16239, Marienville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16239, Marienville, Pennsylvania is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.52 percent of residents in 16239 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.53 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Kane with a distance of 20.34 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Access to Care in Marienville, PA (ZIP Code 16239)

The air hangs crisp and clean in Marienville, Pennsylvania, a haven nestled within the Allegheny National Forest. The allure of its natural beauty, the quiet pace of life, and the promise of outdoor recreation beckon those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle. However, for individuals considering a move to this serene locale, particularly those with or at risk of lung cancer, a crucial factor demands careful consideration: **healthcare access**. This analysis, the "Lung Cancer Score," delves into the intricacies of **transportation** options available to residents of ZIP Code 16239, evaluating the practical realities of reaching specialized lung cancer care.

The primary challenge in Marienville stems from its relative remoteness. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are located in larger towns, requiring significant travel time. This isolation underscores the importance of understanding the available **transportation** infrastructure. The efficacy of treatment and the patient's overall prognosis are often directly tied to the speed and ease with which they can access specialized medical attention.

Driving is, unsurprisingly, the dominant mode of **transportation** for residents of Marienville. The primary artery connecting the area to the outside world is **Pennsylvania Route 66**, a two-lane highway that winds its way through the forest. Traveling east on Route 66 will eventually lead to Clarion, approximately 30 miles away, where some basic medical facilities are available. However, for advanced lung cancer treatment, the journey continues.

To reach the more specialized facilities, patients must venture further. Driving south on Route 66, then connecting to **Interstate 80**, provides access to larger cities like DuBois (approximately 60 miles) and Clearfield (around 80 miles), both of which offer more comprehensive medical care. The drive to these locations, even on well-maintained highways, can easily exceed an hour, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The winding nature of Route 66, particularly during winter months, can significantly extend these travel times, posing a considerable challenge for patients undergoing treatment or experiencing acute symptoms.

Alternatively, traveling north on Route 66 and then connecting to **U.S. Route 6** offers another pathway to medical centers, though this route tends to be less direct and often involves navigating smaller, more rural roads. This option might be considered if a patient is seeking a particular specialist or facility located in a more northerly direction.

Public **transportation** options are severely limited in Marienville. The area lacks a robust public transit system, making reliance on personal vehicles almost absolute. This absence of public transit is a significant disadvantage for individuals who cannot drive, are unable to maintain a vehicle, or find driving difficult due to their medical condition. The absence of any readily available public **transportation** options is a major factor impacting the Lung Cancer Score.

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber or Lyft, is also extremely limited in this rural area. While these services may occasionally be accessible, their reliability and availability are not guaranteed, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is, therefore, not a practical solution for most residents.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to assist patients with medical appointments, offer a more viable, albeit potentially costly, option. Several companies specialize in providing non-emergency medical **transportation**, often including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services can be crucial for patients who require assistance with mobility or who are unable to drive themselves. Researching and securing a reliable medical **transportation** service is a crucial step for anyone considering a move to Marienville and dealing with lung cancer.

The closest major hospitals and cancer centers are situated outside of ZIP Code 16239, adding to the complexity of **healthcare access**. UPMC DuBois, a regional hospital, offers cancer care services, but for more advanced treatment or specialized procedures, patients may need to travel to larger medical centers in Pittsburgh or Erie, requiring significantly longer travel times. This necessitates careful planning and coordination of care, including arranging **transportation** for appointments, treatments, and follow-up visits.

For individuals considering **moving to Marienville**, the Lung Cancer Score emphasizes the need for proactive planning. Prospective residents should thoroughly investigate the availability of medical **transportation** services and establish relationships with healthcare providers in advance. Understanding the potential travel times to various medical facilities, and the associated costs, is essential.

The **healthcare access** landscape in Marienville presents both opportunities and challenges. The peace and tranquility of the community are undeniable, but the limitations in **transportation** options and the distance to specialized medical care necessitate a careful assessment. The Lung Cancer Score underscores the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of **healthcare access** before making a move, ensuring that individuals can receive the timely and appropriate care they need.

The lack of readily available public **transportation**, the limited ride-sharing options, and the dependence on personal vehicles create a significant burden on patients. This reality highlights the need for a strong support network, including family, friends, and community resources, to assist with **transportation** and other essential needs.

The Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 16239 is, therefore, significantly impacted by the **transportation** limitations. The distance to specialized care, coupled with the lack of readily available public transit, ride-sharing, and the potential for weather-related delays, presents a considerable challenge for individuals with lung cancer. While the beauty and serenity of Marienville are appealing, the practical realities of **healthcare access** must be carefully considered.

The availability of medical **transportation** services becomes a critical factor in determining the feasibility of **moving to Marienville** for individuals with lung cancer. Securing reliable **transportation** to and from medical appointments, treatments, and follow-up visits is paramount.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for Marienville, PA (ZIP Code 16239) reflects the challenges of **healthcare access** in a rural setting. The limited **transportation** options, the distance to specialized medical facilities, and the potential for weather-related disruptions necessitate careful planning and proactive measures to ensure timely and effective care. The decision to move to this beautiful community must be weighed against the practical realities of navigating the **transportation** landscape and securing access to the vital services needed to combat lung cancer.