15332, Finleyville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15332, Finleyville, Pennsylvania is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.33 percent of residents in 15332 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.16 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Jefferson Hospital with a distance of 5.72 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Finleyville (ZIP Code 15332)

Finleyville, Pennsylvania, nestled in the rolling hills of Washington County, offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, for residents facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the serenity of this small community can be overshadowed by the complexities of **healthcare access**. This report analyzes the **transportation** landscape in and around ZIP Code 15332, aiming to calculate a "Lung Cancer Score" that reflects the ease with which individuals can reach essential medical services, particularly for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Considering the challenges of a serious illness, understanding these factors is crucial for anyone **moving to Finleyville** or already residing within its borders.

The **Lung Cancer Score** will consider several key metrics: drive times to major hospitals and cancer centers, availability of public **transportation**, accessibility for individuals with disabilities (ADA compliance), and the presence of ride-share and medical transport options. Each category will be weighted based on its impact on a patient's ability to receive timely and effective care. This score will provide a practical overview, offering insights into the realities of navigating the healthcare system in this specific geographic area.

**Driving the Distance: Roadways to Recovery**

For many Finleyville residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of **transportation**. The closest major medical facilities are located in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, necessitating travel via a network of highways and local roads. The most direct route to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, a leading cancer center, involves navigating the winding roads of Route 88, then merging onto the I-79 North. The drive, without traffic, typically takes around 45 minutes.

Alternatively, a journey to Allegheny General Hospital, another prominent healthcare provider, involves utilizing Route 88 and the I-70 West. This route, while slightly longer in distance, can offer an alternative depending on traffic conditions. Expect a drive time of approximately one hour. For those seeking treatment at the Hillman Cancer Center, a UPMC facility, the route follows a similar path, utilizing I-79 North, with an estimated drive time of around 50 minutes.

The time required for these drives can fluctuate significantly based on traffic, weather, and the patient's physical condition. For individuals experiencing fatigue, pain, or other side effects of treatment, even a short drive can become a significant challenge. Therefore, the reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of considering alternative **transportation** options.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public **transportation** options in Finleyville are limited. The primary provider is the Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT), formerly known as the Port Authority of Allegheny County. However, the PRT's reach into Finleyville is restricted. The 51, a bus route, provides some service to the area, but its frequency is limited, particularly during evenings and weekends.

The 51 route may not directly serve all the major hospitals. Transfers to other bus routes or the "T," Pittsburgh's light rail system, would likely be necessary, adding significant travel time and complexity. The availability of ADA-compliant buses is a crucial factor for patients with mobility limitations. While the PRT strives to provide accessible services, the limited route options and potential for multiple transfers can still pose challenges.

The lack of robust public **transportation** presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle. The **Lung Cancer Score** will reflect the limited options available and the impact on patients' ability to attend appointments and receive treatment.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another potential **transportation** solution. However, their availability in Finleyville can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to assist patients with medical appointments, provide a more specialized option. Companies like MedRide and First Transit offer non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services can be invaluable for patients who require assistance with mobility or have other medical needs. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and prior booking is often required.

The presence of ride-sharing and medical transport options, while offering crucial assistance, cannot fully compensate for the limitations of public **transportation** and the reliance on personal vehicles. The **Lung Cancer Score** will factor in the availability, cost, and reliability of these alternative modes of **transportation**.

**Scoring the Landscape: A Preliminary Assessment**

Based on the preliminary analysis, the **Lung Cancer Score** for ZIP Code 15332 will likely be moderate. While the proximity to major hospitals and cancer centers in Pittsburgh is a positive factor, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public **transportation** options present significant challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides some relief, but their cost and availability must be considered.

The final score will reflect a nuanced understanding of the **transportation** landscape, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of **healthcare access** in Finleyville. This information is vital for individuals considering **moving to Finleyville** or those already residing in the area, providing a realistic assessment of the challenges and opportunities associated with managing a lung cancer diagnosis. Further research, including patient interviews and a detailed analysis of specific treatment needs, will be necessary to refine the score and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the **healthcare access** situation.