15958, Summerhill, Pennsylvania COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 15958, Summerhill, Pennsylvania is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.21 percent of residents in 15958 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center with a distance of 11.11 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Summerhill, PA (ZIP Code 15958)

For individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), reliable and accessible transportation to healthcare appointments is paramount. This write-up assesses the ease of access to pulmonary care within ZIP code 15958, Summerhill, Pennsylvania, considering various transportation options. We will analyze drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing services, ultimately providing a COPD Score reflecting the challenges and opportunities faced by residents seeking healthcare.

Summerhill, a small borough nestled in Cambria County, presents unique transportation challenges. Its rural setting and limited public transit options necessitate careful consideration of healthcare access, especially for those with mobility limitations or respiratory distress. The COPD Score aims to illuminate these complexities, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and potential relocation.

**Drive Time Dynamics: The Asphalt Arteries**

The primary arteries for vehicular transportation in and around Summerhill are the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) and Route 219. Access to healthcare facilities in Johnstown, the nearest city with comprehensive medical services, requires navigating these roadways. The drive time to UPMC Altoona Hospital, a regional healthcare provider, can vary significantly depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Typically, a drive to Johnstown via Route 219 South takes approximately 20-30 minutes. However, during peak hours, especially in the morning and evening commutes, traffic congestion can extend this journey. The Pennsylvania Turnpike offers a faster route, but tolls add to the cost of transportation. The distance to UPMC Altoona is approximately 40 miles.

For residents needing specialized pulmonary care, the drive to Pittsburgh, a larger metropolitan area with more extensive medical resources, becomes a more significant undertaking. This journey, primarily via the Pennsylvania Turnpike, can take up to two hours, excluding potential delays. This longer travel time poses a considerable challenge for individuals with COPD, potentially exacerbating their symptoms during the commute.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in Summerhill are limited. The Cambria County Transit Authority (CCTA) provides bus service within the county, but routes serving Summerhill are infrequent and may not directly connect to all healthcare facilities. The CCTA does offer ADA-accessible buses, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including those with mobility limitations related to COPD.

Unfortunately, the CCTA's routes may not align with the schedules of pulmonary appointments, requiring significant pre-planning and potentially extended travel times. The lack of frequent service and direct routes to healthcare facilities presents a major hurdle for individuals relying on public transit.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: On-Demand Alternatives**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in the Johnstown area, providing an on-demand transportation option. However, availability in Summerhill may be limited, especially during off-peak hours. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to cater to individuals with healthcare needs, offer a more specialized solution. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. Companies like Access Medical Transportation and MedRide offer services in the region. While these services can provide a reliable means of transportation, they are often more expensive than other options, potentially posing a financial burden.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Challenge**

The combination of limited public transit, potential ride-sharing constraints, and the distances to healthcare facilities creates a complex landscape for individuals with COPD in Summerhill. The availability of accessible transportation directly impacts healthcare access, influencing the ability to attend appointments, access pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and receive timely medical interventions.

The need for reliable transportation underscores the importance of healthcare access. Individuals with COPD must be able to reach their healthcare providers without undue stress or delay. The ability to readily access medical care is a critical factor in managing COPD effectively and maintaining a good quality of life.

**Moving to Summerhill: A Consideration for COPD Patients**

For individuals with COPD considering a move to Summerhill, a thorough assessment of transportation options and healthcare access is crucial. The availability of reliable transportation should be a primary consideration, alongside the proximity of healthcare facilities and the availability of specialized pulmonary care.

Potential residents should research the CCTA routes, assess the availability of ride-sharing services, and explore medical transportation options. Proximity to family or friends who can provide transportation support can also be a valuable asset.

**COPD Score: A Calculated Assessment**

Based on the analysis of transportation options, drive times, and healthcare access, a COPD Score can be assigned to ZIP code 15958. This score reflects the relative ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare services for individuals with COPD. The score will be based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing the most challenging conditions and 5 representing the most favorable.

Considering the limited public transit, potential ride-sharing constraints, and drive times to healthcare facilities, ZIP code 15958 would likely receive a COPD Score of 2. This score reflects the challenges faced by residents in accessing healthcare, particularly for those with limited mobility or financial constraints.

**Recommendations and Conclusion**

To improve healthcare access for individuals with COPD in Summerhill, several recommendations are pertinent. Expanding CCTA routes to include more frequent service and direct connections to healthcare facilities would be beneficial. Promoting awareness of medical transportation services and exploring potential subsidies to make them more affordable would also be valuable.

Furthermore, the development of telehealth services and remote monitoring programs could help mitigate the challenges of transportation by providing access to healthcare from the comfort of one's home.

In conclusion, while Summerhill offers a tranquil setting, the limited transportation options present significant challenges for individuals with COPD. Careful planning and consideration of transportation needs are essential for residents seeking to maintain their health and well-being. The COPD Score serves as a reminder of the importance of accessible healthcare and the need for ongoing efforts to improve transportation options for those managing chronic respiratory conditions.