19056, Levittown, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 19056, Levittown, Pennsylvania is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.65 percent of residents in 19056 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.32 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Mary Medical Center with a distance of 2.64 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in 19056

The air hangs heavy with the promise of suburban life in Levittown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 19056), a community brimming with families and a history etched in post-war dreams. But for those managing asthma, the idyllic facade can crumble under the weight of a simple question: how easy is it to access healthcare? This "Asthma Score" delves into the transportation landscape of 19056, evaluating the accessibility of medical facilities, considering drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions. Understanding these factors is crucial, especially for families considering moving to Levittown, ensuring the health and well-being of those with respiratory sensitivities.

The cornerstone of healthcare access is, of course, the car. For residents of 19056, the primary arteries to medical care are the major highways. The **Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276)**, a toll road, offers a direct, albeit often congested, route to hospitals in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. The **US Route 1 (Roosevelt Boulevard)**, a sprawling commercial corridor, also provides access, albeit with heavy traffic, to numerous medical practices and emergency rooms. **Bristol Pike (US-13)**, a more local road, offers access to community clinics and urgent care facilities, though its slower pace can be a challenge during rush hour.

Drive times, naturally, vary depending on the destination and the time of day. A trip to a major hospital in Philadelphia, like the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), via the Turnpike, could take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. A visit to a local urgent care facility on Bristol Pike might be a swift 15-minute journey. However, the unpredictable nature of traffic, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact these estimates, making it vital to factor in potential delays when planning medical appointments.

Public transportation offers an alternative, although the options are limited. The **Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)** provides bus service within 19056 and connecting routes to Philadelphia. The **Route 127** bus, for instance, travels along Bristol Pike, offering access to some medical offices and local pharmacies. The **Route 130** bus serves the area, offering connections to regional rail lines.

However, the public transit network in Levittown is not extensive. The frequency of buses can be a concern, particularly during evenings and weekends. Furthermore, the accessibility of public transit for individuals with disabilities, especially those experiencing asthma symptoms, is a critical factor. SEPTA strives to provide ADA-compliant buses, but challenges can arise with accessibility at bus stops and the potential for exposure to environmental triggers while waiting.

Ride-sharing services like **Uber** and **Lyft** are available in 19056, offering a convenient, albeit potentially more expensive, alternative to driving or public transit. These services can be particularly helpful for individuals who cannot drive or who need immediate transportation to a medical facility. However, the availability and cost of ride-sharing can fluctuate, and reliance on these services requires careful planning and budgeting.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, also operate in the area. Companies like **Liberty Medical Transportation** and **Medical Transportation Management (MTM)** offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher services. These services are often covered by insurance and can provide a crucial lifeline for individuals who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments.

The overall "Asthma Score" for 19056, therefore, presents a mixed picture. While the proximity to major highways provides access to a range of healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit pose challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offers additional options, but these services come with their own considerations.

For individuals with asthma, the best strategy is a proactive one. Thoroughly researching the location of medical facilities, understanding drive times during peak hours, and familiarizing oneself with the public transit routes are essential steps. Establishing a relationship with a primary care physician in the area and identifying nearby urgent care facilities can provide a safety net in case of emergencies.

When considering a move to Levittown, families with asthmatic members should carefully assess the transportation options and their potential impact on healthcare access. A detailed examination of the commute to healthcare is a critical component of a comprehensive assessment of the area's suitability. This includes the distance and accessibility of emergency rooms, specialists, and pharmacies.

Living in 19056 presents both advantages and disadvantages for those managing asthma. The suburban environment offers a sense of community, but the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit can make healthcare access a challenge. The "Asthma Score" serves as a starting point for a more nuanced understanding of the transportation landscape, empowering individuals to make informed decisions and navigate the healthcare system with greater confidence. Careful planning, awareness of available resources, and a proactive approach to healthcare management are key to thriving in this suburban community.