15861, Sinnamahoning, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15861, Sinnamahoning, Pennsylvania is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

27.27 percent of residents in 15861 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 24.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bucktail Medical Center with a distance of 17.38 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Sinnamahoning, PA (ZIP Code 15861)

The crisp mountain air of Sinnamahoning, Pennsylvania, offers a certain tranquility, a draw for those seeking respite from the urban clamor. However, the serene beauty of this Potter County community must be balanced against the realities of healthcare access, particularly for those facing a diagnosis as serious as lung cancer. This analysis, the "Lung Cancer Score," examines the transportation landscape within and surrounding ZIP code 15861, evaluating the ease with which residents can reach vital medical services. The core issue is simple: timely access to specialized care significantly impacts treatment outcomes.

The primary consideration revolves around drive times. Sinnamahoning's remoteness necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for most medical appointments. The closest major medical facilities, including those equipped to handle lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, are located in Coudersport (UPMC Cole) and DuBois (Penn Highlands DuBois), and even further afield in Williamsport (UPMC Williamsport). Reaching Coudersport, a journey of approximately 30 miles, entails navigating Pennsylvania Route 120, a winding two-lane road that can be challenging during inclement weather. Expect a drive time of roughly 45 minutes to an hour under normal conditions.

Traveling to DuBois, a distance of around 60 miles, requires a more complex route. Residents would typically utilize Route 120 east, connecting to U.S. Route 219 south. This route, while generally well-maintained, can experience heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours or on weekends. The drive to DuBois could consume 1.5 to 2 hours, a significant time commitment, especially for patients undergoing frequent treatments or experiencing debilitating symptoms.

For those seeking more comprehensive cancer care, UPMC Williamsport represents a viable option. This journey, however, is the most demanding, spanning approximately 90 miles. The route necessitates taking Route 120 east to U.S. Route 220 south. The drive time could easily exceed two hours, potentially longer depending on traffic and weather. This long travel time highlights the challenges of healthcare access in a rural setting, underscoring the critical importance of efficient transportation options.

Public transit options within Sinnamahoning are extremely limited. The area lacks a comprehensive public transportation system, and the availability of buses or other forms of mass transit is virtually nonexistent. This scarcity of public transportation severely restricts healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles, including the elderly, those with disabilities, or those who cannot afford to own or maintain a car. This lack of alternative transportation options presents a significant barrier to timely and consistent medical care.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also sparsely available in this rural region. Their presence is not guaranteed, and even when available, wait times can be substantial, and fares can be costly, particularly for long-distance trips to medical facilities. This unreliability adds another layer of complexity to the already challenging task of accessing healthcare.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a potential solution. Companies like First Transit or local ambulance services may provide non-emergency medical transportation. However, the availability of these services in Sinnamahoning and the surrounding areas can vary, and booking appointments often requires advance notice. Furthermore, the cost of these services can be a significant financial burden for patients, potentially limiting their access to care.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of transportation options is a crucial consideration. While medical transportation services are typically equipped to accommodate individuals with disabilities, the lack of readily available public transportation and the uncertainty surrounding ride-sharing services pose challenges for patients with mobility limitations. The absence of accessible transportation can hinder their ability to attend appointments, receive treatment, and participate in support groups.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Sinnamahoning, therefore, reflects a concerning reality. The reliance on personal vehicles, the long drive times to specialized medical facilities, the scarcity of public transit, and the limited availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services all contribute to a compromised healthcare access environment. This situation creates a significant hurdle for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer, potentially delaying diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

For individuals considering moving to Sinnamahoning, or for current residents, understanding these transportation challenges is paramount. Careful consideration must be given to the logistical demands of accessing healthcare, including the potential for increased travel time, financial burdens, and reliance on personal support networks. The ability to secure reliable transportation is essential for managing a lung cancer diagnosis effectively.

The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a crucial reminder of the healthcare access disparities that exist in rural communities. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including exploring options for expanding medical transportation services, advocating for increased public transportation investment, and promoting telehealth initiatives to bring healthcare closer to the patient. Only through concerted efforts can we ensure that residents of Sinnamahoning, and other rural areas, have equitable access to the critical care they need, especially when facing a diagnosis as life-altering as lung cancer. This score, therefore, is not just a reflection of transportation; it is a call to action, a plea for improved healthcare access in a community where the journey to healing can be long and arduous.