16240, Mayport, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16240, Mayport, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.63 percent of residents in 16240 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.95 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Clarion Psychiatric Center with a distance of 10.44 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Mayport (ZIP Code 16240)

The air in Mayport, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16240), carries the whispers of the Clarion River, the rustling of leaves in Cook Forest State Park, and, for some, the heavy weight of a lung cancer diagnosis. This write-up assesses healthcare access, specifically focusing on transportation options for residents facing this challenging illness. We’ll explore the pathways to care, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, all crucial factors in determining a “Lung Cancer Score” for this community. This score reflects the ease with which individuals can reach essential medical appointments, treatments, and support services.

Understanding the complexities of transportation is paramount when battling lung cancer. The physical and emotional toll of the disease can significantly impact a patient's ability to travel. Factors like fatigue, shortness of breath, and the side effects of treatment can make even short journeys arduous. Therefore, the availability and accessibility of reliable transportation become critical components of healthcare access, directly influencing the quality of life and treatment outcomes for individuals in Mayport.

Our analysis begins with the most common mode of transportation: the automobile. Mayport’s location in rural Clarion County presents both advantages and disadvantages. For those with personal vehicles, the primary route to healthcare facilities involves driving. The most direct route to Clarion Hospital, a key healthcare provider, utilizes **Pennsylvania Route 66** south. Depending on traffic, the drive typically takes around 20-30 minutes. This relatively short drive time contributes positively to the Lung Cancer Score. However, this assumes the patient can drive or has a caregiver available to provide transportation.

Further afield, the UPMC Northwest in Seneca, PA, offers a wider range of specialized cancer services. Reaching this facility requires traveling via **Pennsylvania Route 66** south, then connecting with **Interstate 80** west. The total drive time is approximately 45-60 minutes, a longer journey that could prove challenging for patients undergoing treatment. This longer commute necessitates careful planning and consideration of the patient's condition and the availability of support.

The presence of the Clarion Hospital and UPMC Northwest provides a reasonable baseline for healthcare access. However, the reliance on personal vehicles highlights a potential vulnerability for individuals without access to a car or a caregiver. The Lung Cancer Score must account for these limitations.

Public transportation options in Mayport are limited. The Clarion County Transportation Authority (CCTA) provides public transit services, but routes and schedules are not specifically tailored to medical appointments. While the CCTA offers demand-response services, requiring advance booking, these may be subject to availability and could involve longer travel times due to multiple pick-ups and drop-offs. The CCTA does provide ADA-accessible vehicles, which is a crucial factor for patients with mobility limitations. However, the infrequency of routes and the potential for extended travel times negatively impact the Lung Cancer Score.

The CCTA route numbers and schedules vary, so it’s essential to consult their website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information. The lack of dedicated medical transport routes and the reliance on demand-response services are significant challenges for patients needing frequent and timely access to care. This limitation necessitates a careful consideration of alternative transportation options.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Mayport area, but their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for individuals with limited financial resources. While ride-sharing offers a convenient option, its reliability and affordability are crucial factors that must be considered when calculating the Lung Cancer Score.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like MedStar and others provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. These services can be invaluable for patients who are unable to drive or require assistance during their journey. However, medical transport services can be expensive, and their availability may be limited, particularly for residents in rural areas. The cost and availability of these services are important considerations when assessing healthcare access.

The Lung Cancer Score must also consider the broader context of healthcare access in Mayport. The availability of oncologists, pulmonologists, and other specialists is critical. The proximity of these specialists to the patient significantly impacts the ease of access to care. Telehealth services can also play a vital role, providing access to consultations and follow-up appointments remotely, reducing the need for frequent travel. The integration of telehealth can improve the Lung Cancer Score by mitigating the challenges posed by transportation limitations.

Furthermore, the presence of support groups, cancer centers, and palliative care services in the area is crucial. These resources provide emotional support, practical assistance, and symptom management, improving the overall quality of life for patients. The accessibility of these resources can significantly improve the Lung Cancer Score.

When considering moving to Mayport, individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis or those at high risk should carefully evaluate the available transportation options and the proximity of healthcare facilities. The Lung Cancer Score should reflect the combined impact of drive times, public transit limitations, ride-sharing availability, medical transport options, and the presence of specialized medical services and support resources.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for Mayport, PA (ZIP Code 16240), is a mixed bag. While the proximity of Clarion Hospital offers a reasonable level of access, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, the potential inconsistency of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport services pose challenges. The availability of specialized medical services, support groups, and the potential for telehealth services can positively influence the score. Improving the Lung Cancer Score in Mayport requires a multi-faceted approach, including enhancing public transportation options, promoting ride-sharing initiatives, expanding medical transport services, and increasing the availability of telehealth and support resources. This will ensure that residents facing lung cancer have access to the timely and effective care they deserve.