19152, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 19152, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.80 percent of residents in 19152 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.54 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Nazareth Hospital with a distance of 0.31 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 19152**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for something as critical as breast cancer treatment, is a complex equation. It’s not just about the quality of care, but also about the ease with which that care can be accessed. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 19152, a Philadelphia area, providing a "Breast Cancer Score" that considers the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access for individuals facing this challenging diagnosis. Understanding the commute to treatment centers is paramount when considering a move to Philadelphia or when navigating a new diagnosis.

The Breast Cancer Score, in this context, is a composite measure. It considers factors such as drive times, public transit availability, ride-share options, and specialized medical transport services. It aims to provide a realistic picture of the challenges and opportunities that individuals in 19152 face when seeking breast cancer care. This score is not a definitive judgment, but a tool for informed decision-making, empowering individuals to plan their healthcare journey strategically.

**Driving the Distance: Highways and Roadways**

For many residents of 19152, driving is the primary mode of transportation. The accessibility of major roadways significantly impacts the commute to hospitals and treatment centers. The primary arteries are the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) and the Roosevelt Boulevard (US-1), both of which can experience significant traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.

The Schuylkill Expressway, a vital east-west route, provides access to hospitals in Center City Philadelphia, including the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. However, the daily commute can be a battle, with traffic bottlenecks near the city center and construction projects adding to the delays. The drive time to these major hospitals can vary significantly, ranging from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Roosevelt Boulevard, a wide, multi-lane highway, offers access to hospitals in Northeast Philadelphia, such as Fox Chase Cancer Center. The drive to Fox Chase, a leading cancer treatment facility, is generally less congested than the journey downtown, with travel times typically ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. However, the Boulevard is notorious for its traffic lights and high accident rates, which can impact drive times unpredictably.

Smaller roads, like City Avenue and Belmont Avenue, provide alternative routes, but they are often slower and more circuitous, especially during rush hour. The condition of the roads themselves, including potholes and construction, can also affect the comfort and safety of the drive, adding to the stress of the journey.

**Public Transit: Navigating the City**

Philadelphia's public transit system, SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority), offers an alternative to driving. The SEPTA bus routes that serve 19152 include the 27, 31, and 65, providing connections to various destinations within the city, including hospitals.

The bus routes, while affordable, can be time-consuming. Travel times can be significantly longer than driving, especially when factoring in transfers and waiting times. The routes are subject to delays due to traffic and other unforeseen circumstances. For individuals undergoing treatment, the extended travel times can be physically and emotionally draining.

SEPTA also offers the Market-Frankford Line (the "El"), which provides access to hospitals in Center City. However, reaching the El from 19152 requires a bus transfer, adding to the overall travel time. The El, while generally faster than buses, can be crowded, particularly during rush hour.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial factor for individuals with mobility limitations. SEPTA has made efforts to improve accessibility, but not all stations and buses are fully accessible. Individuals with disabilities should confirm the accessibility of specific routes and stations before planning their journeys.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Alternative Options**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient alternative to driving and public transit. They provide door-to-door service and can be booked through a smartphone app. However, ride-share costs can be substantial, especially during peak hours or for longer distances.

Medical transportation services, such as CareRide and First Transit, specialize in providing transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey. However, these services often require advance booking and may have limited availability. The cost of medical transportation can also be a significant factor.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic View**

The Breast Cancer Score for 19152 reflects the interplay of these transportation factors. It acknowledges the challenges of navigating traffic, the limitations of public transit, and the cost considerations of ride-sharing and medical transport. The score is not a single number, but a composite assessment, reflecting the overall ease of access to breast cancer care.

The score considers the proximity of treatment centers, the availability of transportation options, and the potential travel times. It also factors in the accessibility of these options for individuals with disabilities and the financial burden associated with each mode of transportation.

The Breast Cancer Score for 19152 is a dynamic measure, subject to change based on traffic patterns, public transit improvements, and the availability of transportation services. It is a tool for individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey, taking into account the realities of transportation and its impact on their well-being.

**Healthcare Access: A Critical Component**

Healthcare access is not just about the availability of medical facilities; it is also about the ability to reach those facilities. The transportation landscape in 19152 significantly influences healthcare access for individuals facing breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Score highlights the need for comprehensive planning, considering all available transportation options and their associated challenges.

For individuals considering moving to Philadelphia, the Breast Cancer Score provides valuable insights into the transportation realities within 19152. It allows prospective residents to assess the ease of access to healthcare facilities and to factor this into their relocation decisions.

**Moving to Philadelphia: Informed Choices**

When considering a move to Philadelphia, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. The Breast Cancer Score for 19152 provides a valuable framework for evaluating healthcare access. It encourages individuals to consider the realities of commuting, the limitations of public transit, and the costs of ride-sharing and medical transport.

By understanding the transportation challenges and opportunities, individuals can make informed choices about their healthcare journey. They can plan their commutes strategically, explore alternative transportation options, and advocate for improvements in healthcare access. The Breast Cancer Score is a call to action, highlighting the importance of transportation in the fight against breast cancer.