16321, East Hickory, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 16321, East Hickory, Pennsylvania is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

81.82 percent of residents in 16321 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Titusville Hospital with a distance of 14.90 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 16321**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing the complexities of breast cancer, demands more than just medical expertise. It requires reliable access, a system that prioritizes patient needs, and a network of transportation options that can navigate the practicalities of treatment. This analysis, tailored for ZIP Code 16321 (East Hickory, Pennsylvania), evaluates the transportation landscape for individuals seeking breast cancer care, providing a “Breast Cancer Score” to assess the ease and efficiency of accessing vital services.

East Hickory, nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest, presents unique challenges. The rural setting, while offering tranquility, often translates to limited transportation choices and longer travel times to specialized medical facilities. This report examines the available options, from personal vehicles to public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, to paint a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis.

**Drive Time and Road Network**

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in 16321 is the reliance on personal vehicles. The nearest comprehensive breast cancer care centers are located in larger towns and cities, necessitating a drive. From East Hickory, the most direct route to the UPMC Kane hospital, offering oncology services, involves navigating the local roads. This journey, typically taking approximately 20 minutes, involves using PA-666, a winding, scenic road that offers a beautiful drive.

For more specialized care, such as advanced imaging or surgical oncology, patients may need to travel to larger hospitals in nearby cities like Warren or Bradford. The drive to Warren, approximately 30 miles, involves using PA-666, then transitioning to US-6, a major east-west artery. This trip, depending on traffic, could take around 45 minutes to an hour. The journey to Bradford, about 35 miles, involves PA-666 and US-219, offering similar drive times.

These drive times are estimates and can be significantly impacted by weather conditions, particularly during the winter months when snow and ice can create hazardous road conditions. The availability of reliable transportation is crucial, especially for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments, where consistent and timely access to care is essential.

**Public Transit Options**

Public transportation options within ZIP Code 16321 are limited. The primary provider of public transit in the region is the Warren County Transportation Authority (WCTA). However, their routes are infrequent and primarily serve the larger towns and cities. There are no direct public transit routes from East Hickory to major healthcare facilities.

The WCTA offers a demand-response service, where individuals can schedule rides in advance. This service could be a potential option for patients, but it requires careful planning and scheduling, as availability may be limited, and wait times could be significant. The WCTA does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, providing transportation for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited service area and the need for pre-booking present challenges for patients needing frequent and timely access to care.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not consistently available in the East Hickory area. Their presence is sporadic, and their availability cannot be guaranteed, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for regular appointments is, therefore, not a viable option.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized approach. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to patients. These services are designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, including those related to breast cancer treatment. These services often require pre-booking and may involve varying costs, depending on the distance and type of service.

Examples of medical transportation providers that may serve the 16321 area include, but are not limited to, local ambulance services and regional NEMT providers. Patients should research and contact these providers directly to determine their service area, availability, and associated costs.

**Breast Cancer Score Assessment**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 16321 is influenced by several factors. The primary reliance on personal vehicles presents challenges for individuals who do not own a car or are unable to drive due to their medical condition or other limitations. The limited public transit options and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services further exacerbate the transportation barriers.

The lack of readily available and reliable transportation options can lead to delays in diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This can negatively impact patient outcomes and increase the emotional and financial burden of battling breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Score for 16321 reflects these challenges, highlighting the need for improved transportation infrastructure and services.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To enhance healthcare access for breast cancer patients in 16321, several recommendations are proposed.

* **Expand Public Transit:** Advocate for increased public transit routes and services, including direct routes to major healthcare facilities.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing:** Encourage ride-sharing companies to expand their services to the area, offering a more reliable transportation option.
* **Enhance Medical Transportation:** Support and promote medical transportation services, ensuring they are readily available and affordable for patients.
* **Community Partnerships:** Foster partnerships between healthcare providers, transportation providers, and community organizations to coordinate transportation assistance for patients.
* **Patient Education:** Provide comprehensive information to patients about available transportation options, including contact information for medical transportation providers and details about public transit services.
* **Telehealth Integration:** Promote the use of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments, especially for follow-up care and consultations.

**Moving to East Hickory: A Consideration**

For individuals considering a move to East Hickory, the availability of healthcare access should be a significant factor in their decision-making process. While the area offers a tranquil environment, the challenges of transportation to healthcare facilities must be carefully considered, particularly for those with existing medical conditions or those at risk for breast cancer. Prospective residents should thoroughly research the available transportation options, assess their individual needs, and plan accordingly to ensure they can access the necessary medical care.

**Conclusion**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 16321 reflects the unique transportation challenges faced by individuals seeking breast cancer care in this rural setting. While the beauty and serenity of the area are undeniable, the limited transportation options necessitate careful planning and a proactive approach to healthcare access. By implementing the recommendations outlined in this report, the community can work towards improving the transportation infrastructure and services, ensuring that all residents have equal access to the vital care they need. The journey to healthcare should not be an obstacle; it should be a path paved with compassion, efficiency, and reliable access.