15539, Fishertown, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15539, Fishertown, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.77 percent of residents in 15539 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.66 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Bedford Memorial with a distance of 10.79 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Fishertown (ZIP Code 15539)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, demands more than medical expertise. It requires seamless **transportation**, reliable access, and a system that understands the unique challenges faced by individuals in rural communities. This write-up analyzes the **healthcare access** landscape for residents of Fishertown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15539), focusing on breast cancer care and the crucial role of **transportation** in navigating this complex terrain. Whether you're **moving to Fishertown** or already a resident, understanding these factors is paramount.

Fishertown, nestled within the embrace of Bedford County, presents a landscape of rolling hills and charming small towns. However, its rural nature also presents significant hurdles when it comes to accessing specialized medical care. The nearest comprehensive breast cancer centers are often located in larger urban areas, demanding considerable travel. This distance, coupled with limited public **transportation** options, can significantly impact a patient's ability to receive timely diagnoses, treatments, and follow-up care.

The "Breast Cancer Score" we'll develop here considers drive times, public transit options, and alternative **transportation** solutions, providing a comprehensive picture of **healthcare access** in this specific ZIP code. This information is vital for individuals considering a move, current residents, and policymakers seeking to improve **healthcare access** within the community.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries of Hope**

For many residents of Fishertown, the personal vehicle remains the primary mode of **transportation**. Understanding drive times to key medical facilities is therefore critical. The closest hospitals with potential breast cancer services are in Bedford and Johnstown, PA.

Driving to UPMC Bedford Memorial Hospital, located in Bedford, PA, involves a journey of approximately 15 to 20 miles, depending on the exact starting point within Fishertown. The primary route is likely to be via US-220 South, a major north-south highway. Traffic is generally light, but weather conditions, especially during the winter months, can significantly impact travel times. The hospital offers a range of services, including diagnostic imaging and potentially some outpatient oncology services.

For more specialized care, residents might need to travel to Johnstown, PA, home to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. This journey covers a greater distance, approximately 40 to 45 miles, and involves taking US-220 North to US-219 North. The drive can take approximately one hour, again depending on traffic and weather. Conemaugh Memorial offers a comprehensive cancer center, including surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and medical oncology services.

The drive times to these facilities highlight a significant challenge. The time commitment required for appointments, coupled with potential delays due to traffic or weather, can be exhausting for patients undergoing treatment. This underscores the importance of exploring alternative **transportation** options and advocating for improved local **healthcare access**.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Gaps**

Public **transportation** options in Fishertown are limited. Bedford County operates a public transit system, known as Bedford Transit, which offers demand-response services. However, the availability and frequency of these services are restricted, especially for trips outside of Bedford County.

Bedford Transit provides curb-to-curb service, meaning that passengers are picked up and dropped off at their homes or designated locations. This is a significant advantage for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the system requires advance reservations, and trips are often scheduled based on demand, which can lead to longer wait times and less flexibility.

The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is a crucial consideration. Bedford Transit is mandated to provide accessible vehicles for passengers with disabilities. This ensures that individuals with mobility impairments can access the system and travel to their medical appointments. However, the limited service area and potential for long travel times remain significant drawbacks.

The lack of direct public transit routes to Johnstown, where more specialized breast cancer services are available, further exacerbates the **healthcare access** challenges. This necessitates reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical **transportation** providers.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Filling the Void**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Bedford County, but their presence and availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some patients, especially when multiple trips are required for treatment. The reliability of these services in the face of inclement weather or during off-peak hours is also a concern.

Medical **transportation** providers offer specialized services for patients who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These providers typically offer door-to-door service, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. Some providers may also offer non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT) services, which can be covered by insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare, depending on eligibility.

Several medical **transportation** companies operate in the region, including, but not limited to, MedTrans, and several local private companies. However, the availability of these services can vary, and it's crucial to research and book these services in advance. The cost of medical **transportation** can also be a significant factor, and patients should explore all available insurance options and financial assistance programs.

**Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

Calculating a simple "Breast Cancer Score" is complex, but we can assess the key factors.

* **Drive Time:** Moderate to high. The distances to the nearest hospitals with breast cancer services are significant, requiring time and effort.
* **Public Transit:** Low. Limited public **transportation** options, especially for trips outside of Bedford County.
* **Ride-Share Availability:** Moderate. Ride-sharing services are available but may be unreliable and expensive.
* **Medical Transportation:** Moderate. Medical **transportation** providers are available, but costs and availability can vary.
* **Overall Healthcare Access:** Moderate. While some services are available within a reasonable drive, access to specialized care and support services is limited.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access in Fishertown:**

* **Expand Public Transit:** Advocate for increased funding and service hours for Bedford Transit, with a focus on improving access to Johnstown and other regional medical centers. Explore partnerships with neighboring counties to create more seamless **transportation** options.
* **Support Ride-Share Initiatives:** Encourage the expansion of ride-sharing services in the area, and explore potential subsidies or partnerships to make these services more affordable for patients.
* **Promote Medical Transportation:** Increase awareness of medical **transportation** services and advocate for insurance coverage for NEMT services.
* **Telemedicine Expansion:** Promote the use of telemedicine to provide access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and support services, reducing the need for travel.
* **Community Outreach:** Partner with local organizations to provide education and outreach programs about breast cancer awareness, screening, and support services.

**Conclusion: A Path Towards Improved Healthcare**

The challenges of accessing breast cancer care in Fishertown (ZIP Code 15539) are significant, primarily due to the distances to specialized medical facilities and the limitations of the existing **transportation** infrastructure. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including expanding public transit, promoting ride-sharing and medical **transportation**, and leveraging telemedicine. By working together, residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers can improve **healthcare access** and ensure that individuals in Fishertown have the support they need to fight breast cancer. If you are **moving to Fishertown**, consider these factors when evaluating your **healthcare access** options.