15401, Uniontown, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15401, Uniontown, Pennsylvania is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.93 percent of residents in 15401 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Uniontown Hospital with a distance of 0.17 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 15401**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for something as critical as breast cancer treatment, is a complex one. It involves not just the quality of care but also the practicalities of **transportation** and accessibility. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP code 15401 (Uniontown, Pennsylvania), considering the availability of diagnostic and treatment facilities, and the ease with which residents can reach them. This score will be a crucial piece of information for anyone considering **moving to Uniontown**, or for current residents navigating their healthcare options.

The score will be based on factors including drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. Each category will be assessed and weighted to provide a comprehensive picture of **healthcare access** for individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

The primary determinant of healthcare accessibility in 15401 is the reliance on personal vehicles. The area’s layout and the location of key medical facilities dictate this. Uniontown Hospital, the primary healthcare provider, is centrally located, but access from surrounding areas can vary significantly.

Traveling from the northern reaches of the ZIP code, residents might utilize the **US-119** and **US-40** to reach Uniontown Hospital. Expect drive times to range from 10 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic and specific location. The **US-40** is also a vital artery for those coming from the east and west. Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can extend these times.

Those residing in the southern portions of 15401 may find themselves using **PA-857** and **PA-21** to access the hospital. These routes are generally less congested but can be winding and subject to weather-related delays, particularly during winter. Drive times from these areas typically range from 15 to 30 minutes.

Accessing specialized care, such as radiation oncology or advanced surgical procedures, may necessitate travel to Pittsburgh, approximately 50 miles away. The primary route is **US-40** to **I-70** and then **I-79**, which can take between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. This longer travel time significantly impacts the overall score.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transit in 15401 presents a significant challenge for individuals seeking breast cancer care. The Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation (FACT) operates a bus service, but its routes are limited and infrequent.

The primary routes serving Uniontown and its surrounding areas are the 1, 2, and 3. These routes are scheduled to serve areas within the ZIP code. However, they may not directly connect to all medical facilities, requiring transfers and potentially extended travel times.

The FACT bus system does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. However, the limited frequency and route coverage remain significant barriers. The lack of evening and weekend service further restricts access for those needing appointments outside of standard business hours.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Uniontown, offering an alternative to public transit and personal vehicles. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas of the ZIP code. Surge pricing during periods of high demand can also add to the financial burden of accessing healthcare.

Medical transport services provide a crucial lifeline for individuals who are unable to drive or utilize public transit. Several companies operate in the region, including CareRide and LifeFleet. These services offer non-emergency medical transportation, often providing door-to-door service. However, these services can be costly, and advance booking is often required.

**Breast Cancer Score: A Composite Assessment**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for 15401 will be a composite of these factors. Drive times will be weighted heavily, as the reliance on personal vehicles is significant. Public transit limitations and the inconsistency of ride-sharing services will negatively impact the score. The availability of medical transport services will provide a partial offset.

The score will be presented on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing the least accessible and 10 representing the most accessible. The score will be calculated based on the following:

* **Drive Time to Uniontown Hospital:** (40%)
* **Drive Time to Pittsburgh for Specialized Care:** (25%)
* **Public Transit Availability and Frequency:** (15%)
* **Ride-Sharing Reliability and Cost:** (10%)
* **Medical Transport Availability and Cost:** (10%)

**Analysis and Recommendations**

Based on the above assessment, the Breast Cancer Score for 15401 is estimated to be a 5.5 out of 10. This score reflects the challenges faced by residents in accessing timely and convenient breast cancer care. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options are significant drawbacks.

**Recommendations for improving healthcare access in 15401 include:**

* **Expanding FACT bus routes and service frequency:** This would improve access for those without personal vehicles.
* **Advocating for increased ride-sharing availability:** Incentivizing ride-sharing companies to serve the area more consistently.
* **Providing financial assistance for medical transportation:** Subsidizing the cost of medical transport for low-income individuals.
* **Encouraging the establishment of satellite clinics:** Bringing specialized care closer to residents.
* **Improving infrastructure:** Upgrading roadways to improve drive times.

**Conclusion**

The journey through breast cancer treatment is arduous. The "Breast Cancer Score" for 15401 highlights the importance of addressing the **transportation** and accessibility challenges faced by residents. By focusing on these areas, the community can improve **healthcare access** and support individuals in their fight against this disease. For those considering **moving to Uniontown**, this analysis provides a critical perspective on the healthcare landscape.