19031, Flourtown, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 19031, Flourtown, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.51 percent of residents in 19031 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.99 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Chestnut Hill Hospital with a distance of 1.97 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Flourtown (ZIP Code 19031)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is a complex undertaking. It involves not just the medical appointments themselves, but also the logistical challenges of accessing those appointments. This assessment delves into the transportation landscape of Flourtown, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 19031), providing a "Breast Cancer Score" to gauge the ease with which residents can reach crucial breast cancer services. This score considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, offering insights for those considering moving to Flourtown and seeking reliable healthcare access.

Flourtown, a charming suburb nestled in Montgomery County, enjoys a relatively convenient location. However, the reality of navigating to and from medical appointments, especially during the emotional and physical toll of breast cancer treatment, can be significantly impacted by transportation limitations. The Breast Cancer Score aims to paint a realistic picture of this experience.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries**

For those who prefer the autonomy of a personal vehicle, the primary routes to consider are the major highways and local roads that weave through and around Flourtown. Access to the city is facilitated by the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76), a crucial artery connecting Flourtown to Philadelphia. Driving to major hospitals like the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) or the Fox Chase Cancer Center, both offering comprehensive breast cancer care, requires navigating this often-congested highway.

A typical drive to HUP, located in West Philadelphia, can range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Morning and evening commutes can easily extend this time. Similarly, the journey to Fox Chase, situated in Northeast Philadelphia, might take 45 minutes to an hour, again subject to traffic conditions. The Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276), while offering a faster route, involves tolls, adding to the overall cost of transportation.

Local roads like Germantown Pike, Bethlehem Pike, and Flourtown Road provide alternative routes, but they often involve navigating through smaller towns and encountering traffic lights, which can add to the overall travel time. These roads can also be less predictable due to local events or accidents. Parking availability at the hospitals themselves is another factor to consider, often requiring additional time to find a spot.

**Public Transit: The Rails and Buses**

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) provides public transit options for Flourtown residents. The Chestnut Hill West Regional Rail line offers a direct link to Center City Philadelphia, including access to hospitals like HUP. The Flourtown station is a convenient starting point, with trains running regularly throughout the day. The train ride itself is relatively efficient, taking approximately 30-40 minutes to reach Center City.

However, the journey doesn't end at the train station. Patients will need to factor in the time and effort to get to the hospital from the train station. This often involves walking, using a connecting bus, or utilizing ride-sharing services.

SEPTA also operates bus routes that serve Flourtown. The Route 94 bus provides service along Germantown Pike, connecting to various points in the surrounding areas. The Route 97 bus runs along Bethlehem Pike, offering access to other communities. These bus routes, while providing a more affordable option, may have longer travel times and less frequent service compared to the Regional Rail.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration for breast cancer patients. SEPTA strives to provide accessible services, with ramps, elevators, and designated seating available on both trains and buses. However, accessibility can vary depending on the specific station or bus, and it's essential to confirm accessibility features before traveling.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: The On-Demand Option**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient, on-demand transportation alternative. They are readily available in Flourtown and can be a reliable option for reaching medical appointments, especially when public transit is not feasible or desired. The cost of ride-sharing can vary depending on the time of day, distance, and demand.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by medical transport companies, provide specialized transportation for patients with mobility limitations or other medical needs. These services often include door-to-door assistance, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and trained drivers. While these services can be more expensive than ride-sharing, they offer a higher level of care and support.

**Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The Breast Cancer Score for Flourtown considers all these factors. It assesses the ease of access to breast cancer services, factoring in drive times, public transit reliability, and ride-sharing availability. The score also considers the accessibility features of public transit and the availability of medical transportation services.

The score is not a single number but a multifaceted evaluation. It acknowledges that individual needs and preferences vary. A patient who prefers the independence of driving will have a different experience than someone relying on public transit or ride-sharing. The score aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the transportation landscape, enabling informed decisions about healthcare access.

**Moving to Flourtown: A Considered Choice**

For those considering moving to Flourtown, this assessment provides crucial information. While Flourtown offers a desirable suburban lifestyle, the transportation challenges to access healthcare, especially during breast cancer treatment, must be carefully considered. The proximity to major hospitals, the availability of public transit, and the convenience of ride-sharing services all contribute to the overall score.

The Breast Cancer Score is not a definitive judgment but a starting point for a more in-depth investigation. Potential residents should research the specific healthcare providers they intend to use, assess their transportation needs, and explore the available options.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that residents of Flourtown have the support they need to navigate the complexities of breast cancer care with as much ease and convenience as possible. The Breast Cancer Score, therefore, serves as a guide, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare access and overall well-being. The score is a dynamic measure, subject to change based on transportation developments and healthcare advancements.