The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15670, New Alexandria, Pennsylvania is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
62.96 percent of residents in 15670 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.92 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Excela Health Latrobe Hospital with a distance of 5.99 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 15670, New Alexandria, Pennsylvania
Lung Cancer Score | 87 |
---|---|
People Score | 79 |
Provider Score | 59 |
Hospital Score | 53 |
Travel Score | 62 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 15670 | New Alexandria | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 0.13 | 0.13 | 5.04 |
1 Car | 4.57 | 4.57 | 21.45 |
2 Cars | 40.82 | 40.82 | 41.29 |
3 or More Cars | 54.47 | 54.47 | 32.22 |
Vehicular Access in 15670, New Alexandria, Pennsylvania
## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 15670
The quaint borough of New Alexandria, nestled within the 15670 ZIP code, presents a unique landscape when considering healthcare access, particularly for those facing the daunting prospect of a lung cancer diagnosis. This write-up aims to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options to medical facilities equipped to provide comprehensive lung cancer care. This information is crucial for residents, potential newcomers **moving to New Alexandria**, and those seeking to understand the challenges and opportunities in navigating this critical aspect of healthcare.
The ability to reach specialized medical care quickly and reliably is paramount in the fight against lung cancer. Early diagnosis and timely treatment significantly improve patient outcomes. Therefore, the accessibility of healthcare facilities becomes a vital factor in the overall well-being of the community. This score will evaluate the available transportation options, considering drive times, public transit accessibility, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services.
**Drive Time Dynamics:**
For residents of 15670, the primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities is, undoubtedly, personal vehicles. The most direct route to larger hospitals and cancer centers typically involves navigating a network of roadways. The primary artery connecting New Alexandria to the broader region is **Route 22**, a major east-west thoroughfare. Travel times can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours.
Driving east on **Route 22** provides access to facilities in the Greensburg area, including Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital, a potential destination for initial diagnostics and treatment. The drive typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes, contingent on traffic congestion. Further east, extending the journey to UPMC East in Monroeville, a more comprehensive cancer center, could take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, again influenced by traffic flow on **Route 22** and the connecting **Interstate 376**.
Traveling west on **Route 22** leads towards Pittsburgh, where numerous specialized cancer centers are available. However, this route often involves navigating heavier traffic, especially as one approaches the city limits. The drive to UPMC Shadyside or the Hillman Cancer Center could take upwards of an hour, potentially longer during rush hour. Secondary roads, such as **Route 981** and **Route 217**, offer alternative routes, but these often involve winding roads and increased travel times.
**Public Transit Puzzles:**
Public transportation options in 15670 are limited, posing a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Westmoreland Transit Authority (WTA) provides bus service within the county, but routes and schedules may not always align with the specific needs of cancer patients.
The WTA route that serves New Alexandria, if available, might involve connections, potentially increasing travel time significantly. The frequency of service is another critical factor. Patients undergoing treatment often require frequent appointments, and the availability of reliable, timely public transit is crucial. Furthermore, the accessibility of WTA buses for individuals with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or other mobility aids, is a crucial consideration. The presence of ramps, lifts, and designated seating areas for ADA compliance is paramount.
It is essential to investigate the specific routes and schedules offered by the WTA, confirming the availability of ADA-compliant vehicles and assessing the overall travel time to various healthcare facilities. The distance from a patient’s residence to the nearest bus stop and the frequency of service are critical factors in evaluating the feasibility of public transit.
**Ride-Share Realities:**
Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option, particularly for those unable to drive. The availability of these services in 15670 and the surrounding areas is a key factor. While ride-sharing can provide a convenient and flexible mode of transport, it is essential to consider the cost, particularly for frequent medical appointments.
Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can significantly increase the cost of a ride. Furthermore, the reliability of ride-sharing services can vary. Patients must ensure that a ride is readily available when needed, especially for time-sensitive appointments. The availability of drivers familiar with the area and the location of medical facilities is also a consideration.
**Medical Transport Matters:**
For patients requiring specialized medical transportation, several options are available. Ambulance services are typically reserved for emergency situations. However, non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services cater to patients needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments.
Several companies specialize in NEMT, including those with the capacity to transport patients in wheelchairs or on stretchers. These services often require advance booking, and the availability of these services in 15670 and the surrounding areas is a crucial factor. Patients should research the NEMT providers operating in the area, considering their service area, pricing, and the types of vehicles available.
**The Lung Cancer Score:**
The "Lung Cancer Score" for 15670 is not a single, definitive number but rather a composite assessment based on the factors discussed above. It is a nuanced evaluation that considers the interplay of various transportation options. The score should reflect the relative ease or difficulty of accessing specialized lung cancer care from different locations within the ZIP code.
Factors that would negatively affect the score include: long drive times to cancer centers, limited public transit options, infrequent bus service, the lack of ADA-compliant vehicles, the absence of ride-sharing services, and limited availability of NEMT providers. Conversely, factors that would positively affect the score include: short drive times, frequent public transit service, the availability of ride-sharing, and the presence of readily available NEMT services.
**Moving to New Alexandria** should involve a thorough investigation of the transportation landscape. Prospective residents should assess their individual transportation needs, considering their ability to drive, their reliance on public transit, and their potential need for ride-sharing or medical transportation.
**Conclusion:**
Access to healthcare, particularly for a disease as serious as lung cancer, is a fundamental right. The "Lung Cancer Score" provides a framework for understanding the transportation challenges and opportunities within 15670. By carefully evaluating the available transportation options, residents and potential newcomers can make informed decisions about their healthcare access and ensure they can receive the timely and comprehensive care they deserve. This assessment highlights the critical need for continued efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and services, ensuring that all residents have equal access to the healthcare they need.
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