16928, Knoxville, Pennsylvania COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 16928, Knoxville, Pennsylvania is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.14 percent of residents in 16928 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.99 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Wellsboro with a distance of 16.48 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 16928

Navigating the complexities of healthcare access, especially for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), requires a comprehensive understanding of transportation options. This write-up analyzes the landscape of healthcare access in ZIP Code 16928, providing a COPD Score based on commute times, public transit, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. The goal is to illuminate the practical realities of receiving care, crucial information for anyone considering moving to Knoxville, or residing within the area.

ZIP Code 16928, encompassing the community of Knoxville, Pennsylvania, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to transportation and healthcare access. The rural nature of the region significantly influences the available options, making a detailed examination essential for those with COPD, a condition often exacerbated by environmental factors and requiring regular medical attention. The ability to reliably and efficiently reach medical appointments is paramount.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary mode of transportation in 16928 is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The reliance on cars necessitates an understanding of drive times to various healthcare facilities. The nearest hospital, UPMC Wellsboro, located approximately 25 miles away, typically requires a 45-60 minute drive, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The journey primarily utilizes US Route 6, a two-lane highway that can experience congestion during peak hours.

Accessing specialized care often necessitates traveling further afield. The drive to Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA, a regional medical center with specialized pulmonary services, stretches to about 70 miles, translating to a 1.5 to 2-hour drive. This route involves navigating a combination of US Route 6 and US Route 15, both of which can be subject to delays. The condition of the roads, particularly during winter months, can significantly impact travel times, adding another layer of complexity for those with COPD.

Smaller clinics and physician offices within the immediate vicinity, such as the Knoxville Medical Clinic, offer more accessible options, with drive times typically under 10 minutes. However, these facilities may not provide the comprehensive services needed for advanced COPD management. The drive times, therefore, must be considered in the context of the specific healthcare needs of the individual.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in 16928 are extremely limited, posing a significant barrier to healthcare access. The Tioga County Transportation Authority (TCTA) provides demand-response transportation services, which means that rides must be scheduled in advance. While the TCTA offers door-to-door service, its availability and scheduling constraints can be challenging for individuals with COPD who may require frequent or urgent medical appointments.

The TCTA vehicles are ADA-accessible, offering accommodations for passengers with disabilities. However, the limited service area and the need for advance booking can create difficulties. The lack of fixed-route bus service eliminates spontaneous trips to healthcare facilities, making it essential to plan and coordinate transportation well in advance. This lack of readily available public transit underscores the importance of alternative options.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

The presence of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in 16928 is uncertain. The rural nature of the area and the relatively low population density may limit their availability. Even if services are available, wait times could be substantial, making them unreliable for urgent medical needs. The cost of ride-sharing, especially for longer distances, can also be a significant financial burden.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer a more specialized solution. Ambulance services are readily available for emergency situations. NEMT providers, like MedTrans, offer transportation for non-emergency medical appointments. These services typically require prior authorization and may be covered by insurance, depending on the individual's plan and the specific needs of the patient.

**Calculating the COPD Score:**

The COPD Score for 16928 is determined by weighing the factors discussed above. The score is a subjective assessment, considering the impact of each factor on the ability of an individual with COPD to access healthcare.

* **Drive Times:** The reliance on personal vehicles and the lengthy drive times to specialized care facilities negatively impact the score. The need to navigate US Route 6 and US Route 15, with their potential for delays, further exacerbates the situation.
* **Public Transit:** The limited availability of public transit, with its demand-response nature and the need for advance scheduling, significantly lowers the score. The lack of readily available transportation options creates a barrier to healthcare access.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The uncertain availability of ride-sharing services and the potential for high costs further diminish the score. The unreliability of ride-sharing for urgent medical needs is a major concern.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability of ambulance services and NEMT providers offers a more positive element, but the need for prior authorization and potential insurance coverage limitations temper the positive impact.

Considering these factors, the COPD Score for 16928 is moderate to low. While emergency services are available, the lack of convenient and affordable transportation options, coupled with the reliance on personal vehicles and lengthy drive times, creates significant challenges for individuals with COPD. The score highlights the need for careful planning and coordination to ensure timely and reliable access to healthcare.

**Implications for Moving to Knoxville:**

For individuals with COPD considering moving to Knoxville, 16928, this analysis provides crucial insights. The availability of healthcare facilities, the transportation options, and the potential challenges must be carefully evaluated. The individual should assess their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation, and the accessibility of medical transport services.

The decision to move to Knoxville should be informed by a thorough understanding of the limitations of transportation options and the potential impact on healthcare access. Planning and preparation are essential. This includes identifying healthcare providers, understanding insurance coverage for transportation services, and establishing a reliable transportation plan.

The COPD Score is not a definitive judgment, but a tool to assist in informed decision-making. Living in 16928 requires proactive planning and resourcefulness to manage COPD effectively. The information provided in this write-up is designed to provide a realistic picture of the healthcare access landscape.