15733, De Lancey, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15733, De Lancey, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.11 percent of residents in 15733 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.50 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Punxsutawney Area Hospital with a distance of 2.61 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 15733**

ZIP Code 15733, encompassing the charming community of De Lancey, Pennsylvania, presents a unique landscape for assessing breast cancer healthcare access. This analysis, a “Breast Cancer Score” if you will, considers the critical element of transportation, a vital thread woven into the fabric of healthcare access. The ability to reach vital medical appointments, from routine screenings to complex treatments, significantly impacts patient outcomes and overall well-being. For those contemplating moving to De Lancey, understanding the intricacies of navigating to healthcare facilities is paramount.

De Lancey, nestled in Indiana County, is a rural area where personal vehicle ownership is often the primary mode of transportation. This geographic reality significantly shapes the healthcare journey for residents. The nearest comprehensive breast cancer care centers are primarily located in Indiana, the county seat, and even further afield in Johnstown and Pittsburgh.

The most direct route to Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC), a key healthcare provider for the region, typically involves traveling along **State Route 119**. This highway, a major artery for the area, offers a relatively straightforward drive. However, the drive time can fluctuate based on traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather. Expect a drive time of approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on your specific location within 15733.

For those seeking specialized care or treatment options, the journey to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, a city with more extensive medical facilities, becomes a more significant undertaking. The primary route involves navigating **U.S. Route 22**, a major east-west highway. The drive time to Johnstown can range from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the specific destination within the city. This longer commute necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

Pittsburgh, a major metropolitan area with world-class medical institutions, offers a wider range of breast cancer specialists and treatment options. However, the commute to Pittsburgh is the most demanding. The primary route involves traveling on **U.S. Route 22** and then connecting to **Interstate 376**, also known as the Parkway West. The drive time to Pittsburgh can easily exceed one and a half to two hours, depending on traffic congestion, especially during rush hour. This lengthy commute demands meticulous planning and the ability to manage potential travel fatigue.

Public transportation options within and around De Lancey are limited. The Indiana County Transit Authority (ICTA) provides bus service, but its routes and schedules may not directly serve all areas of 15733 or offer convenient access to healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the ICTA's service frequency may be limited, particularly on weekends and evenings.

The ICTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating, to ensure accessibility for individuals with mobility impairments. However, the limited route coverage and potential for lengthy travel times can pose significant challenges for those relying on public transit for healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, offering an alternative transportation option. However, the availability of these services may be limited in rural areas like De Lancey, especially during off-peak hours. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing can accumulate quickly, particularly for frequent medical appointments, potentially creating a financial burden for patients.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, provide a more specialized option. Several companies operate in the region, including First Transit and MedRide. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, medical transportation services often require advance booking and may not be readily available for urgent or last-minute appointments.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for 15733, therefore, reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to IRMC in Indiana offers relatively convenient access to basic healthcare services, the need to travel to Johnstown or Pittsburgh for specialized care introduces significant transportation challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential constraints of ride-sharing and medical transportation services all contribute to the complexity of healthcare access.

For those considering moving to De Lancey, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and the availability of reliable transportation options is crucial. Individuals with existing medical conditions or those at high risk for breast cancer should carefully evaluate the potential impact of commute times and transportation limitations on their healthcare journey.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is not simply a numerical value but a comprehensive evaluation of the factors that influence healthcare access. It underscores the importance of considering transportation as an integral element of healthcare planning and decision-making. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape effectively is essential for ensuring timely access to screenings, diagnoses, and treatments, ultimately impacting the overall well-being of residents in 15733.

The healthcare access landscape in De Lancey is influenced by several factors. The rural nature of the community, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the limited public transportation options all contribute to the challenges of accessing healthcare. The distance to specialized medical centers in Johnstown and Pittsburgh further compounds these challenges, requiring careful planning and consideration of commute times.

The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation options provides some relief, but their limitations in terms of availability, cost, and advance booking requirements must be considered. The "Breast Cancer Score" for 15733 highlights the need for proactive planning and a comprehensive understanding of the transportation options available to ensure timely and convenient access to healthcare services.

Ultimately, the "Breast Cancer Score" serves as a reminder of the importance of transportation in the context of healthcare. It emphasizes the need for individuals considering moving to De Lancey to carefully evaluate their transportation needs and the available options to ensure they can access the healthcare services they require. It also highlights the importance of community initiatives to improve transportation options and enhance healthcare access for all residents of 15733.