16443, West Springfield, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 16443, West Springfield, Pennsylvania is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.65 percent of residents in 16443 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.84 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Millcreek Community Hospital with a distance of 21.38 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 16443 (West Springfield, PA)

The decision to relocate, particularly when considering healthcare access, is a complex one. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP code 16443 (West Springfield, PA), focusing on transportation options to healthcare facilities specializing in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. This score aims to illuminate the realities of accessing vital services, a critical factor for anyone considering moving to this area, especially those with a personal or family history of the disease.

The Breast Cancer Score considers the accessibility of key healthcare resources: diagnostic imaging (mammography, ultrasound), surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology. Each category receives a sub-score based on drive times, public transportation availability, and alternative transportation options. The final score reflects the overall ease or difficulty of accessing these essential services.

**Drive Times: The Road to Care**

West Springfield, nestled in rural Erie County, presents a transportation landscape dominated by personal vehicles. The primary arteries for accessing healthcare are US Route 20, Pennsylvania Route 98, and the less-trafficked local roads. The drive times to facilities offering comprehensive breast cancer care are a significant factor in the Breast Cancer Score.

The closest hospital with a dedicated breast health center is Millcreek Community Hospital in Erie, PA. The drive along US Route 20 is approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination within the hospital complex. This drive time is a moderate factor, impacting the score.

For more specialized care, including surgical oncology and radiation therapy, patients may need to travel further. UPMC Hamot, also in Erie, is a major regional healthcare provider. The drive to UPMC Hamot, primarily via US Route 20, can take 45 minutes to an hour, especially during peak traffic hours. This extended drive time lowers the score.

The drive to facilities in neighboring states, such as Cleveland Clinic in Ohio (approximately a 2-hour drive) or specialized centers in Pittsburgh (a 2.5 to 3-hour drive), is not factored into the score. These long-distance options are considered for specialized treatments or second opinions but are not considered primary access points.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in 16443 are severely limited. The Erie MetroErie Metropolitan Transit AuthorityMetropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA) provides bus service within the city of Erie, but its reach into rural areas like West Springfield is minimal. There is no direct public transportation route from West Springfield to any healthcare facilities specializing in breast cancer care.

This lack of public transportation significantly impacts the Breast Cancer Score. Individuals without access to a personal vehicle face considerable challenges in accessing timely and consistent healthcare. The absence of public transit also presents challenges for those with mobility limitations or those unable to drive.

The EMTA does offer limited ADA-accessible services, but these must be pre-arranged and are primarily focused on serving the city of Erie. The lack of a reliable public transit system is a major negative factor in the overall score.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Erie area, but their presence in West Springfield is less consistent. Availability may be limited, and surge pricing during peak hours or for longer distances can make these services costly. The reliability of ride-sharing for scheduled medical appointments is a concern.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available. Several companies operate in the Erie area, offering non-emergency medical transport. These services can be booked in advance, providing a more reliable option than ride-sharing. However, these services often require pre-authorization and can be costly, particularly for frequent appointments.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services provides some mitigation to the lack of public transit, but these options are not universally accessible or affordable. The Breast Cancer Score reflects the limitations of these alternative transportation methods.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Synthesis**

The Breast Cancer Score for 16443 is influenced by a combination of factors. The moderate drive times to healthcare facilities in Erie, the lack of public transportation, and the reliance on potentially unreliable or costly alternative transportation options all contribute to the score.

The score is further impacted by the need for patients to travel to multiple locations for comprehensive care. Diagnostic imaging may be available at one facility, while surgery and radiation therapy are offered at another. This necessitates multiple trips and increases the burden on patients and their families.

The score is designed to reflect the reality of healthcare access in West Springfield. It is not a definitive assessment of the quality of care available but rather an evaluation of the ease with which that care can be accessed.

**Implications for Moving to West Springfield**

For individuals considering a move to West Springfield, particularly those with a history of breast cancer or those at high risk, the Breast Cancer Score highlights the importance of careful planning.

The lack of public transportation necessitates reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation options. This may require the purchase of a vehicle or the need to budget for ride-sharing or medical transportation services.

Individuals with mobility limitations or those unable to drive will face significant challenges in accessing healthcare. Careful consideration should be given to the availability of support networks, such as family or friends, who can provide transportation assistance.

The Breast Cancer Score serves as a valuable tool for prospective residents. It underscores the importance of researching healthcare access options before making a move. It emphasizes the need to factor in transportation costs and the potential for increased travel time when planning for medical appointments.

**Conclusion**

The Breast Cancer Score for 16443 reflects the transportation realities of accessing specialized healthcare. While the drive times to Erie are manageable, the absence of public transportation and the limitations of ride-sharing and medical transportation services present significant challenges. Prospective residents, especially those with a history of breast cancer, should carefully evaluate these factors when considering a move to West Springfield. The score provides a realistic assessment of healthcare access, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.