify healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and allergists, and assess the accessibility of their offices.
* **Consider Proximity to Healthcare Facilities:** Prioritize housing options that are located near healthcare facilities or along bus routes.
* **Develop an Emergency Plan:** Create an emergency plan that includes transportation options for asthma exacerbations.
* **Explore Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that your health insurance covers transportation costs, such as ride-sharing or medical transport.

**Conclusion:**

Trafford, PA (15085), presents a mixed bag for individuals with asthma regarding healthcare access. While the area offers proximity to some healthcare facilities and the availability of ride-sharing services, the reliance on personal vehicles and limited public transportation options pose significant challenges. A thorough assessment of transportation needs and healthcare requirements is essential for anyone considering moving to Trafford with asthma. This "Asthma Score" write-up provides a starting point for evaluating the community's suitability and making informed decisions about healthcare access. The move to Trafford requires a proactive approach to ensure effective asthma management and access to the care needed.