19074, Norwood, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 19074, Norwood, Pennsylvania is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.73 percent of residents in 19074 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.94 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mercy Catholic Medical Center- Mercy Fitzgerald with a distance of 2.94 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Norwood, PA (ZIP Code 19074)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, can be fraught with anxiety. Access to timely and quality care is paramount, and the ease with which one can reach medical facilities is a crucial factor. This analysis, tailored for residents of Norwood, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 19074), delves into the transportation landscape surrounding breast cancer care, providing a “Breast Cancer Score” based on accessibility. This score considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, offering a comprehensive view of how easily Norwood residents can access critical healthcare services. For those considering moving to Norwood, this information offers invaluable insight into the practical realities of healthcare access.

Norwood, a close-knit community in Delaware County, benefits from its proximity to Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs. This geographical advantage translates to relatively convenient access to a range of medical facilities specializing in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, transportation remains a critical element in ensuring that this proximity translates into actual access. The “Breast Cancer Score” considers the various modes of transportation available to residents, evaluating their efficiency, reliability, and overall suitability for individuals undergoing treatment.

**Drive Times: The Road to Recovery**

For many, driving remains the most convenient mode of transportation. From Norwood, several major highways and roads provide direct routes to hospitals and cancer centers. The most significant artery is Interstate 95 (I-95), offering a direct link to major medical centers in Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs. The drive to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), a leading cancer center, typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Route 476, also known as the Blue Route, provides another important option, connecting Norwood to hospitals further west, such as Lankenau Medical Center. This route, while often less congested than I-95, can still experience delays during peak hours. The drive to Lankenau, known for its comprehensive cancer services, averages 30 to 40 minutes.

Local roads, such as Chester Pike (Route 13) and MacDade Boulevard, offer alternative routes, though they are often more susceptible to traffic congestion. These roads provide access to smaller hospitals and outpatient clinics. The drive times to these facilities vary depending on location, but typically range from 15 to 30 minutes.

The “Breast Cancer Score” considers the average drive times to the nearest and most reputable cancer centers, factoring in potential delays due to traffic. This assessment helps to quantify the ease of access for those needing frequent appointments for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Network**

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) provides public transportation options for Norwood residents. The primary mode of public transit is the SEPTA Regional Rail, specifically the Wilmington/Newark Line, which has a station in Norwood. This line offers direct access to Center City Philadelphia, where many major hospitals and cancer centers are located. The train ride to 30th Street Station, a major transportation hub, takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

From 30th Street Station, passengers can connect to other SEPTA lines, including the Market-Frankford Line and the Broad Street Line, which provide access to hospitals further east and south. These connections can add travel time, but they expand the range of healthcare options available.

SEPTA also operates several bus routes that serve Norwood. The Route 114 bus provides local service, connecting to nearby towns and providing access to smaller medical facilities. The Route 37 bus travels along Chester Pike, offering a direct route to hospitals and clinics.

The “Breast Cancer Score” assesses the accessibility of SEPTA services, including the frequency of trains and buses, the convenience of station locations, and the availability of ADA-compliant features. The presence of elevators, ramps, and accessible seating is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations, a common consideration for those undergoing cancer treatment.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Alternative Avenues**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. These services are readily available in Norwood and provide on-demand transportation to medical appointments. The cost of ride-sharing can vary depending on distance and time of day, but it offers flexibility and door-to-door service.

Medical transportation services, such as MedRide and CareRide, specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers, catering to the specific needs of patients with mobility limitations. The cost of medical transportation is typically higher than ride-sharing, but it offers a higher level of care and support.

The “Breast Cancer Score” considers the availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services. These options are particularly valuable for individuals who are unable to drive or use public transit due to their medical condition or treatment side effects.

**The "Breast Cancer Score" and Its Implications**

The final “Breast Cancer Score” for Norwood (ZIP code 19074) is a composite measure, weighing the factors discussed above. It reflects the overall accessibility of healthcare services for breast cancer patients, taking into account drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability. The score is not a static number but rather a dynamic assessment, reflecting the evolving transportation landscape.

For residents of Norwood, the score provides a valuable tool for making informed decisions about their healthcare. It highlights the importance of considering transportation when choosing a healthcare provider and planning treatment. For those considering moving to Norwood, the score offers critical insights into the practical realities of healthcare access.

The score will be updated regularly to reflect changes in transportation infrastructure, service availability, and medical facility locations. This ongoing assessment ensures that residents of Norwood have the most current information available to them as they navigate the complexities of breast cancer care.

The “Breast Cancer Score” is not just a number; it is a reflection of the community's commitment to ensuring that all residents have access to the care they need. It is a reminder that the journey to recovery is often a shared one, and that access to transportation is a vital component of that journey. It is a testament to the importance of healthcare access and its impact on the lives of those affected by breast cancer.