15923, Bolivar, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15923, Bolivar, Pennsylvania is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

36.32 percent of residents in 15923 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Excela Health Latrobe Hospital with a distance of 12.74 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 15923

The air hangs heavy with the scent of pine and possibility in Bolivar, Pennsylvania, ZIP code 15923. Nestled in the heart of the Laurel Highlands, this community offers a tranquil escape, but for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the serene landscape presents a complex challenge: **healthcare access**. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape surrounding 15923, assessing the practicalities of reaching vital medical services, ultimately contributing to a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of navigating the system. This score will be a crucial factor for anyone **moving to Bolivar** or residing there, grappling with the realities of this devastating disease.

The primary hurdle for residents of 15923 is the relative remoteness of specialized medical facilities. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are located in Johnstown and Greensburg, requiring significant travel. For those diagnosed with lung cancer, the journey to treatment, often involving frequent appointments for chemotherapy, radiation, and follow-up care, becomes a significant burden, impacting both physical and emotional well-being. The **transportation** infrastructure, or lack thereof, directly impacts the **healthcare access** available.

The most common mode of transportation for residents is the personal vehicle. From Bolivar, the drive to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, a potential treatment site, involves a journey of approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The primary route is via **U.S. Route 219** north, a two-lane highway that can experience congestion during peak hours. Navigating this route requires careful attention, particularly during winter months when snow and ice can make travel hazardous.

Alternatively, the drive to Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, another potential treatment location, takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. This journey typically involves traveling on **U.S. Route 22** east, a major highway that can be heavily trafficked, especially during rush hour. This longer drive adds to the physical and emotional toll on patients, particularly those experiencing treatment-related side effects. The condition of these roads, the potential for delays, and the overall distance all contribute to the challenges faced by individuals seeking timely medical care.

Public transportation options are limited in 15923 and the surrounding areas. The Cambria County Transit Authority (CCTA) provides some bus service, but routes are infrequent and primarily serve Johnstown and its immediate surroundings. There are no direct bus routes connecting Bolivar to major medical facilities outside of Johnstown. The lack of robust public transit poses a significant challenge for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive due to their illness or other physical limitations. Furthermore, the CCTA buses may not always be equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant features, such as wheelchair lifts, further restricting access for some patients.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Johnstown and Greensburg areas, but their availability in Bolivar itself is less reliable. The cost of ride-sharing can be a significant financial burden for patients, especially considering the frequency of appointments. The unpredictable nature of ride availability can also lead to delays and missed appointments, which can have serious consequences for treatment outcomes. The reliance on ride-sharing, therefore, is not a consistently viable solution for **healthcare access** in this location.

Medical transportation services, such as non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers, offer a potential solution for patients needing assistance. These services typically provide transportation to and from medical appointments, often utilizing specialized vehicles equipped to accommodate individuals with mobility issues. However, the availability and cost of NEMT services can vary, and patients may need to navigate insurance coverage and pre-authorization requirements. The reliability of these services is also a factor, as delays or cancellations can disrupt treatment schedules.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 15923 will be determined by a composite of these factors. The score will consider drive times, the availability and reliability of public transit, the accessibility and affordability of ride-sharing services, and the availability and cost of medical transportation options. The score will also factor in the presence of ADA-compliant transportation options, which are critical for patients with mobility limitations. A higher score will indicate greater ease of access to healthcare, while a lower score will reflect significant challenges.

The impact of these transportation challenges extends beyond the practicalities of getting to appointments. The stress and anxiety associated with navigating a complex and often unreliable transportation system can exacerbate the emotional burden of a cancer diagnosis. Patients may experience increased fatigue, difficulty adhering to treatment schedules, and a diminished quality of life. The lack of convenient and affordable transportation can also lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment, potentially impacting survival rates.

For individuals **moving to Bolivar**, the "Lung Cancer Score" is a crucial consideration. Prospective residents with a history of lung cancer or a family history of the disease should carefully assess the transportation landscape and evaluate their ability to access timely and reliable medical care. The score serves as a vital tool for informed decision-making, allowing individuals to weigh the benefits of a tranquil lifestyle against the potential challenges of **healthcare access**.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 15923 is ultimately a reflection of the community's commitment to supporting its residents facing a serious illness. Improving **healthcare access** requires a multi-faceted approach, including advocating for expanded public transit options, supporting the availability of affordable ride-sharing services, and ensuring the availability of reliable medical transportation. This includes the potential for local initiatives, such as volunteer driver programs, to assist patients with transportation needs.

The journey through lung cancer is arduous enough without the added burden of transportation challenges. By understanding the transportation landscape and advocating for improvements, the community of Bolivar can work towards ensuring that all residents have access to the care they need, when they need it, regardless of their ability to drive or their financial circumstances. The goal is to foster a community where a diagnosis of lung cancer does not equate to a battle against the system, but rather a journey supported by accessible and reliable **transportation** and a commitment to **healthcare access** for all.