19054, Levittown, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 19054, Levittown, Pennsylvania is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.70 percent of residents in 19054 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lower Bucks Hospital with a distance of 4.99 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Levittown, PA (ZIP Code 19054)

The diagnosis of breast cancer can feel like a sudden and overwhelming storm. Beyond the emotional weight, the practical realities of treatment – appointments, scans, therapies – become a significant factor. Understanding **healthcare access** in your community is paramount. This analysis explores the landscape of **transportation** options for breast cancer patients residing in Levittown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 19054), providing a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment. This score considers travel times, public transit accessibility, and ride-sharing availability, offering a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by those seeking care.

Levittown, a suburban community in Bucks County, presents a unique set of challenges and advantages regarding healthcare access. Its location, while convenient for some, requires careful consideration for those navigating the complexities of breast cancer treatment. The "Breast Cancer Score" aims to illuminate these nuances, assisting residents in making informed decisions about their healthcare journey. This analysis considers the primary hospitals and cancer centers serving the area, evaluating the efficiency and accessibility of various transportation modes.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries**

The primary mode of transportation for many in Levittown is the personal vehicle. The efficiency of this option, however, is heavily reliant on traffic conditions and distance. Accessing major hospitals and cancer centers typically involves navigating a network of highways and local roads.

For residents of 19054, the most direct route to many healthcare facilities involves the **Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276)**. This toll road offers relatively swift travel, especially during off-peak hours. However, rush hour can transform this highway into a parking lot, significantly extending drive times. Consider the commute to the **Fox Chase Cancer Center – Bucks County Campus** in Langhorne. During peak hours, the 10-mile drive on the Turnpike and **US-1** can easily stretch to 45 minutes or longer.

Alternative routes involve local roads, such as **Bristol Pike (US-13)** and **New Falls Road**. These options, while free of tolls, are often congested, particularly near shopping centers and intersections. The drive to **St. Mary Medical Center** in Langhorne, a prominent healthcare provider, can take 20-30 minutes via these roads, depending on traffic.

The **Lower Bucks Hospital** in Bristol is a closer option, typically accessible within a 10-15 minute drive via Bristol Pike. This proximity can be a significant advantage for those facing frequent appointments or experiencing fatigue from treatment.

The "Breast Cancer Score" will factor in these drive times, considering both optimal and peak-hour scenarios. The score will also account for the availability of parking at each facility, a critical consideration for patients undergoing treatment.

**Public Transit: Navigating the SEPTA Network**

For those unable to drive, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) provides public transit options. While not always the most convenient, SEPTA offers an essential lifeline for many residents.

The **Trenton Line Regional Rail** provides service to Philadelphia, where numerous specialized cancer centers are located. The Levittown station is a key point of access. However, the journey to Center City Philadelphia, home to hospitals like the **Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP)** and **Thomas Jefferson University Hospital**, can take over an hour, including the train ride and any necessary connections.

Bus routes, such as the **127** and **128**, connect Levittown to various destinations within Bucks County and provide access to hospitals and medical offices. The **128** travels along Bristol Pike, offering access to St. Mary Medical Center. However, bus travel can be time-consuming, with frequent stops and potential delays.

ADA accessibility is a crucial factor. SEPTA strives to provide accessible services, but not all stations and buses are fully compliant. Patients with mobility limitations should confirm the accessibility of their chosen routes and stations. The "Breast Cancer Score" will incorporate this accessibility factor, acknowledging the challenges faced by patients with disabilities.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient, albeit potentially expensive, transportation alternative. These services are readily available in Levittown, providing on-demand access to healthcare facilities.

The cost of ride-sharing can be a significant consideration, particularly for frequent appointments. The "Breast Cancer Score" will factor in estimated ride-sharing costs to various healthcare destinations, providing a financial perspective.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with healthcare needs, offer specialized assistance. Brands like **CareRide** and **LogistiCare** provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services often work with insurance providers, potentially reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

The "Breast Cancer Score" will evaluate the availability and accessibility of medical transportation services, highlighting their potential benefits for patients.

**Healthcare Facilities and Their Accessibility**

The "Breast Cancer Score" will evaluate the accessibility of the following healthcare facilities:

* **Fox Chase Cancer Center – Bucks County Campus:** Drive time, public transit accessibility, and ride-sharing availability.
* **St. Mary Medical Center:** Drive time, public transit accessibility, and ride-sharing availability.
* **Lower Bucks Hospital:** Drive time, public transit accessibility, and ride-sharing availability.
* **Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP):** Drive time (including Turnpike and local roads), public transit (Trenton Line), and ride-sharing accessibility.
* **Thomas Jefferson University Hospital:** Drive time (including Turnpike and local roads), public transit (Trenton Line), and ride-sharing accessibility.

**Moving to Levittown and the Breast Cancer Score**

For those considering **moving to Levittown**, understanding the "Breast Cancer Score" is crucial. It provides a realistic assessment of healthcare accessibility, allowing potential residents to make informed decisions. The score will help individuals evaluate the practicality of accessing treatment facilities based on their preferred transportation methods.

**Conclusion: A Holistic Assessment**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Levittown (19054) will provide a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and the accessibility of specific healthcare facilities. This score aims to empower residents, especially those navigating the challenges of breast cancer, with the knowledge they need to navigate their healthcare journey effectively. The score will not only rate the transportation options but also offer practical advice and resources for patients. The final score will be a nuanced reflection of the realities of healthcare access in Levittown, offering a valuable tool for patients and their families.