16620, Brisbin, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 16620, Brisbin, Pennsylvania is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.79 percent of residents in 16620 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.79 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Tyrone with a distance of 12.26 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Brisbin (ZIP Code 16620)

The crisp mountain air of Brisbin, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16620), might seem idyllic, but for individuals managing asthma, the reality of healthcare access is more complex. This write-up explores the "Asthma Score" – a hypothetical metric assessing the ease of reaching medical care in this rural community, focusing on transportation options and their impact on respiratory health. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, all crucial elements in determining the quality of life for someone *moving to Brisbin* with asthma.

The primary concern for asthma sufferers is timely access to medication and medical intervention. A sudden asthma attack can transform a peaceful day into a medical emergency. Therefore, the efficiency and reliability of transportation become paramount. The "Asthma Score" weighs these factors heavily, acknowledging that a high score reflects better healthcare access and, consequently, a potentially improved quality of life for residents.

**Drive Times: The Arteries of Care**

The most common mode of transportation in Brisbin is the personal vehicle. The nearest hospitals and specialist offices are located in neighboring towns and cities, making drive times a critical component of the "Asthma Score." Reaching the nearest emergency room, typically at UPMC Altoona, requires navigating approximately 30 miles via **Pennsylvania Route 350** and **Interstate 99**. Under ideal conditions, this journey takes around 45 minutes. However, weather conditions, particularly during winter, can significantly increase travel time, potentially jeopardizing an asthma patient's well-being.

Specialist appointments, such as pulmonologists or allergists, are often found in Altoona or State College. Traveling to Altoona might involve the same route as the emergency room trip. Reaching State College, home to Mount Nittany Medical Center, necessitates a longer journey, approximately 50 miles via **Pennsylvania Route 322** and **Interstate 99**, adding an hour to the travel time. This extended travel time can be a significant burden for those with chronic respiratory conditions.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in Brisbin are limited, significantly impacting the "Asthma Score." The local bus service, operated by the **Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA)**, primarily serves State College and its surrounding areas. While CATA does offer limited service to some rural areas, direct routes to Brisbin are nonexistent. This lack of public transit forces residents to rely on personal vehicles or seek alternative transportation arrangements, potentially exacerbating the challenges of healthcare access.

Furthermore, the absence of ADA-accessible buses on many routes can pose significant challenges for individuals with mobility limitations, which can often coincide with severe asthma. The "Asthma Score" must reflect the limited accessibility and availability of public transit, acknowledging its impact on those with asthma.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have a presence in the State College area. However, their availability in Brisbin is sporadic, primarily dependent on driver availability. Relying on ride-sharing for emergency medical needs is unreliable. The "Asthma Score" must reflect the limitations of ride-sharing as a dependable transportation option for healthcare access in this rural area.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers, are crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized care. Ambulance services are available in the area, but their response times can be affected by the rural location and distance to the nearest hospitals. NEMT providers, like **Medical Transportation Services of Pennsylvania (MTS)**, offer transportation to medical appointments. These services are often booked in advance and can be costly, adding another layer of complexity to healthcare access.

**The "Asthma Score" in Context**

The "Asthma Score" for Brisbin (ZIP Code 16620) would likely be moderate, reflecting the challenges of healthcare access in a rural setting. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the unpredictable availability of ride-sharing services all contribute to a lower score. The distance to hospitals and specialist offices, coupled with potential weather-related delays, further compounds the difficulties.

For someone *moving to Brisbin* with asthma, understanding these transportation challenges is crucial. The "Asthma Score" serves as a valuable tool for evaluating the feasibility of living in this community. It highlights the need for careful planning, including having a reliable vehicle, establishing backup transportation arrangements, and potentially considering the proximity of healthcare facilities when choosing a residence.

The "Asthma Score" is not just a number; it's a reflection of the realities of healthcare access in a rural community. It underscores the importance of considering transportation options when making decisions about where to live, particularly for individuals with chronic health conditions like asthma. The challenges of navigating healthcare access in Brisbin necessitate proactive planning and a thorough understanding of the available resources. The score acts as a guide, prompting individuals to assess their needs and make informed decisions to ensure their well-being.