16370, West Hickory, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 16370, West Hickory, Pennsylvania is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.47 percent of residents in 16370 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.24 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Titusville Hospital with a distance of 13.28 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in 16370

The quaint town of West Hickory, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest, offers a serene escape. But for residents of ZIP code 16370, the tranquility can be disrupted by a serious consideration: access to healthcare, particularly when facing a diagnosis like breast cancer. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" for 16370, examining the challenges and opportunities in navigating the **transportation** landscape to access vital medical services.

Our score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, all crucial factors impacting **healthcare access**. The goal is to paint a clear picture for residents and potential newcomers considering **moving to West Hickory**, ensuring they are well-informed about the realities of accessing breast cancer care.

The foundation of any assessment is understanding the distances involved. The nearest comprehensive breast cancer treatment centers are located in larger cities, demanding travel. The primary route out of West Hickory involves navigating the winding roads that characterize the region.

The most direct route to Warren, Pennsylvania, approximately 20 miles east, is via PA-666. This route, while scenic, can take around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic and weather conditions. Warren offers a local hospital, Warren General Hospital, which provides some breast cancer screening and diagnostic services. For more advanced treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, patients often need to travel further.

Traveling south towards Oil City, roughly 40 miles away, requires a journey via PA-62. This drive typically takes around an hour, depending on traffic. Oil City Hospital offers a range of services, potentially including some breast cancer treatment options.

Erie, Pennsylvania, a major regional hub, lies approximately 80 miles northwest of West Hickory. Reaching Erie involves a longer drive, primarily via US-6 and I-86, taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Erie is home to several hospitals, including UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Hospital, which offer comprehensive breast cancer care, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive services.

The drive times highlight a significant challenge: the dependence on personal vehicles. The rural nature of the area limits alternative **transportation** options, making reliable personal **transportation** essential for accessing timely medical care.

Public **transportation** options in the area are limited. The Warren County Transit Authority (WCTA) provides some bus services, but their routes are primarily focused on local travel within Warren County. WCTA does not offer direct routes to Erie or Oil City, and service frequency is limited, making it an impractical option for regular medical appointments. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses, while present, may be limited, posing a challenge for individuals with mobility impairments.

The lack of robust public **transportation** underscores the reliance on private vehicles, which can be a significant barrier for individuals without access to a car or those unable to drive due to health conditions or other limitations.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their presence is not as consistent as in larger urban centers. Availability can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Reliance on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is therefore risky, as cancellations or delays could disrupt treatment schedules. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing can accumulate quickly, adding a financial burden to the already challenging situation of a breast cancer diagnosis.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT), offer another avenue for accessing healthcare. Ambulance services are available for emergencies, but their use is limited to critical situations. NEMT services, provided by companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) or local providers, offer scheduled **transportation** for medical appointments. However, the availability of NEMT services can vary, and pre-booking is often required, making it crucial to plan appointments well in advance.

The availability of support services like patient navigators and social workers at local hospitals can be invaluable in assisting patients with **transportation** challenges. These professionals can help coordinate rides, connect patients with financial assistance programs, and provide emotional support during a difficult time.

Considering all these factors, we can formulate a Breast Cancer Score for 16370. The score is based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing the most challenging access and 5 representing the easiest.

**Drive Time:** The dependence on personal vehicles and the distances to comprehensive treatment centers contribute to a lower score. The Breast Cancer Score for drive time is a 2.

**Public Transit:** The limited public transit options, with infrequent routes and no direct connections to major medical centers, result in a low score. The Breast Cancer Score for public transit is a 1.

**Ride-Sharing:** The inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services and the potential for high costs further diminish the score. The Breast Cancer Score for ride-sharing is a 2.

**Medical Transport:** The availability of NEMT services provides a crucial option, but the need for pre-booking and potential limitations in coverage slightly improve the score. The Breast Cancer Score for medical transport is a 3.

**Overall Breast Cancer Score for 16370:** Taking all factors into account, the overall Breast Cancer Score for 16370 is a 2. This score indicates that residents of West Hickory face significant challenges in accessing breast cancer care due to limited **transportation** options and the distances to comprehensive treatment centers.

This score emphasizes the importance of careful planning and proactive measures for individuals in 16370. Residents should have a reliable **transportation** plan in place, explore all available resources, and seek support from healthcare providers and community organizations. For those considering **moving to West Hickory**, this analysis provides a crucial perspective on the realities of **healthcare access** and the need for careful consideration of **transportation** options.