15455, Leisenring, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15455, Leisenring, Pennsylvania is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.33 percent of residents in 15455 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.71 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Connellsville with a distance of 3.46 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Leisenring, PA (ZIP Code 15455)

The air hangs heavy with possibility, a breath held between the rolling hills and the promise of a new life. You’re considering a move to Leisenring, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15455), and you're rightfully concerned about healthcare access, particularly if you're at risk for or battling lung cancer. This write-up provides a Lung Cancer Score, a personalized assessment of your ability to reach vital medical resources from this specific location. It considers the realities of transportation in and around Leisenring, helping you understand the practicalities of getting the care you need.

Leisenring, nestled in Fayette County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. Its rural location, while offering a sense of peace, means navigating a landscape defined by winding roads and limited public transportation. Your Lung Cancer Score will reflect this, considering factors like drive times to specialized facilities, the availability of public transit, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transportation options.

The foundation of your score rests on drive times. From Leisenring, the primary artery for travel is **Route 119**. Heading north, this road eventually connects to **U.S. Route 30**, a major east-west thoroughfare. Southward, Route 119 leads towards **Route 40**, another significant route. These highways are crucial for accessing healthcare facilities.

For diagnostic imaging, such as CT scans and PET scans essential for lung cancer detection and staging, you'll likely need to travel to Uniontown Hospital, approximately a 15-20 minute drive depending on traffic. This facility is a cornerstone of healthcare access in the region. However, for more specialized oncology services, including radiation therapy and surgical interventions, you might need to venture further.

The drive to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Uniontown takes approximately 20-25 minutes via Route 119 and then Route 40. This facility provides comprehensive cancer care, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. The drive time is a crucial element of your score, reflecting the time commitment required for appointments, treatments, and follow-up care.

For more advanced treatments or clinical trials, you might consider traveling to Pittsburgh, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic, via **Route 119** and then the **Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76)**. This drive, while longer, opens access to world-class cancer centers like UPMC Shadyside and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Public transportation in Leisenring and its surrounding areas is limited. The Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation (FACT) provides bus services, but routes and schedules are often infrequent and may not directly serve all healthcare facilities. Checking the FACT website for specific routes and schedules is essential. Consider the accessibility of the bus stops, particularly regarding ADA compliance for individuals with mobility limitations. This is a significant factor in your Lung Cancer Score, as limited public transportation can severely restrict healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Booking rides in advance is highly recommended. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available for individuals who require assistance with transportation due to medical conditions. These services can be expensive, but they are crucial for those who cannot drive or use public transportation. Researching local medical transportation providers and understanding their coverage and costs is essential.

Your Lung Cancer Score also considers the availability of support services. Cancer support groups, patient navigators, and social workers can play a vital role in managing the emotional, practical, and financial challenges of lung cancer. Identifying these resources in the area and understanding their accessibility is important.

The overall score will be a composite, factoring in drive times, public transit limitations, ride-sharing reliability, medical transportation options, and the availability of support services. A higher score indicates better healthcare access, while a lower score suggests potential challenges.

Moving to Leisenring presents both advantages and disadvantages regarding healthcare access. The relative proximity to Uniontown Hospital and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center provides a degree of convenience. However, the limited public transportation and the potential reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services pose challenges. The distance to Pittsburgh and its specialized cancer centers is a consideration.

Consider the following scenario. You are a newly diagnosed lung cancer patient in Leisenring. Your treatment plan includes weekly chemotherapy sessions at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. The drive is manageable, but the cost of ride-sharing or the potential need for medical transportation could become a significant financial burden. The limited public transit options make independent travel difficult.

Conversely, if you have a strong support network of family or friends who can provide transportation, or if you are able to drive yourself, the challenges might be lessened. The availability of medical transportation services would also be a critical factor.

In conclusion, your Lung Cancer Score is not just a number; it's a reflection of your ability to navigate the healthcare landscape in Leisenring. It's a tool to help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being. By understanding the transportation realities, you can proactively plan for your healthcare needs and ensure that you receive the care you deserve. Remember to factor in the costs, the time commitments, and the potential reliance on others when assessing your score. Good luck with your move and your health journey.