16647, Hesston, Pennsylvania COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 16647, Hesston, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.71 percent of residents in 16647 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.09 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Huntingdon with a distance of 8.55 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Hesston, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16647)

Hesston, Pennsylvania, a community nestled in the heart of Huntingdon County, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the ease of accessing healthcare is a critical consideration. This write-up explores the transportation landscape within and surrounding ZIP code 16647, providing a "COPD Score" assessment of healthcare access, factoring in drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. This information is especially pertinent for those considering moving to Hesston, ensuring their healthcare needs can be met.

The COPD Score, in this context, is a subjective evaluation based on the practicality and efficiency of various transportation methods for individuals with COPD. Factors like travel time, physical accessibility, and the availability of assistance are weighed to provide a realistic understanding of healthcare access.

**Driving Dynamics: The Arteries of Access**

For many, the automobile is the primary mode of transportation. From Hesston, accessing healthcare typically involves driving to nearby towns and cities. The primary artery for travel is **Route 26**, which runs directly through Hesston. This road provides access to Huntingdon, approximately 15 minutes away, where the UPMC-operated hospital, UPMC-Huntingdon, is located. This is a crucial destination for respiratory care and emergency services.

Further afield, **Route 22** offers a more extensive network. Traveling east on Route 22 leads to the larger city of Altoona, roughly a 45-minute drive. Altoona boasts a wider range of healthcare providers, including specialty clinics and the UPMC Altoona hospital. Westward on Route 22 connects to State College, about an hour and 15 minutes away, home to Mount Nittany Medical Center and numerous medical specialists.

**Route 655** is another important road, connecting Hesston to the southern parts of Huntingdon County. This route is useful for accessing smaller clinics and physician offices in towns like Mapleton and Mill Creek.

The drive times, while manageable, can be challenging for individuals with COPD. Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can exacerbate breathing difficulties. Careful planning and consideration of travel times are essential for appointments and emergencies. The COPD Score reflects the relative ease of driving, factoring in potential delays and the physical demands of navigating a car.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Hesston are limited. The Huntingdon County Transit Authority (HCTA) provides bus services within the county. However, the routes are infrequent, and the service area is not extensive. While HCTA buses are ADA-compliant, meaning they are equipped with features like ramps and wheelchair accommodations, the limited schedule and route coverage pose a significant challenge for individuals with COPD.

The COPD Score reflects the low availability of public transit as a major barrier to healthcare access. Reliance on public transit would require careful planning, potentially long wait times, and the physical exertion of navigating bus stops and transfers.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the broader Huntingdon County area, including Hesston. However, their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The reliability of ride-sharing for scheduled appointments or emergency situations needs to be carefully considered.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized option. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for individuals requiring assistance. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. While these services are valuable, they often require advance booking and can be costly.

The COPD Score takes into account the variable availability of ride-sharing and the specialized nature and cost of medical transport services. These options offer potential solutions, but their practicality depends on individual circumstances and financial resources.

**Healthcare Access: A Holistic Perspective**

Beyond transportation, the COPD Score also considers the overall healthcare landscape in the region. The proximity to UPMC-Huntingdon is a significant advantage, providing immediate access to emergency care and general medical services. The availability of specialists in Altoona and State College expands the range of care options.

However, the rural nature of the area means that access to specialized respiratory care, such as pulmonologists and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, may require travel. The COPD Score reflects the balance between the availability of local services and the need for travel to access specialized care.

**Moving to Hesston: A Realistic Assessment**

For individuals with COPD considering moving to Hesston, a thorough assessment of transportation options and healthcare access is essential. The COPD Score provides a framework for evaluating the practicality of living in this community.

While the drive times to healthcare facilities are manageable, the limitations of public transit and the variable availability of ride-sharing require careful planning. The availability of medical transport services offers a valuable safety net, but the associated costs should be factored into the decision-making process.

The COPD Score for Hesston, PA, is a moderate score, reflecting the balance between the convenience of driving, the limitations of public transit, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. It underscores the importance of individual planning, including establishing a reliable transportation plan, identifying local healthcare providers, and understanding the resources available for medical emergencies. For individuals with COPD, moving to Hesston requires careful consideration of transportation needs and a proactive approach to healthcare management.