15068, New Kensington, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15068, New Kensington, Pennsylvania is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.45 percent of residents in 15068 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.54 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Allegheny Valley Hospital with a distance of 3.14 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in New Kensington (ZIP Code 15068)

The shadow of a lung cancer diagnosis casts a long one, demanding swift and reliable access to specialized care. For residents of New Kensington, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15068), the journey to healthcare, particularly for oncology services, is a crucial factor in survival and quality of life. This write-up assesses the "Lung Cancer Score" for this area, focusing on transportation options and healthcare access, providing vital information for current residents and those considering moving to New Kensington.

New Kensington, nestled along the Allegheny River, offers a blend of suburban and industrial landscapes. However, its location also presents challenges in accessing specialized medical care. The "Lung Cancer Score" for 15068 considers the time and ease of reaching facilities equipped to diagnose and treat lung cancer. This includes factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport services.

**The Transportation Landscape: Highways and Roads**

The primary arteries serving New Kensington are the **Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76)** and **Route 28**. The Turnpike, though offering a potentially faster route to Pittsburgh, incurs tolls. Route 28, a major expressway, provides a more direct, albeit often congested, connection to Pittsburgh's medical centers. Local roads, such as **Freeport Road** and **Fifth Avenue**, serve as crucial connectors within the city and to surrounding communities.

Driving times to major healthcare providers in Pittsburgh are a key element in the "Lung Cancer Score." During peak hours, the drive to UPMC Presbyterian, a leading cancer center, can take up to an hour or more via Route 28. Even outside rush hour, the journey is typically 45 minutes. UPMC Shadyside, another prominent cancer treatment facility, is slightly closer, often reachable in 30-45 minutes. These drive times are critical, especially for patients undergoing frequent treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Network**

The Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAT) provides public transit options for residents of 15068. Several bus routes serve New Kensington, including the **P68 (Braddock Hills Flyer)** and the **91 (Butler Street)**. These routes offer connections to downtown Pittsburgh, where patients can access various medical facilities.

However, public transit presents its own set of challenges. Travel times are significantly longer than driving, often exceeding an hour and a half to reach downtown Pittsburgh. The frequency of buses, particularly during evenings and weekends, can be limited. For individuals undergoing cancer treatment, the extended travel times and potential for multiple transfers can be physically and emotionally taxing.

The PAT system does offer ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can utilize public transit. However, the availability of accessible stops and the overall accessibility of the entire journey must be carefully considered.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Alternative Options**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in New Kensington, offering a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. These services can provide door-to-door transportation, eliminating the need for parking and reducing the stress of navigating traffic. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by private companies, cater specifically to patients with medical needs. These services often provide specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist with transportation. While offering a higher level of care and support, medical transport services typically come with a higher price tag.

**Healthcare Access: Proximity and Specialization**

The "Lung Cancer Score" also considers the proximity of healthcare facilities offering lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. While New Kensington itself does not have a major cancer center, several hospitals and clinics in the surrounding area provide these services. Allegheny Valley Hospital, located in Natrona Heights, is a nearby facility that offers some cancer care services.

The availability of specialized cancer care, including radiation therapy and surgical oncology, is primarily concentrated in Pittsburgh. This necessitates travel for many patients, highlighting the importance of reliable transportation options.

**Moving to New Kensington: A Consideration for Healthcare Access**

For individuals considering moving to New Kensington, the "Lung Cancer Score" should be a critical factor in their decision-making process. The accessibility of healthcare, particularly for specialized services, is a vital aspect of quality of life. While New Kensington offers a relatively affordable cost of living and a sense of community, the distance to major cancer centers in Pittsburgh presents a significant challenge.

Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and consider the potential impact of travel times on their healthcare access. Researching the availability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options is crucial.

**Conclusion: A Balanced Assessment**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 15068 reveals a mixed picture. While New Kensington has reasonable access to local healthcare facilities, the need to travel to Pittsburgh for specialized cancer care significantly impacts the overall score. The reliance on driving, the limitations of public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing services pose challenges for patients.

Improving the "Lung Cancer Score" in 15068 requires strategic investments in transportation infrastructure, increased public transit frequency, and expanded access to medical transport services. Furthermore, fostering collaborations between local healthcare providers and Pittsburgh-based cancer centers could improve patient care coordination and reduce the burden of travel. For residents and those considering moving to New Kensington, understanding these factors is essential for navigating the healthcare landscape and ensuring the best possible outcome in the face of a lung cancer diagnosis.