The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 15627, Derry, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
65.38 percent of residents in 15627 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.29 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Excela Health Latrobe Hospital with a distance of 4.50 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 15627, Derry, Pennsylvania
COPD Score | 57 |
---|---|
People Score | 32 |
Provider Score | 64 |
Hospital Score | 47 |
Travel Score | 59 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 15627 | Derry | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 1.63 | 1.63 | 5.04 |
1 Car | 10.49 | 10.49 | 21.45 |
2 Cars | 43.34 | 43.34 | 41.29 |
3 or More Cars | 44.54 | 44.54 | 32.22 |
Vehicular Access in 15627, Derry, Pennsylvania
## COPD Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Derry, PA (ZIP Code 15627)
Derry, Pennsylvania, nestled in Westmoreland County, offers a blend of small-town charm and proximity to larger urban centers. For individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), access to timely and reliable healthcare is paramount. This report assesses the ease of commuting to healthcare facilities from ZIP code 15627, focusing on transportation options and their suitability for COPD patients. We'll explore drive times, public transit, ride-share services, and medical transportation, ultimately providing a COPD Score reflecting healthcare accessibility.
The primary consideration for COPD patients is the time and effort required to reach medical appointments. Long travel times and stressful commutes can exacerbate symptoms and negatively impact overall well-being. The geographical layout of Derry and its surrounding areas influences transportation choices. The town is served by key roadways, including US Route 22, a major east-west artery, and Pennsylvania Route 982, which provides north-south connectivity. These highways are critical for accessing healthcare facilities in nearby towns like Latrobe and Greensburg.
Driving remains a significant mode of transportation in Derry. From the heart of 15627, a drive to Excela Health Latrobe Hospital, a primary healthcare provider, typically takes around 10-15 minutes via US-22 East. This short commute offers a relatively convenient option for those able to drive or have access to a personal vehicle. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can extend travel times, adding to the physical and psychological stress for COPD patients.
For appointments at UPMC Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, the drive is approximately 20-30 minutes, primarily via US-22 West. This longer commute necessitates careful planning, considering potential delays and the patient's physical limitations. The route is generally well-maintained, but weather conditions, especially during winter, can pose challenges.
Public transportation, while available, presents a more complex scenario. The Westmoreland Transit Authority (WTA) provides bus service in the county. However, routes serving Derry are limited, and direct routes to major healthcare facilities may not be readily available. Passengers often need to transfer, increasing travel time and complexity. WTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts and priority seating, which are essential for COPD patients.
Specific bus routes serving Derry and connecting to healthcare destinations require detailed investigation. Route 10, for instance, may offer connections to Latrobe, but its frequency and schedule must be carefully assessed for suitability. Route 20, providing service towards Greensburg, could offer access to UPMC Westmoreland Hospital, but the travel time and number of transfers are crucial factors. The availability of accessible stops and the ease of navigating transfers are critical for COPD patients.
Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to driving and public transit. These services provide on-demand transportation, potentially reducing the stress associated with driving and the complexities of public transit. However, the availability of ride-share services in Derry may be limited, and surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather could increase costs. For COPD patients, the convenience and comfort of ride-share services must be weighed against potential costs and availability concerns.
Medical transportation services cater specifically to individuals with medical needs. Companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and local providers offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. These services can be particularly beneficial for COPD patients who require assistance with mobility or have difficulty navigating public transit. However, the availability and cost of medical transportation services in Derry need to be investigated.
The COPD Score for commuting to healthcare in 15627 will reflect the accessibility and suitability of various transportation options. Factors considered include drive times, public transit frequency and accessibility, ride-share availability, and the availability of medical transportation services. The score will also factor in the physical demands of each mode of transportation, considering the needs of COPD patients.
For individuals considering moving to Derry, or for current residents managing COPD, this analysis offers valuable insights. The proximity to healthcare facilities, primarily Excela Health Latrobe Hospital, provides a significant advantage. However, the reliance on driving and the limitations of public transit necessitate careful consideration of individual needs and preferences.
The COPD Score will be a composite measure, reflecting the ease and convenience of accessing healthcare. A higher score indicates better accessibility. The score will be based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing optimal access and 1 representing extremely limited access.
**Preliminary Assessment:**
* **Driving:** Offers the most direct route to healthcare, but traffic and weather can impact travel times.
* **Public Transit:** Limited routes and potential for transfers may increase travel time and complexity. ADA features are available.
* **Ride-Share:** Availability and cost are potential limitations.
* **Medical Transportation:** Offers specialized services, but availability and cost must be verified.
**Further Investigation Required:**
* Detailed analysis of WTA bus routes and schedules serving Derry and connecting to healthcare facilities.
* Assessment of ride-share availability and pricing in the area.
* Identification of medical transportation providers and their service areas.
* Gathering patient feedback on transportation experiences.
This initial assessment suggests that the COPD Score for 15627 will likely fall in the moderate range. While driving offers relatively convenient access to some healthcare facilities, the limitations of public transit and the potential challenges of ride-share services necessitate careful planning and consideration. Individuals with COPD should explore all available options and choose the transportation method that best suits their individual needs and limitations. The decision to move to Derry or remain a resident should be informed by a thorough understanding of these transportation factors and their impact on healthcare access.
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