15863, Stump Creek, Pennsylvania COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 15863, Stump Creek, Pennsylvania is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.70 percent of residents in 15863 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Elk with a distance of 31.57 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Stump Creek (ZIP Code 15863)

The crisp air of Stump Creek, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15863), offers a certain tranquility, a stark contrast to the bustling urban centers. However, for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), this serenity can be shadowed by the challenges of healthcare access. This write-up assesses the transportation landscape, evaluating the COPD Score for residents, particularly those considering moving to this rural haven.

The COPD Score considers the ease with which individuals can access medical appointments, pulmonary rehabilitation, and essential healthcare services. It weighs factors like drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport services. This analysis is crucial because COPD patients often require frequent check-ups, medication refills, and respiratory therapy, making reliable transportation a necessity.

The primary artery for transportation in and out of Stump Creek is Pennsylvania Route 219. This two-lane highway offers a direct, albeit sometimes winding, route to larger towns and cities where specialized medical care is more readily available. Drive times are significant. For instance, a trip to DuBois Regional Medical Center, the closest major hospital, typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This drive, though manageable, can be arduous for individuals experiencing shortness of breath or fatigue, common symptoms of COPD.

Secondary roads, such as Pennsylvania Route 322 and various local township roads, provide alternative routes. However, these roads are often less well-maintained, especially during winter months, and can add to the travel time and potential stress for COPD patients. The condition of the roads directly impacts the ease of transportation and therefore, the COPD Score.

Public transportation options are limited in Stump Creek. The Clearfield County Area Transportation Authority (CCATA) provides some bus services, but these are primarily designed for local travel and may not offer direct routes to specialized healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the frequency of these routes is limited, and evening or weekend services are often unavailable. This severely impacts healthcare access, especially for those without personal vehicles.

The CCATA buses, while offering some accessibility features like wheelchair lifts, may not fully cater to the specific needs of COPD patients. The lack of dedicated medical transport routes and the potential for long wait times between bus connections can exacerbate the challenges of accessing healthcare. This lack of robust public transportation significantly lowers the COPD Score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the DuBois area, but their presence in Stump Creek is less certain. Availability is often dependent on driver availability and demand, which can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying solely on ride-sharing can be unreliable for scheduled medical appointments, impacting the COPD Score.

Specialized medical transportation services are crucial for COPD patients. While several medical transport companies serve the broader Clearfield County area, their specific coverage and availability in Stump Creek require careful investigation. These services often cater to patients requiring assistance with mobility, oxygen, or other medical needs. However, the cost of these services can be a significant financial burden, further impacting the COPD Score.

For individuals considering moving to Stump Creek with COPD, careful planning is essential. The remoteness of the area necessitates a proactive approach to healthcare access. This includes researching the availability of specialized medical transportation services, understanding the limitations of public transportation, and ensuring access to a reliable personal vehicle.

The COPD Score for Stump Creek, based on the current transportation infrastructure, is moderate. While the proximity to DuBois and the availability of some transportation options offer a degree of healthcare access, the limitations of public transit, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, and the cost of specialized medical transport services present significant challenges.

The drive times, while manageable, can be taxing for individuals with breathing difficulties. The limited public transportation options and the uncertainty of ride-sharing availability further reduce the COPD Score. The cost of specialized medical transport services adds another layer of complexity.

Moving to Stump Creek requires a realistic assessment of healthcare access. Individuals with COPD should prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities, consider the availability of reliable transportation, and budget for potential transportation costs. This proactive approach is critical for maintaining quality of life and effectively managing their condition.

The COPD Score is not a static measure. It can be improved by advocating for expanded public transportation services, promoting the availability of ride-sharing options, and supporting initiatives that increase access to affordable medical transportation. Community involvement and awareness can help improve the healthcare access landscape for all residents, especially those with chronic conditions like COPD.

The beauty of Stump Creek, with its serene landscapes and close-knit community, holds undeniable appeal. However, a thorough understanding of the transportation challenges and the healthcare access limitations is crucial for individuals considering this location, especially those managing COPD. Careful planning and proactive measures are key to ensuring a healthy and fulfilling life in this rural community.