16923, Genesee, Pennsylvania COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 16923, Genesee, Pennsylvania is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.68 percent of residents in 16923 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Cole with a distance of 13.87 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 16923

Navigating the complexities of healthcare access is a critical consideration for anyone, especially those managing chronic conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This analysis provides a "COPD Score" for residents of ZIP Code 16923, located in the heart of Potter County, Pennsylvania, focusing on transportation options to healthcare facilities. The score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-share services, and medical transportation options, offering a comprehensive understanding of healthcare access for individuals with COPD.

The rugged beauty of the Pennsylvania Wilds surrounds 16923, a landscape that presents unique transportation challenges. For individuals with COPD, these challenges can significantly impact healthcare access. The goal is to illuminate the realities of moving to Genesee, PA, with COPD, ensuring informed decisions regarding healthcare access.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

The primary healthcare provider for residents of 16923 is UPMC Cole in Coudersport, approximately 15 miles away. The journey typically involves driving on PA-44, a scenic but winding two-lane highway. Traffic is generally light, but winter weather can significantly impact travel times and safety. A drive to UPMC Cole typically takes 20-30 minutes under normal conditions.

Alternative healthcare options, such as Olean General Hospital in Olean, NY, approximately 30 miles away, require a longer commute. This route involves navigating PA-44 and then heading north on NY-17. The drive time to Olean General Hospital is typically 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic and weather.

For specialized care, residents may need to travel to larger cities like Buffalo, NY, or Pittsburgh, PA. These trips involve extensive highway travel, significantly increasing travel time and potentially exacerbating COPD symptoms. A drive to Buffalo, utilizing I-86 East and I-90 East, can take upwards of three hours. A trip to Pittsburgh, utilizing US-6 West and I-80 West, can take approximately four hours. These long drives highlight the transportation challenges and the importance of considering healthcare access when moving to Genesee.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in 16923 are extremely limited. Potter County operates a small, demand-response transit system, Potter County Transportation (PCT). This service is primarily geared toward providing transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities. PCT requires advance booking and operates on a limited schedule, making it less reliable for urgent healthcare needs. The service area is also limited, and direct routes to healthcare facilities may not always be available.

The lack of a robust public transit system presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals with COPD. The reliance on personal vehicles or informal transportation arrangements can create logistical and financial burdens. ADA accessibility is a consideration with PCT, but the limited service frequency and route availability remain a challenge.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation**

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are generally unavailable in 16923. The remoteness of the area and the low population density make it economically unfeasible for these services to operate. This lack of ride-share options further restricts transportation choices for individuals with COPD.

Medical transportation services are available, but their availability and cost vary. Ambulance services are available for emergencies, but non-emergency medical transportation requires pre-arrangement. Companies like CareRide and other regional medical transportation providers may offer services to transport patients to and from medical appointments. However, these services often require advance booking, and the cost can be substantial, especially for frequent appointments.

**COPD Score and Considerations**

The "COPD Score" for transportation and healthcare access in 16923 is moderate to low. The primary challenge is the limited availability of transportation options beyond personal vehicles. Drive times to healthcare facilities are manageable for routine appointments, but long distances to specialized care centers can be problematic. The lack of public transit and ride-share services exacerbates the situation, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle.

When moving to Genesee, PA, individuals with COPD should carefully consider the following:

* **Proximity to Healthcare:** The location of healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and specialists, should be a primary factor.
* **Transportation Accessibility:** Assess the feasibility of driving, the availability of family or friends for transportation, and the cost and reliability of medical transportation services.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** Develop a plan for emergency transportation, including ambulance services and designated contacts.
* **Healthcare Insurance:** Ensure adequate insurance coverage for transportation costs, particularly for medical transportation services.
* **Weather Considerations:** Account for the impact of winter weather on travel times and safety.
* **Community Support:** Explore local resources, such as senior centers and disability services, that may offer transportation assistance.

**Conclusion**

Navigating healthcare access in 16923 requires careful planning and consideration. While the area offers a peaceful and scenic environment, the limited transportation options present challenges for individuals with COPD. By understanding the available transportation resources, planning for potential difficulties, and considering the factors outlined above, individuals can improve their healthcare access and quality of life when moving to Genesee. The "COPD Score" highlights the need for proactive planning and the importance of exploring all available options to ensure timely and reliable access to healthcare.