15025, Clairton, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15025, Clairton, Pennsylvania is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.27 percent of residents in 15025 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.95 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Jefferson Hospital with a distance of 1.79 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Clairton, PA (ZIP Code 15025)

The air hangs heavy with history in Clairton, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15025), a town steeped in industrial heritage. This legacy, coupled with the challenges of accessing healthcare, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the region’s transportation landscape. This analysis, a “Lung Cancer Score” write-up, evaluates the ease of access to vital oncology services, crucial for residents facing this formidable disease. The score considers drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions, all vital components of healthcare access in this community. For those considering moving to Clairton, this provides critical insights.

The primary consideration for lung cancer patients is timely access to treatment. This includes diagnostic imaging, consultations with oncologists, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Delays in any of these areas can significantly impact patient outcomes. Therefore, the ability to reach these facilities quickly and reliably is paramount.

**Driving the Healthcare Route:**

For many Clairton residents, the personal vehicle remains the most direct route to healthcare. The most accessible facilities are located in the surrounding communities. The journey to UPMC McKeesport Hospital, a significant healthcare provider, involves navigating through local roads. From Clairton, drivers typically utilize **State Route 837** south, a road that hugs the Monongahela River, before merging onto **Route 148**. The drive is usually a 15-20 minute trip, depending on traffic.

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) system offers specialized oncology services at various locations. Traveling to UPMC Shadyside Hospital, a comprehensive cancer center, demands a longer commute. The journey often begins on **Route 837** north, then merges onto **Route 51** north, a major arterial highway. This route can take 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours. **The Parkway East (I-376)** provides an alternative route, but traffic congestion can significantly extend the drive time.

UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, another major cancer treatment center, is also accessible via **Route 51** and **I-376**. The drive is similar in duration to the trip to UPMC Shadyside.

The availability of parking at these facilities is another factor to consider. While most hospitals offer parking garages, the cost and availability can be a burden, particularly for patients undergoing frequent treatments.

**Public Transit: A Challenging Landscape:**

Public transportation in Clairton, provided by the Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAT), presents a more complex picture. The primary bus route serving Clairton is **Route 59 (Clairton-Downtown)**. This route provides direct service to downtown Pittsburgh, where several major hospitals and cancer centers are located. However, the journey can be lengthy, often exceeding an hour, and requires a significant time commitment.

The reliability of public transit is another concern. Bus schedules can be subject to delays, especially during inclement weather or rush hour. This unreliability can be particularly stressful for patients undergoing treatment, who need to adhere to strict appointment schedules.

ADA accessibility is a critical consideration for patients with mobility limitations. PAT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the availability of accessible stops and the physical challenges of navigating bus stops, especially in winter, can present obstacles.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation: Bridging the Gaps:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. These services provide door-to-door transportation, potentially saving time and reducing the stress of navigating public transit or driving. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant financial burden, especially for patients who require frequent trips to treatment centers.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with healthcare needs, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like **Medicaid Transportation** and **CareRide** provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services are often covered by insurance, including Medicaid, which can make them a more affordable option for eligible patients. However, the availability of these services and the scheduling process can vary.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Synthesis:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Clairton reflects the challenges and opportunities in accessing oncology care. While driving provides the most direct route, traffic congestion and parking costs can be barriers. Public transit offers an affordable alternative, but the lengthy travel times and potential for delays can be problematic. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services offer convenient solutions, but the cost and availability are factors to consider.

The score is not a static number. It is a reflection of the dynamic interplay between transportation infrastructure, healthcare providers, and the needs of the community. Improvements in public transit, expansion of medical transportation services, and initiatives to reduce traffic congestion would all contribute to a higher score, improving healthcare access for Clairton residents.

**Moving to Clairton: Considerations for Lung Cancer Patients:**

For individuals considering moving to Clairton, understanding the transportation landscape is critical. The proximity of healthcare facilities, the availability of public transit, and the accessibility of ride-sharing and medical transportation services should all be carefully considered. The ability to navigate these systems effectively is essential for managing lung cancer and accessing the care needed for survival and quality of life.

The choice of where to live is a deeply personal one, and the availability of healthcare access is a paramount concern. Clairton offers a unique blend of history, community, and proximity to healthcare resources. However, residents must navigate the challenges of transportation to ensure timely access to the life-saving treatments they need.