19138, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 19138, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

33.73 percent of residents in 19138 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.71 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Albert Einstein Medical Center with a distance of 1.49 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 19138**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, requires more than just medical expertise. It demands accessible, reliable transportation, a factor that significantly impacts the overall patient experience and, potentially, treatment outcomes. This assessment, a "Breast Cancer Score," examines the transportation landscape within and around ZIP Code 19138, a critical consideration for anyone moving to Philadelphia, especially those seeking optimal healthcare access.

ZIP Code 19138, nestled in Northeast Philadelphia, presents a unique transportation profile. While car ownership is common, public transit and ride-sharing services play vital roles. Analyzing these options provides a clearer picture of healthcare access, specifically for breast cancer treatment, which often involves frequent appointments and potential mobility challenges.

**Driving the Distance: Highways and Roads**

For those with personal vehicles, navigating to specialized breast cancer centers often starts on Roosevelt Boulevard (US-1), a major artery that cuts through the heart of 19138. Depending on the destination, drivers can connect to I-95, the primary north-south highway, offering swift access to hospitals in Center City Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs. The drive time to major medical centers, such as Fox Chase Cancer Center, could be 15-20 minutes, making it a relatively convenient option for those living in the northern reaches of the zip code.

Alternatively, accessing hospitals in the city, like those along City Avenue or in University City, might involve navigating smaller roads like Bustleton Avenue or Academy Road. These routes, while offering shorter distances, are often subject to traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. The drive to these destinations could take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the specific location within 19138.

**Public Transit: Routes and Accessibility**

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) provides extensive public transit options, crucial for those without personal vehicles or who prefer to avoid driving. The primary modes of transportation include buses and regional rail. Several bus routes serve 19138, with the Route 28 bus, running along Rhawn Street and connecting to Frankford Transportation Center, a major hub for regional rail and the Market-Frankford Line (subway), offering access to hospitals in Center City.

The Route 28 bus is generally ADA-accessible, featuring ramps and designated seating for passengers with disabilities. However, travel times on buses can be unpredictable, especially during rush hour, and transfers between different modes of transit add to the overall journey time.

Regional Rail offers a faster alternative for some. The Fox Chase Line, with stations located near the borders of 19138, provides direct service to Center City, but the walk to the station from various parts of the zip code may be a factor.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Options for Support**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become increasingly prevalent in Philadelphia. These services offer on-demand transportation, providing a convenient option for those who cannot drive or prefer not to. The availability and cost of ride-sharing can fluctuate depending on demand, time of day, and location within 19138. For patients undergoing cancer treatment, the ability to schedule rides in advance and utilize the services during off-peak hours can be a significant advantage.

Medical transportation services, designed specifically for patients with mobility limitations, are another important consideration. Companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and Logisticare specialize in non-emergency medical transportation, offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. These services often require pre-booking and may have specific eligibility requirements, but they provide a crucial lifeline for patients who cannot use public transit or ride-sharing services.

**Healthcare Access: The Score's Significance**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for 19138 hinges on the interplay of these transportation options. The ease of access to specialized breast cancer centers, the availability of public transit, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services all contribute to the overall score. A high score indicates relatively easy access, while a lower score suggests potential challenges.

For example, a patient living near a bus route with direct access to a regional rail station and the availability of ride-sharing services would likely have a higher score. Conversely, a patient residing in a more remote area of 19138, with limited access to public transit and no easy access to ride-sharing, might face significant transportation challenges, potentially impacting their healthcare access.

**Moving to Philadelphia: Considering the Score**

For individuals considering moving to Philadelphia, especially those with a history of breast cancer or a family history of the disease, the "Breast Cancer Score" becomes an invaluable tool. It helps assess the practicality of accessing healthcare, considering the realities of daily transportation.

The score is not just about distance; it’s about the reliability, affordability, and accessibility of the available transportation options. Factors such as traffic patterns, the availability of ADA-accessible services, and the cost of ride-sharing all play a role.

**Conclusion: A Holistic Approach**

In conclusion, the "Breast Cancer Score" for 19138 provides a nuanced understanding of healthcare access. It emphasizes the importance of transportation in the overall patient experience. By considering the drive times, public transit routes, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare journey. This holistic approach, combining medical expertise with practical considerations, ensures that patients in 19138 can navigate their healthcare needs with greater ease and confidence.