15823, Brockport, Pennsylvania COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 15823, Brockport, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.33 percent of residents in 15823 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.07 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Elk with a distance of 15.42 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Brockport (ZIP Code 15823)

The crisp air of Brockport, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15823), offers a tranquil setting for those seeking respite. However, for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the serenity of this small town must be weighed against the practicalities of healthcare access. This write-up assesses the transportation landscape, crucial for COPD patients, to determine a "COPD Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching medical appointments and essential services. This is particularly relevant for anyone considering moving to Brockport, ensuring informed decisions about healthcare access.

The cornerstone of healthcare access is transportation. In Brockport, the primary mode of transport is the personal vehicle. The drive times to healthcare facilities are therefore paramount. The closest major medical center, Penn Highlands DuBois, is approximately a 20-minute drive via Interstate 80 (I-80) East. This highway is generally well-maintained, but winter weather can significantly impact travel times. Secondary roads like Pennsylvania Route 219 (PA-219) and PA-120 offer alternative routes, though they often involve more winding roads and potential delays.

For individuals without personal vehicles, public transportation options are limited. The DuBois Area Transportation Authority (DATA) provides bus services, but routes and schedules may not always align with medical appointment times. DATA's routes primarily serve DuBois, a town located approximately 15 miles from Brockport. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for COPD patients, and DATA generally adheres to these standards. However, the frequency of service, especially to and from Brockport, might necessitate careful planning and potentially long wait times.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in the DuBois area, but their availability in Brockport can be inconsistent. Surge pricing, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather, could also be a significant financial burden. Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients, offer a more reliable, albeit often more expensive, option. Companies such as Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and Logisticare are potential providers, but their coverage and availability in Brockport should be thoroughly investigated.

The distance to pharmacies is another crucial factor. While Brockport has local pharmacies, specialized medications or equipment may necessitate travel to DuBois or even further afield. The drive to these pharmacies, primarily accessible via I-80 or PA-219, must be factored into the overall transportation assessment.

The availability of oxygen and respiratory equipment suppliers within a reasonable distance is also critical. COPD patients often require regular refills and maintenance for their equipment. The proximity of these suppliers, and the ease of access to their services, contributes significantly to the overall quality of life.

Considering these factors, we can begin to formulate a "COPD Score" for Brockport. This score will reflect the overall ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare and related services. The score will be based on several criteria:

* **Drive Time:** The average time to reach major medical facilities, pharmacies, and equipment suppliers.
* **Public Transportation:** The availability, frequency, and ADA accessibility of bus services.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The reliability and cost of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transportation Services:** The availability and cost of specialized medical transport.
* **Pharmacy Access:** The proximity and accessibility of pharmacies.
* **Equipment Supplier Access:** The proximity and accessibility of oxygen and respiratory equipment suppliers.

Each criterion will be assigned a score, and the final "COPD Score" will be a composite of these individual scores. A higher score indicates better healthcare access, while a lower score indicates greater challenges.

Based on the initial assessment, Brockport presents some challenges for COPD patients. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the potential inconsistency of ride-sharing services suggest a moderate level of difficulty in accessing healthcare. While the drive to DuBois is relatively short, winter weather and potential traffic delays on I-80 can impact travel times. The limited availability of public transit and the potential for long wait times further complicate matters.

The "COPD Score" for Brockport, therefore, would likely fall in the moderate range. This means that while healthcare is accessible, it requires careful planning and potentially involves some degree of inconvenience. For individuals considering moving to Brockport, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and the availability of support services is essential. This includes investigating the feasibility of relying on family or friends for transportation, exploring the availability of medical transportation services, and understanding the limitations of public transportation options.

Moving to Brockport for a COPD patient necessitates a realistic evaluation of the transportation landscape. While the town offers a peaceful environment, the practicalities of healthcare access must be carefully considered. The "COPD Score" provides a framework for understanding these challenges and making informed decisions. It's a call to action for those considering a move, urging them to proactively research transportation options, and ensure their healthcare needs can be met effectively within the constraints of the local infrastructure. The goal is to ensure that the tranquility of Brockport doesn't come at the expense of healthcare access.