15772, Rossiter, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 15772, Rossiter, Pennsylvania is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.60 percent of residents in 15772 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.56 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Punxsutawney Area Hospital with a distance of 6.98 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Rossiter, PA (ZIP Code 15772)

Rossiter, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Indiana County, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, the serene surroundings can present challenges when it comes to healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing asthma. This write-up assesses the transportation landscape within and around ZIP code 15772, evaluating its impact on healthcare access and assigning an "Asthma Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching medical appointments. This is crucial information for anyone considering moving to Rossiter, PA, especially those with respiratory conditions.

The Asthma Score considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport. It aims to provide a realistic picture of the transportation challenges and opportunities for individuals seeking healthcare in this rural area. The score will be presented at the end, offering a concise summary of the overall accessibility.

The primary healthcare facilities serving Rossiter residents are located in nearby towns, necessitating transportation. The most direct route to Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC), the largest hospital in the region, involves a drive of approximately 15-20 minutes via **PA-119 South**. This highway, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion during peak hours, potentially extending travel times. The road quality is generally good, but winter weather can introduce delays, particularly impacting individuals with asthma who may be more susceptible to cold air triggers.

Another option involves utilizing **PA-286 East** and then connecting to **PA-119 South**. This route is slightly longer, adding a few minutes to the journey, but offers an alternative in case of traffic on the primary route. The condition of these roads is generally good, but it is essential to be aware of potential hazards like potholes or construction zones, which can cause delays and exacerbate stress for individuals with respiratory conditions.

For those seeking specialized care, access to larger medical centers in Pittsburgh, roughly a 1.5-2 hour drive, is often necessary. This requires traveling on **US-22 West**, a major highway connecting Indiana County to the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. The journey, while manageable, demands careful planning, especially for individuals with asthma. The long drive time, coupled with potential traffic congestion, can be a significant barrier to accessing specialized healthcare services.

Public transportation options in Rossiter are extremely limited, significantly impacting healthcare access. The Indiana County Transit Authority (ICTA) provides bus services within the county, but routes and schedules are infrequent, particularly in rural areas like Rossiter. The ICTA does offer some routes that connect to Indiana, PA, where healthcare facilities are located. However, the schedules are often not conducive to timely appointments, and the buses may not be equipped with features that would benefit asthma patients.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant buses, with features like wheelchair lifts, is limited on certain routes. This poses a significant challenge for individuals with mobility issues, potentially requiring additional assistance for healthcare access. The lack of robust public transportation significantly reduces the Asthma Score, particularly for those who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability can be inconsistent. Availability is often dependent on driver availability, which can be limited in rural areas. This can result in longer wait times or even the inability to secure a ride, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This uncertainty adds another layer of complexity for individuals managing asthma, who may need to schedule appointments with greater flexibility.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients requiring assistance, are available but often require pre-booking and can be costly. These services, like those offered by local ambulance companies or specialized medical transport providers, offer a valuable alternative for individuals unable to drive or utilize public transit. However, the cost factor and the need for advance planning can limit their accessibility.

Moving to Rossiter, PA, offers a chance for a slower pace of life, but it is crucial to consider the transportation challenges related to healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services require careful consideration, especially for individuals with asthma.

The Asthma Score for ZIP code 15772 reflects the overall accessibility of healthcare services, considering the factors discussed above. The score is based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing the most difficult access and 10 representing the easiest.

**Asthma Score for ZIP Code 15772: 4/10**

This score reflects the challenges faced by individuals with asthma in accessing healthcare in Rossiter. The limited public transit, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services significantly impact the score. While the drive to IRMC is relatively short, the lack of alternative transportation options and the potential for weather-related delays contribute to the lower score. Individuals with asthma considering moving to Rossiter should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and plan accordingly to ensure consistent access to healthcare services.