16901, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 16901, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

76.84 percent of residents in 16901 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.06 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Wellsboro with a distance of 1.13 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Wellsboro, PA (ZIP Code 16901)

For individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), reliable and accessible transportation to healthcare appointments is paramount. This analysis assesses the transportation landscape in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16901), offering a "COPD Score" based on commute times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions, with a focus on healthcare access. This information is particularly valuable for those considering moving to Wellsboro, seeking a location that supports their healthcare needs.

The COPD Score considers several factors: the ease of reaching primary care physicians, pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, pharmacies, and emergency medical services. Each transportation mode is evaluated for its availability, reliability, and accessibility, especially for individuals with mobility limitations often associated with COPD. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for healthcare access within this rural community.

**Driving Times and Road Networks:**

The primary mode of transportation in Wellsboro is, unsurprisingly, personal vehicles. The town's layout and the surrounding landscape necessitate reliance on cars for most errands, including healthcare visits. The major artery through the area is **U.S. Route 6**, a vital east-west thoroughfare. Access to healthcare facilities, such as the UPMC Wellsboro hospital, is generally straightforward, with drive times varying depending on the specific location within the ZIP code.

From the more central residential areas, a drive to the hospital is typically under 10 minutes. However, those residing on the outskirts, particularly in the more rural sections of the ZIP code, may experience drive times closer to 15-20 minutes. These times are estimates and can fluctuate due to traffic, weather conditions, and seasonal variations.

Other key roads influencing healthcare access include **Pennsylvania Route 287**, which provides a north-south connection, and various local roads like **Main Street** and **East Avenue**, which offer access to physician offices, pharmacies, and other essential services. The condition of these roads, especially during winter months, can significantly impact travel times and create challenges for individuals with COPD, who may be more susceptible to respiratory issues exacerbated by cold or inclement weather.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Wellsboro are limited, which can be a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not drive or are unable to drive due to their condition. The primary public transit provider is the **Tioga County Transportation Authority (TCTA)**. The TCTA offers a demand-response service, meaning riders must schedule their trips in advance.

While the TCTA aims to provide transportation to medical appointments, the availability of this service can be constrained by scheduling demands and geographical limitations. The TCTA's vehicles are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including wheelchair lifts, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility impairments. However, the need to pre-arrange rides and the potential for longer travel times due to multiple pick-ups and drop-offs can pose challenges for those managing COPD.

The lack of fixed-route bus services, which would offer more frequent and predictable service, is a notable disadvantage for residents relying on public transportation. This situation necessitates careful planning and consideration of alternative transportation options.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not consistently available in Wellsboro. The sporadic presence of these services makes them an unreliable option for scheduled healthcare appointments. The lack of readily available ride-sharing options emphasizes the importance of exploring other transportation alternatives.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport individuals to medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several companies provide this service in the region, including **CareRide** and **First Transit**, which offer non-emergency medical transportation. These services typically require advance booking and may involve fees, but they provide a more reliable and often more comfortable option than public transit or ride-sharing.

**Healthcare Access and Considerations for Individuals with COPD:**

The COPD Score for Wellsboro reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity of the UPMC Wellsboro hospital and the availability of local physician offices offer convenient healthcare access, the limited public transportation options and the inconsistent presence of ride-sharing services pose significant challenges.

For individuals with COPD, the ability to quickly and reliably reach medical care is critical. This includes not only appointments with pulmonologists and respiratory therapists but also access to pharmacies for medication refills and emergency medical services in case of exacerbations. The lack of readily available transportation can exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals with COPD, potentially leading to delayed treatment and poorer health outcomes.

When considering moving to Wellsboro, individuals with COPD should carefully evaluate their transportation needs. Owning a reliable vehicle is often essential. If driving is not feasible, exploring medical transportation services and the TCTA's demand-response service becomes crucial. Careful planning and advance scheduling are essential to ensure timely access to healthcare.

**The COPD Score:**

Based on the analysis, the COPD Score for Wellsboro, PA (ZIP Code 16901) is **moderate**. The score acknowledges the availability of healthcare facilities and the presence of some transportation options, but it also highlights the limitations of public transit and the unreliability of ride-sharing. Individuals with COPD considering a move to Wellsboro should prioritize access to reliable transportation and carefully assess their ability to meet their healthcare needs.

The score reflects the need for proactive planning, exploring alternative transportation options, and considering the potential challenges associated with healthcare access in a rural environment. The goal is to empower individuals with COPD to make informed decisions about their healthcare and well-being.