15734, Dixonville, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15734, Dixonville, Pennsylvania is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

21.74 percent of residents in 15734 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.64 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Conemaugh Miners Medical Center with a distance of 16.32 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Dixonville, PA (ZIP Code 15734)

The pursuit of healthcare, especially for a diagnosis as formidable as breast cancer, necessitates a clear understanding of accessibility. This report, a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment for Dixonville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15734), explores the multifaceted landscape of transportation and its impact on healthcare access. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation, providing a comprehensive overview for residents and those contemplating a move to this rural community. This is vital information for anyone facing a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Dixonville, nestled in Indiana County, presents a unique challenge for healthcare access. Its rural character dictates a reliance on personal vehicles for most transportation needs. The nearest comprehensive breast cancer treatment centers are located in larger towns and cities, necessitating travel. Understanding the time and effort involved in reaching these facilities is crucial for informed decision-making and effective care management.

**The Road to Recovery: Drive Times and Routes**

The primary routes connecting Dixonville to healthcare facilities involve a combination of state highways and local roads. The most direct route to Indiana Regional Medical Center, a key healthcare provider, typically involves traveling east on **State Route 119** (SR 119). The drive, under normal traffic conditions, is approximately 15 to 20 minutes. This relatively short commute offers a degree of convenience for residents.

For more specialized breast cancer care, residents may need to travel further afield. UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, a renowned cancer center, is a significantly longer journey. The most common route involves heading west on **SR 119** to its intersection with **U.S. Route 22** (US 22). From there, the journey continues west on US 22, eventually merging onto the **Parkway East** (I-376) into Pittsburgh. This trip can take anywhere from 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and time of day.

Another option is to travel south on **SR 119** to **SR 56** and then to **U.S. Route 219** (US 219) to Johnstown, PA. This trip is approximately 1 hour. This route offers an alternative for those seeking treatment options in Johnstown.

These drive times highlight the importance of reliable personal transportation. For those without a vehicle, the challenges of accessing healthcare are significantly amplified. The Breast Cancer Score reflects the relative ease or difficulty of these journeys, factoring in potential delays due to weather, traffic, and road conditions.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Dixonville and the surrounding area are limited. The Indiana County Transit Authority (ICTA) provides bus service within Indiana County, but the routes and schedules are not designed to specifically serve the needs of those seeking regular cancer treatment.

ICTA buses, while accessible to individuals with disabilities (ADA compliant), operate on fixed routes with limited frequency, making them an impractical option for frequent trips to treatment centers. The lack of direct routes to major cancer centers and the extended travel times pose a significant barrier to healthcare access for those reliant on public transit.

The Breast Cancer Score considers the limitations of public transit, acknowledging its minimal impact on the overall accessibility landscape for breast cancer patients in Dixonville.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Indiana County area, including Dixonville. However, their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of these services can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent trips.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services, often provided by companies like MedRide or local ambulance services, are equipped to handle patients with mobility limitations or those requiring medical assistance during transport. However, these services can be expensive, and their availability may require advance booking.

The Breast Cancer Score evaluates the role of ride-sharing and medical transportation, recognizing their potential to bridge the gap in transportation access. It considers factors such as availability, cost, and the specific needs of breast cancer patients.

**The Dixonville Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The Breast Cancer Score for Dixonville, PA, is a composite measure reflecting the interplay of transportation options and their impact on healthcare access. It considers the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** The distance and travel time to the nearest comprehensive breast cancer treatment centers, including Indiana Regional Medical Center, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, and other relevant facilities.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The frequency, routes, and accessibility of public transportation options, including the ICTA.
* **Ride-Sharing Services:** The availability, cost, and reliability of Uber and Lyft services.
* **Medical Transportation Services:** The availability, cost, and specialized services offered by medical transportation providers.
* **Accessibility Features:** The presence of ADA-compliant features on public transit and the availability of accessible vehicles for ride-sharing and medical transportation.

The score will provide a numerical rating, with higher scores indicating better healthcare access. The score will also include a narrative summary, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the transportation landscape in Dixonville for breast cancer patients.

**Moving to Dixonville: Considerations for Breast Cancer Patients**

For individuals considering a move to Dixonville, this Breast Cancer Score provides essential information for informed decision-making. The score emphasizes the importance of having reliable personal transportation or access to a supportive network of friends and family who can provide transportation assistance.

It also underscores the need to carefully consider the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services. Planning for healthcare access should be an integral part of the relocation process.

The Breast Cancer Score is a dynamic tool. As transportation options evolve and healthcare services expand, the score will be updated to reflect the changing landscape. This ongoing assessment ensures that residents and prospective residents have the most current information to make informed choices about their healthcare needs.

In conclusion, the Breast Cancer Score for Dixonville, PA (ZIP Code 15734) offers a valuable framework for understanding the complexities of healthcare access in this rural community. It provides a comprehensive assessment of transportation options, empowering individuals to navigate the challenges of breast cancer treatment and recovery with greater confidence.