15724, Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15724, Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.47 percent of residents in 15724 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.64 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Punxsutawney Area Hospital with a distance of 18.23 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15724)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly when facing a breast cancer diagnosis, becomes a critical aspect of treatment and recovery. In Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15724), understanding the accessibility of medical resources is paramount. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score," evaluating the ease of transportation to essential healthcare facilities, encompassing drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions. The goal is to illuminate the landscape for residents and those considering moving to Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania, ensuring informed decisions about healthcare access.

The Breast Cancer Score considers several factors, including the proximity of facilities offering mammograms, diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and supportive care services. It weighs the availability of transportation options, recognizing that reliable access is a cornerstone of timely diagnosis and treatment. This score is not a definitive medical assessment but a guide to understanding the practical challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access in this specific ZIP code.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

Cherry Tree, nestled in a rural setting, relies heavily on personal vehicles for transportation. The primary roadways influencing healthcare access include US Route 219, a major north-south artery, and Pennsylvania Route 553, providing east-west connectivity. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience delays due to weather conditions, particularly during winter months.

The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are located in Johnstown, approximately 40 miles south, and Altoona, roughly 60 miles east. Driving to Johnstown, utilizing US Route 219 and US Route 22, typically takes around one hour, assuming moderate traffic. Altoona, accessible via US Route 219 and US Route 22, presents a similar drive time, but traffic conditions can vary. These drive times are crucial considerations for patients requiring frequent appointments for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or follow-up care.

Smaller, more accessible facilities, such as clinics offering mammograms or basic diagnostic services, might be found in nearby towns like Indiana, approximately 20 miles west. The drive to Indiana, primarily via PA-553 and US-119, generally takes about 30 to 45 minutes. This shorter drive time is a significant advantage for routine screenings and initial consultations. However, it is important to note that these facilities may not offer the full spectrum of cancer care.

**Public Transit Challenges**

Public transportation options in ZIP Code 15724 are limited. The Indiana County Transit Authority (ICTA) provides some bus services, but routes are infrequent and primarily serve the Indiana area. Access to healthcare facilities outside of Indiana via public transit is exceptionally challenging. The ICTA does not have routes that directly connect Cherry Tree to Johnstown or Altoona, necessitating multiple transfers and potentially lengthy travel times.

The ICTA does strive to provide ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring that individuals with mobility impairments can utilize the available services. However, the limited route coverage and the need for multiple transfers make public transit a less viable option for many breast cancer patients, especially those undergoing treatment that can cause fatigue and other side effects.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Solutions**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Indiana area but may have limited presence in Cherry Tree. Availability and cost can fluctuate, making them an unreliable option for scheduled medical appointments. Residents must consider the potential for surge pricing and the need to book rides in advance.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like LifeLine Ambulance and other private medical transport providers offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, including those related to cancer care. While these services can be reliable, they often come with a higher cost than ride-sharing or public transit.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Specific medical transport brands serving the Cherry Tree area include:

* **LifeLine Ambulance:** Provides NEMT services, including transportation to and from medical appointments.
* **Other local ambulance services:** Several local ambulance services provide NEMT. Research is required to find services that accept insurance.

**Healthcare Access and the Breast Cancer Score**

The Breast Cancer Score for Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania, reflects the challenges of healthcare access in a rural setting. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transport services all contribute to a lower score. The score highlights the importance of careful planning and consideration of transportation needs when facing a breast cancer diagnosis.

For individuals considering moving to Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania, or for current residents, understanding these transportation challenges is essential. Proximity to healthcare facilities, the availability of reliable transportation, and the ability to navigate the healthcare system are all critical factors in ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment.

**Conclusion: A Call for Enhanced Access**

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP Code 15724 underscores the need for improved healthcare access. While the area offers some access to basic services, the distance to comprehensive cancer centers and the limitations of public transportation pose significant challenges.

Advocating for expanded public transit options, promoting the availability of ride-sharing services, and ensuring access to affordable medical transportation are crucial steps toward improving healthcare access for residents of Cherry Tree and surrounding communities. This analysis serves as a starting point for community discussions and initiatives aimed at enhancing the healthcare journey for breast cancer patients, fostering a more supportive and accessible environment for those facing this challenging disease.