15927, Colver, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 15927, Colver, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.79 percent of residents in 15927 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.82 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Conemaugh Miners Medical Center with a distance of 9.26 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Colver, PA (ZIP Code 15927)

This document assesses the accessibility of lung cancer healthcare within ZIP Code 15927 (Colver, Pennsylvania), providing a “Lung Cancer Score” based on transportation options. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options, crucial factors impacting timely diagnosis and treatment. Understanding these elements is vital for residents and those considering moving to Colver, ensuring informed healthcare decisions.

The score is not a definitive judgment of healthcare quality but a reflection of the ease with which residents can access necessary medical services. A higher score indicates greater accessibility, while a lower score suggests potential challenges in reaching specialists and treatment centers. This analysis prioritizes the practical realities of transportation, acknowledging that distance and travel time can significantly influence a patient's ability to receive timely and effective care.

**The Score:** We will establish a Lung Cancer Score out of 100, with 100 representing optimal access and 0 representing complete lack of access. The score will be derived from the following categories: Drive Time (40%), Public Transportation (30%), Ride-Sharing (15%), and Medical Transportation (15%).

**Drive Time: The Asphalt Arteries of Care (40% of Score)**

Colver, nestled in Cambria County, relies heavily on automobile transportation. The primary routes to healthcare facilities are determined by the road network. The most direct route to the region's primary healthcare hub, UPMC Altoona, involves traveling approximately 45 miles. This journey primarily utilizes Route 271 south, transitioning onto Route 22 east, then onto I-99 south. Under ideal conditions, this drive consumes around one hour and fifteen minutes.

Another critical destination is Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, approximately 20 miles away. This trip typically involves traveling along Route 271 south, then connecting to Route 219 south. The drive takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. These drive times form the foundation of our Drive Time score.

The Drive Time score will be calculated based on the average time to reach these two major healthcare facilities. Considering the potential for traffic, weather conditions, and individual driving abilities, the score will reflect the variability in travel times. This section will be assigned a score out of 40, with the score decreasing as drive times increase.

**Public Transportation: A Sparse Network (30% of Score)**

Public transportation options in Colver are limited. The Cambria County Transit Authority (CCTA) provides bus services, but routes and schedules are infrequent, especially for reaching specialized medical facilities. Route 21, which generally serves the Johnstown area, might offer limited service to areas near Colver, but schedules should be meticulously checked. The CCTA website provides detailed route maps and schedules.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of CCTA buses is a critical consideration. All CCTA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the limited frequency of service and potential for long wait times can still present challenges.

The Public Transportation score will consider the frequency of service, the proximity of bus stops to residential areas, and the ease of transferring to routes that serve major healthcare facilities. This section will be assigned a score out of 30, with a higher score reflecting greater frequency and accessibility.

**Ride-Sharing: A Mixed Bag of Convenience (15% of Score)**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Johnstown area, but their presence in Colver is less consistent. Availability depends on driver density and demand. Residents may experience longer wait times or higher fares, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather.

The reliability of ride-sharing services for medical appointments is a critical factor. While convenient, these services are not always dependable, and cancellations or delays can disrupt appointments. The Ride-Sharing score will be based on the estimated availability, cost, and reliability of these services in Colver. This section will be assigned a score out of 15.

**Medical Transportation: Specialized Assistance (15% of Score)**

Several medical transportation services cater to patients needing assistance getting to and from appointments. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Some prominent providers in the region include:

* **First Transit:** Offers non-emergency medical transportation.
* **CareRide:** Provides transportation services for medical appointments.
* **Medicaid Transportation:** For eligible individuals, Medicaid may cover transportation costs.

These services are essential for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation options. The Medical Transportation score will consider the availability, cost, and accessibility of these specialized services. This section will be assigned a score out of 15.

**Calculating the Lung Cancer Score**

The final Lung Cancer Score will be calculated by weighting the scores from each category:

* Drive Time: (Score out of 40)
* Public Transportation: (Score out of 30)
* Ride-Sharing: (Score out of 15)
* Medical Transportation: (Score out of 15)

The sum of these weighted scores will determine the overall Lung Cancer Score out of 100.

**Conclusion: Navigating Healthcare in Colver**

The Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 15927, Colver, PA, reflects a complex interplay of transportation factors. While the proximity to Johnstown offers some advantages, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options present challenges. Residents must consider the drive times, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the potential need for medical transportation when planning for healthcare needs.

Moving to Colver requires careful consideration of healthcare access. While the area offers a sense of community and natural beauty, the practicalities of transportation to specialized medical facilities, including those for lung cancer treatment, should be carefully evaluated. The Lung Cancer Score serves as a valuable tool for residents and prospective residents, providing a realistic assessment of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. This analysis underscores the importance of proactive planning and exploring all available resources to ensure timely and effective care.