15921, Beaverdale, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15921, Beaverdale, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.78 percent of residents in 15921 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.35 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Chan Soon- Shiong Medical Center At Windber with a distance of 9.07 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Beaverdale (ZIP Code 15921)

The shadow of a lung cancer diagnosis looms large, demanding swift and effective healthcare access. For residents of Beaverdale, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15921), the ability to navigate the transportation landscape becomes a critical factor in their journey. This write-up explores the transportation options available, evaluating their impact on healthcare access and ultimately contributing to a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching vital medical services. This score will consider the nuances of drive times, public transit, and alternative transportation, painting a comprehensive picture for individuals facing this challenging diagnosis.

Beaverdale, nestled in Cambria County, presents unique transportation challenges. The area’s geography, characterized by rolling hills and rural landscapes, significantly impacts the availability and efficiency of transportation options. The primary focus will be on accessing key healthcare facilities, including hospitals, oncology centers, and specialized clinics within a reasonable radius of Beaverdale. This analysis aims to provide a practical guide for residents and those considering moving to Beaverdale, offering insights into the realities of healthcare access.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries to Care**

The most direct route to healthcare often involves personal vehicles. Driving times are heavily influenced by traffic patterns, road conditions, and the distance to medical facilities. The major thoroughfares serving Beaverdale include US Route 219, a crucial north-south artery, and State Route 56, which provides east-west connectivity. These highways are essential for accessing hospitals in Johnstown, the nearest city with comprehensive medical services.

The drive to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, a major regional hospital, typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic on Route 219. This drive, while manageable, can be stressful for patients undergoing treatment or experiencing symptoms. The Johnstown Medical Arts Building, housing numerous specialist practices, is similarly accessible via a similar timeframe.

Alternatively, driving to UPMC Altoona, a more distant but often preferred facility for specialized treatments, demands a longer commute. The journey, primarily on Route 22, can stretch to an hour or more, particularly during peak hours. This extended travel time significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score, adding to the burden on patients and their caregivers.

Smaller clinics and physician offices in the surrounding towns of Ebensburg and Portage are generally accessible within a 15-20 minute drive via local roads. However, these facilities may not offer the full range of services required for lung cancer treatment, necessitating travel to larger hospitals. Road conditions, especially during winter months, can further complicate travel, potentially delaying critical appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation in Beaverdale and the surrounding area is limited, posing a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Cambria County Transit Authority (CCTA) provides bus service, but its routes and schedules are often infrequent and may not directly serve all medical facilities.

The CCTA does offer routes connecting Beaverdale to Johnstown, but these routes may involve transfers and extended travel times. The buses may not run frequently enough to accommodate the needs of patients requiring frequent appointments or treatments. Accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations is also a concern. While CCTA buses are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including ramps and priority seating, the overall system may not be ideally suited for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

The lack of direct routes and the limited operating hours of the CCTA significantly impact the Lung Cancer Score. Reliance on public transit can add considerable stress and inconvenience to an already difficult situation.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Johnstown area, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability of these services in Beaverdale can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden for patients undergoing treatment.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation and may be equipped to accommodate patients with mobility limitations. However, the availability of medical transport services in the Beaverdale area may be limited, and the cost can be substantial, impacting the overall healthcare access.

The reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport services introduces further complexities. While they offer potential solutions, their availability, cost, and reliability contribute to the overall Lung Cancer Score.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Composite View**

The Lung Cancer Score for Beaverdale (ZIP Code 15921) reflects the combined impact of these transportation factors. The score considers drive times to major medical facilities, the limitations of public transit, and the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport.

Given the rural nature of the area and the limited public transit options, the Lung Cancer Score is likely to be moderate. While the drive to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is relatively manageable, the longer commutes to UPMC Altoona and the limitations of other transportation options increase the challenges faced by lung cancer patients.

For individuals considering moving to Beaverdale, a thorough understanding of these transportation realities is crucial. The need for a reliable personal vehicle is paramount, and the ability to navigate the local road network is essential. The limited public transit options necessitate careful planning and consideration of alternative transportation solutions.

The Lung Cancer Score serves as a valuable tool for residents and potential newcomers, highlighting the importance of transportation in accessing vital healthcare services. It underscores the need for proactive planning, the potential benefits of exploring alternative transportation options, and the importance of advocating for improved public transit services in the region. The journey through lung cancer treatment is arduous; easing the burden of transportation is a crucial step in supporting patients and their families.