15746, Hillsdale, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15746, Hillsdale, Pennsylvania is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.38 percent of residents in 15746 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.84 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Conemaugh Miners Medical Center with a distance of 11.02 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 15746 (Hillsdale, PA)

The air in the rolling hills of Hillsdale, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15746), whispers of a quiet life, a retreat from the relentless pace of the city. But when the shadow of lung cancer falls, the tranquility can shatter. This write-up, a "Lung Cancer Score" for Hillsdale, delves into the crucial element of **transportation** and its impact on **healthcare access**, particularly for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis. It's a vital consideration for anyone **moving to Hillsdale**, or already residing there, seeking to understand the realities of medical care.

The score isn’t a numerical value, but a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities presented by the local **transportation** landscape. It considers the distance, accessibility, and options available for patients needing timely and consistent medical attention. Lung cancer treatment often involves frequent appointments for diagnosis, staging, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up care. The ability to get to these appointments reliably is paramount.

Hillsdale’s location in Indiana County, while offering a sense of rural serenity, presents a significant hurdle: distance. The primary healthcare hubs for specialized lung cancer care are located in Indiana, PA, and potentially further afield in Johnstown, PA, or even Pittsburgh. This geographical reality dictates the **transportation** options available and the time commitment required.

Driving is, undoubtedly, the most common mode of **transportation** for residents of 15746. The primary arteries connecting Hillsdale to healthcare facilities are US Route 119 and PA Route 286. Traveling to Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC), the closest hospital with some oncology services, typically involves a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes via US-119 South. This drive, while relatively short, can be impacted by weather conditions, particularly during the harsh Pennsylvania winters, and traffic, especially during peak hours.

For more specialized treatment, such as radiation therapy or advanced surgical procedures, patients may need to travel to facilities in Johnstown or Pittsburgh. A trip to UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh, for instance, could take upwards of 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the route taken (typically via US-22 East and the PA Turnpike). The journey to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, another potential treatment center, would likely require a 45-minute to 1-hour drive via US-219 South.

The reliance on personal vehicles highlights a critical concern: the patient’s ability to drive. Lung cancer and its treatments can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and other side effects that may impair driving ability. This necessitates alternative **transportation** solutions.

Public **transportation** options in 15746 are limited. The Indiana County Transit Authority (ICTA) provides bus services within the county. However, the routes and schedules are often infrequent, and may not be directly tailored to medical appointments. ICTA does offer demand-response services, which require advance booking and may be able to accommodate ADA-compliant features, but these services are not always readily available or timely enough for urgent medical needs. Patients needing to travel to Johnstown or Pittsburgh via public **transportation** would likely face a multi-leg journey, involving transfers and extended travel times, making it a less desirable option, particularly for those undergoing treatment.

The availability of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in Hillsdale is another factor to consider. While these services offer a degree of convenience, their availability can be unpredictable, especially in rural areas. Demand may be low, leading to longer wait times or even the unavailability of a ride. The cost of ride-sharing can also accumulate quickly, especially with frequent appointments and long-distance travel.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and other local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services are often more reliable and equipped to handle patients with specific medical needs. However, they can be costly and may require pre-authorization from insurance providers.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Hillsdale, therefore, underscores the importance of proactive planning and resourcefulness. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer in 15746 must carefully assess their **transportation** needs and explore all available options. This includes:

* **Assessing Driving Ability:** Patients should honestly evaluate their ability to drive safely and consider alternative **transportation** methods if necessary.
* **Leveraging Family and Friends:** Enlisting the support of family members and friends for rides to appointments can be invaluable.
* **Exploring Medical Transportation:** Investigating the availability and cost of medical **transportation** services in the area.
* **Understanding Public Transportation:** Familiarizing oneself with the ICTA routes and schedules, and exploring demand-response options.
* **Considering Ride-Sharing:** Assessing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing services in the area.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Understanding the extent of insurance coverage for **transportation** costs.

For those **moving to Hillsdale**, this score highlights the need to consider the accessibility of healthcare facilities and the available **transportation** options. The proximity of healthcare hubs, the reliability of public **transportation**, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services should be integral to the decision-making process.

In conclusion, the "Lung Cancer Score" for 15746 reveals a landscape where **healthcare access** is significantly influenced by **transportation**. While the rural setting offers a peaceful environment, the distance to specialized care centers and the limitations of public **transportation** pose challenges. Patients must proactively plan for their **transportation** needs, leveraging all available resources to ensure timely and consistent access to vital medical care. This proactive approach is crucial for navigating the complexities of lung cancer treatment and maintaining quality of life in Hillsdale.