15729, Commodore, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15729, Commodore, Pennsylvania is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.84 percent of residents in 15729 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.23 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Punxsutawney Area Hospital with a distance of 17.90 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Commodore, PA (ZIP Code 15729)

The diagnosis of breast cancer casts a long shadow, demanding swift and effective healthcare access. For residents of Commodore, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15729), the journey to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care is significantly impacted by the available transportation options. This write-up explores the landscape of healthcare access in this rural community, providing a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment based on the challenges and opportunities presented by transportation infrastructure.

Commodore, nestled within the rolling hills of Indiana County, presents a unique set of transportation considerations. The community's relative isolation, coupled with limited public transit, necessitates a deep understanding of drive times, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport options. These factors directly influence a patient's ability to receive timely screenings, consultations, and treatments, ultimately impacting their prognosis and quality of life.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is not a numerical value but rather a qualitative assessment based on the following key areas: drive times to healthcare facilities, public transportation accessibility, ride-sharing and medical transport options, and the overall impact on healthcare access.

**Drive Times: The Highway to Healing**

For many residents of Commodore, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The primary arteries connecting Commodore to healthcare facilities are US Route 119, PA Route 286, and various local roads. The drive to Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC), the closest major hospital, averages around 20-30 minutes, depending on the specific location within the ZIP code and traffic conditions. This drive typically involves navigating US Route 119, a major north-south thoroughfare, and then utilizing local roads to reach the hospital.

Access to specialized breast cancer care, such as oncology and radiation therapy, often necessitates travel to larger medical centers in Johnstown or Pittsburgh. The drive to Johnstown, utilizing PA Route 286 and US Route 22, can take approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. This journey is significantly longer, increasing travel time and potentially adding to patient stress.

Traveling to Pittsburgh, a hub for advanced cancer care, presents a more significant challenge. The drive, primarily via US Route 22 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76), can easily exceed 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. This extended travel time demands careful planning, especially for patients undergoing frequent treatments or experiencing fatigue. The impact of these drive times on the "Breast Cancer Score" is considerable, as longer travel distances can lead to delayed care, increased patient burden, and potential financial strain.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in Commodore are limited. The Indiana County Transit Authority (ICTA) provides bus service within Indiana County, but its routes and schedules may not directly serve all areas of Commodore or offer convenient access to healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the frequency of service can be limited, particularly during evenings and weekends, making it challenging for patients to attend appointments.

While ICTA strives to provide ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service, the limited route coverage and schedule constraints significantly impact the "Breast Cancer Score." The lack of robust public transportation can isolate patients who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle, creating significant barriers to healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft may be available in the area, but their presence and reliability can vary. Availability is often lower in rural areas, and wait times may be longer, particularly during off-peak hours. This uncertainty can pose a significant challenge for patients who need to schedule transportation for appointments or treatments.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by ambulance companies or specialized medical transport providers, offer a crucial lifeline for patients with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. These services can transport patients to and from appointments, but they can be costly, and their availability may be limited. The reliance on these services can further strain patients' financial resources and add to the complexity of their healthcare journey.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Challenge**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Commodore, PA (ZIP code 15729) reflects a complex interplay of transportation factors. The drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly for specialized care, pose a significant challenge. The limited public transportation options further exacerbate the problem, leaving many patients reliant on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transport.

The availability of ride-sharing services, while potentially helpful, is not always guaranteed, and medical transport can be expensive. These factors combine to create a situation where healthcare access is not always readily available, especially for those with mobility limitations or financial constraints.

**Moving to Commodore: Considering Healthcare Accessibility**

For individuals considering a move to Commodore, the "Breast Cancer Score" is a crucial factor to consider, especially for those with a history of breast cancer or other health conditions requiring regular medical attention. The remoteness of the community and the limitations of transportation options necessitate careful planning.

Prospective residents should research the availability of healthcare providers, assess the drive times to medical facilities, and explore the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. Understanding the transportation landscape is crucial for ensuring access to timely and effective healthcare.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Road Ahead**

The journey through breast cancer is a challenging one, and the transportation infrastructure in Commodore, PA (ZIP code 15729) presents unique hurdles. The "Breast Cancer Score" highlights the need for improved healthcare access, advocating for initiatives that enhance transportation options, such as expanded public transit routes, increased ride-sharing availability, and subsidized medical transport programs.

By addressing these challenges, the community can improve the lives of those affected by breast cancer, ensuring that they receive the timely care and support they deserve. The road to healing is often long, and in Commodore, PA, the journey to healthcare requires careful navigation of the available transportation options.