15856, Rockton, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15856, Rockton, Pennsylvania is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

79.09 percent of residents in 15856 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 24.33 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Elk with a distance of 24.54 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rockton, PA (ZIP Code 15856)

The journey to optimal breast cancer care is multifaceted, extending far beyond the medical procedures themselves. It encompasses the ease with which individuals can access screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This "Breast Cancer Score" for Rockton, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15856) delves into the crucial element of transportation, evaluating how readily residents can navigate the healthcare landscape. This is especially pertinent for those considering moving to Rockton, a small community where healthcare access requires careful consideration.

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in Rockton is its relative isolation. The nearest comprehensive medical facilities, including those specializing in breast cancer care, are located in larger towns and cities. This necessitates reliance on various transportation options, each presenting its own set of challenges and opportunities. The availability and efficiency of these options directly impact a patient's ability to receive timely and consistent care, influencing their overall prognosis and quality of life.

**Drive-Time Dynamics: The Road to Recovery**

For many residents, personal vehicles remain the most common mode of transportation. The drive times to major healthcare providers are critical. The most direct route to DuBois, Pennsylvania, a regional hub with hospitals and specialized clinics, typically involves traveling along Pennsylvania Route 255 (PA-255). This road, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic delays, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather. The drive from Rockton to DuBois is approximately 10-15 minutes, assuming normal traffic conditions.

Further afield, the city of Clearfield, Pennsylvania, offers additional healthcare options. Reaching Clearfield often involves navigating PA-879 and potentially Interstate 80 (I-80). The drive time to Clearfield is around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Clearfield. I-80, a major east-west thoroughfare, can present its own challenges, including heavy truck traffic and potential delays due to accidents or construction.

For those seeking specialized breast cancer centers, such as those offering advanced imaging or surgical expertise, the drive times to larger cities like State College or Pittsburgh become significant. State College, home to a major university hospital, is approximately a 1.5-2 hour drive, primarily via I-80 and US-322. Pittsburgh, with its renowned medical centers, is a 2.5-3 hour drive, requiring travel on I-80 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76). These extended drive times can be particularly burdensome for patients undergoing frequent treatments or experiencing debilitating side effects.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Rockton and the surrounding areas are limited. The Clearfield County Area Transportation Authority (CCATA) provides bus services within Clearfield County. However, routes serving Rockton are infrequent and may not directly connect to all healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the CCATA system may have limited ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features on all routes, which could pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations or those undergoing treatment that affects their physical capabilities.

The availability of public transit is a critical factor for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The lack of robust public transportation options can exacerbate healthcare access disparities, particularly for low-income individuals or those with disabilities.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Rockton area, though their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote locations. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for some patients, especially when frequent trips are required.

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 Medical Transportation Management (MTM) or local ambulance services, typically offer door-to-door transportation and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, these services may require pre-booking and can be subject to scheduling constraints. The cost of medical transport can vary depending on the distance, the level of care required, and the insurance coverage.

**Analyzing the Score: A Multifaceted Assessment**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Rockton, therefore, reflects a complex interplay of factors. The relatively short drive times to DuBois provide a degree of convenience, but the limited public transit options and the potential for longer drives to more specialized centers present challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles makes healthcare access dependent on individual mobility and vehicle availability. The sporadic nature of ride-sharing and the cost of medical transport further complicate the landscape.

For someone considering moving to Rockton and with a history of breast cancer or a high risk profile, a thorough assessment of these transportation options is essential. In addition to the drive times, the availability of reliable and affordable transportation is crucial for ensuring consistent access to care.

**Conclusion: Planning for Healthcare Access**

Ultimately, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Rockton highlights the need for proactive planning and resourcefulness. Individuals considering relocation to this area should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and explore all available options. This may include researching local transportation services, investigating insurance coverage for medical transport, and establishing relationships with healthcare providers in advance.

The journey through breast cancer care is a marathon, not a sprint. The ability to navigate the transportation challenges in Rockton can significantly impact a patient's ability to access timely and effective care. Understanding the landscape, planning accordingly, and utilizing available resources are vital steps in ensuring the best possible outcomes. The "Breast Cancer Score" serves as a starting point for this critical assessment, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey in Rockton.