15331, Ellsworth, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15331, Ellsworth, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.54 percent of residents in 15331 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.29 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Mon Valley with a distance of 7.49 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Ellsworth, PA (ZIP Code 15331)

The crisp air of Ellsworth, Pennsylvania, whispers promises of a simpler life, a haven from the relentless pace of the city. Yet, the allure of this tranquil community must be tempered with a practical consideration: healthcare access. For those contemplating a move to Ellsworth, especially individuals with concerns about lung health, understanding the ease of reaching medical facilities is paramount. This Lung Cancer Score provides a comprehensive overview of transportation options and their impact on healthcare access within and around ZIP Code 15331.

The foundation of our assessment lies in the drive-time analysis. The primary artery connecting Ellsworth to the broader region is **Pennsylvania Route 88**. This winding road, while scenic, can become congested during peak hours, impacting travel times. The nearest comprehensive cancer care centers are located in Washington, PA, approximately a 20-to-30-minute drive, depending on traffic. This travel time is a crucial factor in the timely diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

To reach Washington, residents would typically navigate **Route 88** north, then connect to **Interstate 70 West**. This highway provides a more direct route, but its efficiency is often dictated by traffic flow. Another option is to take **Route 40 West** to **Interstate 79 North** to access healthcare facilities in Pittsburgh, which is a significantly longer drive, typically taking between 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the destination and traffic conditions. This extended travel time could be a significant challenge, particularly for those requiring frequent treatments or experiencing medical emergencies.

Public transportation options in Ellsworth are limited. The **Washington County Transportation Authority (WCTA)** provides bus service, but routes and schedules are not designed for efficient healthcare access. The availability of public transit is a crucial factor in healthcare access, especially for those who are unable to drive. The WCTA routes that might be relevant to accessing healthcare facilities are limited, and the frequency of service may not be sufficient for timely medical appointments. ADA accessibility features, such as ramps and lifts, are available on WCTA buses, which is essential for individuals with mobility limitations.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can vary. The availability of these services depends on driver availability, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden for individuals requiring frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are also available. Ambulance services are essential for emergency situations, but the response time can be affected by the distance to the nearest hospital. NEMT services, provided by companies like **First Transit** and local providers, can be arranged for non-emergency medical appointments. However, these services require advance booking and may have limitations in terms of availability and coverage area.

The availability of healthcare access is a critical factor for individuals considering moving to Ellsworth. The drive-time analysis reveals that the nearest comprehensive cancer care centers are located in Washington, PA, and Pittsburgh. The limited public transportation options and the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing services pose challenges for those who are unable to drive.

The Lung Cancer Score for Ellsworth, PA, takes into account the drive-time analysis, the availability of public transportation, the accessibility of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transport options. The score reflects the overall ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare facilities for lung cancer patients.

The score is based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing the most difficult access and 5 representing the easiest access.

**Drive Time:** The primary factor in determining the score is the drive time to the nearest comprehensive cancer care centers. The longer the drive time, the lower the score.

**Public Transportation:** The availability and frequency of public transportation are also considered. The more frequent and reliable the public transportation, the higher the score.

**Ride-Sharing Services:** The availability and cost of ride-sharing services are also factored in. The more readily available and affordable the ride-sharing services, the higher the score.

**Medical Transport:** The availability of medical transport services is also a factor. The more readily available the medical transport services, the higher the score.

**Overall Score:**

Based on the factors above, the Lung Cancer Score for Ellsworth, PA (ZIP Code 15331) is a 2.5 out of 5. This score reflects the challenges of accessing healthcare facilities in the area, particularly for individuals with lung cancer. The limited public transportation options, the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the drive time to the nearest comprehensive cancer care centers contribute to this score.

For individuals with lung cancer or those at high risk, a move to Ellsworth requires careful consideration of these transportation and healthcare access challenges. While the community offers a peaceful environment, the practicalities of reaching medical facilities must be carefully evaluated. This score is intended to provide a realistic assessment of the situation, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

Before making a move, potential residents should research the specific healthcare facilities they may need to access, including their proximity to Ellsworth, the availability of transportation options, and the cost of services. It is essential to consider the impact of transportation on the ability to receive timely medical care.